There are several sub-types of both anxiety and depression. Learning about your specific sub-type will arm you with the knowledge you need to begin navigating your path to wellness with your doctor or psychiatrist. You can read about these sub-types of anxiety and depression below.

Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder – Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes fear, a constant feeling of being overwhelmed, and excessive worry about everyday things. This persistent feeling of anxiety or dread interferes with how you live your life. People with GAD have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness and often know that they worry much more than they should.⁶ Symptoms of GAD may fluctuate over time and are often worse during times of stress. GAD often occurs alongside other mental health problems, which can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.⁴

Panic disorder – Panic disorder means experiencing recurrent panic attacks, with 1 or more attack(s) followed by at least 1 month of fear of another panic attack or significant maladaptive (poorly adjusted) behavior related to the attacks.⁷ A panic attack is an abrupt period of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and fear of losing control or dying.⁷ Panic disorder may result in changes in personality traits; often, you feel more passive, dependent, or withdrawn.⁷

Specific phobias – A phobia is when you have an intense, overwhelming fear of a specific situation or object. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, and there’s a single diagnosis for almost all of them: specific phobia. If specific phobias are suspected, specific questions need to be asked about irrational and out-of-proportion fear of specific situations (e.g., animals, insects, blood, needles, flying, heights).^6,7

Social anxiety disorder – Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder means you have an intense fear of being judged or watched by people in social situations. This fear is intense and persistent, and it often affects how you function at work or in school. Social or performance situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety.^6,7

Separation anxiety disorder – Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development for infants and toddlers. Young children often experience a period of separation anxiety, but most children outgrow separation anxiety by the age of 3. Less often, separation anxiety disorder can also occur in teenagers and adults, causing significant problems leaving home or going to work. It can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).^6,7

DEPRESSION

Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder – Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are two forms of depression. Some symptoms may overlap, and doctors may use similar approaches for the diagnosis, but the causes of PDD and MDD can differ.⁸

Postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder – Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after having a baby. People with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, anxiety, and guilt. They may have trouble caring for their baby. Postpartum depression doesn’t just affect the birthing person. It can affect surrogates and adoptive parents, too. People experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes after having a baby. These changes can cause symptoms of postpartum depression.⁶ Found under the same umbrella, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It primarily affects women of childbearing age. It is a severe and chronic medical condition that requires attention and treatment.⁹ The exact cause of PMDD is not known, but it may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each menstrual cycle.⁹

Seasonal affective disorder – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to the change in seasons. It begins and ends at about the same time every year.^4(p) In most cases, symptoms begin in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. Treatment involves light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy, and medications.^4(p)

Atypical depression – Atypical depression, also called major depression with atypical features, is a type of depression in which you experience a temporary boost in mood in response to positive events. Other symptoms specific to atypical depression include increased appetite, hypersomnia, and rejection sensitivity.⁶ “Atypical” doesn’t mean that the condition is odd or unusual. It’s just different from “typical” depression.⁶