It may be shocking to learn that 21% of American adults suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder (National Institute of Mental Health Statistics). Do you know the differences between the two main types of anxiety disorder? The two main types of anxiety are Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Although many may think that PTSD and GAD are the same thing, you may be surprised that they differ greatly in cause and symptoms, and their only similarity is treatment. According to the PTSD fact sheet, “PTSD was once considered a psychological condition of combat veterans who were left “shocked” and unable to cope with their battlefield experiences” (Sheet information page 1). Over the years, with more research and discoveries, PTSD has now become a much more common diagnosis for many anxiety sufferers. According to the National Center for PTSD.” anyone who has experienced a life-threatening situation can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. These events may include: combat or military exposure, child sexual or physical abuse, terrorist attacks, sexual or physical assault, serious incidents such as car accidents or natural disasters. (National Center for PTSD) Every individual is different and not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Some of the factors determining whether an individual will develop PTSD vary based on the intensity of the trauma, the loss of someone they were close to, the strength of the individual's reaction, and the support received after the event. (National Center for PTSD) Unlike PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is not necessarily associated with a particular event and therefore can seem to come out of nowhere. Agreements...... middle of document ......cess rate.Works Cited Greist John H MD, Jefferson James W. MD. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” Merck Professional Manual. August 2007. Haby Michelle, Donnelly Maria, Corry Justine, Vos Theo "Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder: a meta-regression of factors that may predict outcome." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2006. Print. Pages 9-19. National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. “What is PTSD?” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs." Network. 01 January 2007. Web. 26 June 2011. National Institute of Mental Health Statistics. Network. 26 June 2011. Fact sheet on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “National Institutes of Health”. October 2010. Web. June 26, 2011. Van der kolk Bessel MD, van der Hart Onno Ph.D, Burbridge, Jennifer MA “Approaches to the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.” Press. 1995.