Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD involves persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations that is difficult to control. It often affects both the mind and body, leading to noticeable physical reactions in addition to mental worry. People with GAD may experience muscle tension, headaches, stomach upset, rapid heartbeat, sweating, restlessness, and fatigue, alongside difficulties with concentration, irritability, and sleep disturbances. These physiological symptoms are part of the body’s heightened stress response, which can feel as real and overwhelming as the anxious thoughts themselves. Evidence-based treatments include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, relaxation training, and, in some cases, medication. In the brain, GAD is associated with increased activity in threat-detection systems and reduced regulation from the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to ongoing worry and heightened physiological arousal.

Helpful Links:
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVIC) – https://www.arcvic.org.au
SANE Australia – https://www.sane.org

Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety involves intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations. It often leads to avoidance, physical symptoms like blushing or shaking, and overthinking social interactions. Treatments include CBT with social exposure, ACT, compassion-focused therapy, and sometimes medication. Social Anxiety is linked to heightened activity in the brain’s social-evaluation and threat networks.

Helpful Links:
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
SANE Australia – https://www.sane.org

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterised by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce distress. These cycles can become time-consuming and interfere with daily life. Evidence-based treatments include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), CBT, and medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). OCD is linked to overactivity in brain circuits that regulate habit loops and threat detection.

Helpful Links:
OCD Australia – https://www.ocdaustralia.org.au
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
SANE Australia – https://www.sane.org

Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or shaking. Panic Disorder develops when a person fears future attacks and begins avoiding situations associated with them. Treatments include CBT for panic, interoceptive exposure, grounding strategies, and medication when appropriate. These symptoms occur when the body’s fight-or-flight system becomes overly sensitive and triggers “false alarms.”

Helpful Links:
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVIC) – https://www.arcvic.org.au
Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, executive functioning, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It presents differently in different people, and is typically categorised into three main subtypes:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type: Individuals may struggle with sustaining attention, following through on tasks, organising activities, and remembering details. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are less pronounced.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Individuals may show fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty waiting their turn, impulsive decision-making, or talking excessively, with less noticeable inattention.
• Combined Type: Individuals exhibit both significant inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

ADHD is associated with differences in dopamine pathways and activity in brain regions responsible for attention, self-regulation, and reward processing. Adults and children with ADHD often benefit from tailored interventions such as  Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD, executive functioning skills training, behavioural strategies, and, when appropriate, medication.

Neuroaffirming based therapy is increasingly recommended by clinicians and researchers, focuses on recognising ADHD as a difference in neurodevelopment rather than a deficit or disorder. This approach encourages adapting environments, routines, and expectations to support strengths and manage challenges, fostering self-acceptance and reducing stigma.

Helpful Links:
ADD.org – https://add.org
ADHD Australia – https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au
CHADD – https://chadd.org

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behaviour, while often including unique strengths, interests, and ways of thinking. Individuals on the spectrum may prefer routines, experience sensory sensitivities, communicate differently, or feel overwhelmed in unpredictable environments. Interventions may include neuroaffirming based therapy, CBT adapted for ASD, sensory regulation strategies, social‑communication support, executive functioning assistance, and help managing stress or burnout

A neuroaffirming based therapy, now widely recommended, recognises autism as a difference rather than a deficit. This approach focuses on understanding and accommodating each person’s sensory, communication, and learning needs, while supporting strengths and promoting self-acceptance. 

ASD involves differences in neural connectivity and brain processing that affect how sensory, social, and cognitive information is interpreted. Early recognition, supportive environments, and respectful understanding of individual differences can improve wellbeing and daily functioning.

Helpful Links:
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) – https://www.autismspectrum.org.au
Amaze – https://www.amaze.org.au
Reframing Autism – https://reframingautism.org

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and involves distressing memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and sleep difficulties. Evidence-based treatments include  Cognitive Processing Therapy, trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, somatic therapies, and stabilisation or grounding strategies, with medication as needed. PTSD is linked to changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and stress-response systems, keeping the body in a heightened state of alert.

Helpful Links:
Phoenix Australia – https://www.phoenixaustralia.org
Open Arms (Veterans) – https://www.openarms.gov.au
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Disorder occurs when a person experiences significant emotional or behavioural difficulties following a major life change or stressor. Symptoms may include low mood, worry, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty functioning in daily life. Treatments include CBT, problem-solving therapy, and stress-management strategies. The condition reflects the stress system being temporarily overwhelmed by life events.

Helpful Links:
Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
SANE Australia – https://www.sane.org