Anxiety Disorders Vocabulary

noun an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something

• A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something.
• She has a phobia of spiders and screams whenever she sees one.
• I have a phobia of public speaking, it makes me really nervous.
• His phobia of commitment prevents him from getting into serious relationships.

verb Toss and turn are both verbs in this context. To toss means to throw something lightly or carelessly, and to turn means to move or rotate around an axis or center.

• The patient would often toss and turn throughout the night due to their discomfort.
• I couldn't sleep last night, I just kept tossing and turning in bed.
• I was so stressed about the exam that I tossed and turned all night.
• The decision weighed heavily on her mind, causing her to toss and turn in bed.

noun a fear of public speaking

• Many people struggle with glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, especially in professional settings.
• I have a bit of glossophobia, so I try to avoid giving speeches whenever I can.
• Public speaking gives me major glossophobia vibes, I just can't handle it.
• Her glossophobia felt like a heavy weight on her shoulders, holding her back from speaking up in important situations.