Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are extreme or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.
First, visit your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are a variety of good reasons for worrying about things like work responsibilities, money, or health. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by feelings of dread and anxiety that can affect the whole life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.
GAD can cause physical problems, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work-related activities, leading people to withdraw from friends or family, and contribute to a loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However, treatment can help manage both disorders.
The root of anxiety disorders is not known, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role in the cause.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is different methods that help you identify and modify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that can assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and decrease your fear by challenging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD is difficult to diagnose however, you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. Early treatment is more effective, as it allows you to control the physical and mental symptoms before they take over your life.
Panic disorder
This type of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People who have this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart is pounding or it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). anxiety disorders types worry that their symptoms may be signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be at a higher risk of depression or other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations, at work or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by many worries about routine tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They may also feel restless and tired, or have trouble in concentrating. They might also worry about their security or that of others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with normal life activities. It can manifest in early adulthood, but it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in particular social situations such as speaking in class or going out for a date. Or it may be more widespread and include the need to avoid situations that could result in being judged.
The person with SAD may realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For instance drinking alcohol, stay silent, or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, some sufferers suffering from SAD benefit from medications. These medications, also known as antidepressants, can aid in balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment if they have social anxiety disorder. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to consult with a crisis counselor.
One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Barriers to getting treatment include ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various forms of anxiety disorders so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears may be unrelated to the threat posed by the object or circumstance, however they can cause significant anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and areas that are crowded. This condition is prevalent throughout the world most often in men than women, and tends to start in adolescence or childhood. Certain phobias aren't unfounded fears, but the fear is still very real.
Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, but if the fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on everyday functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, adults had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and systematic exposure to the feared subject or event. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or event, then move on to looking at images of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding a toy snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not cure a fear, but it can reduce the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating certain phobias. People suffering from specific phobias who test these therapies often report improved outcomes.