Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be identified when fear or anxiety are constant, chronic and affecting daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments.
First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everybody feels anxious at times, and there are many good reasons to worry about things like job obligations, money, or health. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it could be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by feelings of dread and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to expect the worst and assume that minor problems will develop into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence but it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher risk of depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders.
While the root of anxiety disorders is not known, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role in the cause.
While there is no cure for GAD however, it can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes several treatments that help you identify and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you manage your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify and is therefore important to seek help if you notice worrying and other symptoms of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, because it helps you control the physical and mental symptoms before they begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. The sufferers may also experience chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart is pounding or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They often worry that their symptoms are signs of heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be at increased risk of depression or other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders have a first degree family member who suffers from the disorder.
People with anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. People with anxiety disorders may also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating.
A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They might also feel anxious and fatigued, or have difficulty concentration. They might also be concerned about their own security or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It usually starts in childhood, but may be present in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out for dates. Or it may be more widespread and include avoidance of all situations that could result in being assessed.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational but still feel powerless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long term. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, a few patients who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, can help to regulate the levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The condition can be fatal if left untreated and can cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 and talk with a trained crisis counselor.
One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorders, to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or other people. These fears may be unrelated to the risk posed by the object or circumstance, but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders , specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may be anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common for women than men, and it tends to start in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are not rational however this doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children who have specific fears typically overcome them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous editions of the DSM adults were required to acknowledge their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their response to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at images of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes, and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. Although this type of therapy does not cure a phobia however it can greatly decrease the severity of the symptoms.
Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options to treat specific fears. These treatments are generally proven to be effective by people with phobias specific to them.