Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are extreme or ongoing and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone is anxious every at times and there are legitimate reasons to worry about issues like work responsibilities, health or money. If the anxiety becomes constant and takes over your life, it could be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with GAD have fears that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to control. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however, it can also occur at any time. It is twice as common among women and the newly born female.
GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can also hinder social and work activities, cause people to isolate themselves from families or friends, and contribute to an eroding of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a higher chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions.
While the exact cause of anxiety isn't known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.
Although there isn't a cure for GAD, the condition can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you manage your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to recognize however it is crucial to seek help if you notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to control the anxiety and physical symptoms before they become a major part of your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They often worry that their symptoms may be signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be related to faulty brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the disorder.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also suffer from muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may worry about a myriad of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They may also feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can assist you to determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Although many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with normal life activities. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in childhood. It is usually manifested as a fear of certain social situations, like having a conversation in class or going on dates, or it could be more generalized, and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by other people.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long run. They may also develop "safety behaviours" to try to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within 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 when they suffer from social anxiety. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else you know has suicidal feelings contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but only about 1 out of four people who require care receive it. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of 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 get the right 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 who has a specific phobia has a persistent and a heightened fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the risk that the object or situation presents, but they may cause anxiety and disrupt everyday functioning. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and the crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more common in women than men, and tends to begin in adolescence or childhood. panic anxiety disorder who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are not rational however this doesn't diminish the intensity of their symptoms.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually outgrow them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. They are able to rule out other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing a fear. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way people respond to their fears and helps them develop healthier coping strategies. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or situation and then move to looking at images of the subject, taking steps towards it (such as walking through an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then being in a noisy elevator. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it can reduce its intensity.
Other options for treating specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias who take these treatments often report improved outcomes.