Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but if the feelings are intense or ongoing and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical ailments out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious now and then and there are good reasons to be concerned about things like job responsibilities, health or money. If the worry is continuous and engulfs your life, it could be a more severe anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience fears that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it typically begins in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed female at birth as in men.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also hinder work and social activities, causing people to isolate themselves from families or friends and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People with severe social anxiety disorder and chronic GAD are more likely to experience depression however treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the exact cause is unknown, it appears that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact the body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays an important role.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. The use of medicines can ease some physical symptoms, like heart palpitations and dizziness. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and some common medications for anxiety disorders that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to recognize, but you should seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is much easier to treat if you seek assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also feel chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart is beating or fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They are concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are symptoms of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at a higher risk of depression and anxiety disorder or other health problems, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics like childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorder. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative who has the condition.

depressive anxiety disorder disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even though they know that their fears aren't rational. This can cause problems in social situations, at work or school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.

A person with generalized anxious disorder may worry about a myriad of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family problems. They're also likely to feel exhausted or restless 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. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that causes your symptoms, and recommend the best cure for anxiety disorder treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with daily life routines. It usually starts in the early years of childhood, but it can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It usually manifests as anxiety disorders ocd (source website) about specific social situations, such as having a conversation in class or going out on dates, or it could be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could result in being considered unpopular by other people.

The person with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded but still feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people suffering from SAD can benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's essential to seek treatment. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Treatment is hindered by the 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 receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Request your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional when you're unsure if you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool.

Specific Phobias

A person with specific phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or even other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the danger that the object or situation poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt everyday functioning. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from dogs to heights, flying to injections and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide, more often in men than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are not rational but this doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, adults needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that this is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. The patient may begin by imagining the object, or situation. They can then proceed to look at pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, playing with toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it can reduce its intensity.

Other options for treating certain fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy and other drugs. People with specific phobias who take these treatments often have better results.