Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health issues like thyroid issues.

It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, such as before an exam or when moving into a new home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is an expected response to stress, whether physical or psychological. For example, when you observe a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood pumps to your muscles; you breathe more heavily and your body is tense in case you have to escape danger or defend yourself against threats. However certain people are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous when you are unable carry out your normal activities or if it causes disruption in your relationships, work, or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD affects people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and continues until adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. People with GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and best drugs for generalized anxiety disorder.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective kind of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.

The medications used to treat anxiety are generally employed as short-term treatments for anxiety. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, is a source of extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak in front of others or that they stare at you from afar. Some people suffering from this condition are so anxious that they avoid all social interactions. Others who suffer from this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they only seem to be afraid of specific situations, such as public speaking or eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your head and can cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions may be behaviors like washing or counting. They can also be actions that you are compelled to do to alleviate anxiety or distress brought on by an obsession. People with OCD frequently suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up the majority of their time and interfere with the daily routine like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect women, men, and children of any age. It can begin in the early years of life, but symptoms tend to manifest during puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which controls your moods. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD you're about 25% more likely to develop it.

OCD patients are often left incapable of stopping their obsessions and compulsions. They know that they're wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions but are compelled to take action to prevent bad things from happening or to avoid the anxiety that obsessive thought causes.

There are many treatment options that can aid. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. ERP involves the therapy therapist gradually exposing you the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also help you avoid the compulsive behavior (such as washing your hands) so that anxiety levels decrease with time.

Some people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to let go of your obsessional thoughts and removes the power they exert over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD), also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by repeated episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea as well as chest pains and breathing problems. These episodes may occur after terrifying experiences, or they may be spontaneous and unexpected. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they believe could trigger one.

PD like other anxiety disorders, can create significant distress and affect negatively the daily routine. Both genders are affected, but the disorder is more prevalent in those who have been through a traumatic event. It is also more likely to occur in those with a family history of anxiety or depression.

While there is a highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment receive it. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is essential to consult the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't fully understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed through families and tend to appear earlier in those with an history of anxiety disorders. There are a variety of risk factors that can cause anxiety disorder levels disorders, like smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, as well as beta-blockers that treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. You can control your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders. You can lessen the stress in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders pathophysiology disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public, or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They often develop a range of physical and emotional signs such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulties speaking. Their fear and avoidance of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders such as depression and addiction to substances.

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key treatment for this condition. This teaches alternative ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears aren't in proportion to the real threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause anxiety with the help of the therapist in a secure environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are usually utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to understand the causes and identify risk factors. It is believed that certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute. A few studies have also revealed that those with this disorder respond more than normal to certain hormones.

It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant impact on people's daily lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the disorder and suggest treatment. It can anxiety disorder cause nausea be difficult to seek help, so it may be beneficial to include your family member or friend in arranging an appointment or attending with a support group or peer.

Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life, and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you love is considering suicide.