Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are extreme or persistent and disrupt everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, see your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many valid reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, money, or health. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it could be a more serious anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by fear and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any point. It is twice as common among women and the newly born female.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work activities, causing people to isolate themselves from friends or family and cause a loss of self-esteem. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders.
While the exact cause of anxiety disorder s is not known but they appear to be related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters inside the brain plays an important role.
Although there isn't a cure for GAD, the condition can be managed through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but you should seek treatment when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is characterized by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart is pounding or it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They may be concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are symptoms of a heart attack. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known however, researchers believe they are caused by a combination of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.
People suffering from anxiety disorders can be anxious constantly, even when they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to problems in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also suffer from tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties in getting their attention.
A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a myriad of daily tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about their safety or that of others.
There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It usually begins in the early years of childhood, but it can also appear in early adulthood. 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 avoidance of any situation that could cause being considered unpopular by others.
While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is irrational, they still feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behaviors" to help reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and not making eye contact.
Certain people with SAD may benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, can help balance the levels of certain 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 when they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The condition can be debilitating if left untreated and can cause mental health issues like depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 to talk with a trained crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable but only one out of four people who require care receive it. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your doctor is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen.
Specific fears
A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear for one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears are usually not proportional to the risk that the object or situation creates, but they can cause distress and hinder the daily activities of. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may include anything from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or crowds. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't irrational fears but the fear remains real.
Children with specific phobias usually get over them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age were required to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on educating people about healthier ways of coping and changing their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation that is feared. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or circumstance before moving on to looking at pictures of the subject, taking a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and then riding in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not cure a fear, but it may reduce the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options for treating specific phobias. These treatments are frequently reported to be effective by those with specific phobias.