Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are extreme or persistent and disrupt your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, consult your physician to rule out any physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist can diagnose the type anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job obligations, health or financial. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD sufferers experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and can be difficult to manage. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and in those who are born female.
GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with the activities of work and social life. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed However, treatment can aid in managing both disorders.
While the root of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays in.
While there is no cure for GAD however, it can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes various treatments that teach you to identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and decrease your fear by confronting them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, as well as some medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to get help if you notice worrying and other symptoms of the disorder. It is easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. People who have this disorder may also feel chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences like childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree relative who has the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can lead to problems in social situations at work, at home or in school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They might also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties in concentration.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have numerous worries regarding routine tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They may also feel tired or irritable, have trouble concentrating and often worry about their safety or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your anxiety and reduce the amount of panic attacks you experience. There are several types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It usually starts in childhood, but can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It may manifest as anxiety in particular social situations like speaking in class or going out on dates. Or it may be more widespread, and include the need to avoid situations that could lead to being considered a failure.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding the stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long term. They may also develop "safety behavior" to try to reduce their anxiety, like drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoiding eye contact.
Certain people with SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. 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 is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. The disorder can be life-threatening if left untreated and can cause mental health issues like addiction and depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.
Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders, to ensure you be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals, or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the threat posed by the object or situation but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in everyday life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about a single stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could range from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more common among women than men and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood. Certain phobias aren't irrational fears, but the fear is real.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, but if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous editions of the DSM, adult patients were required to recognize their fears that were irrational in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.
Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. panic anxiety disorder on altering the way people respond to their fears and teaches them better ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and constant exposure to the feared subject or event. A patient may start with thinking about the object or event and then move to looking at images of the subject, taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. While this type of therapy is not able to cure a phobia but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective by people who suffer from specific phobias.