Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are extreme or ongoing and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.

First, consult your physician to rule out any physical ailments that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious every from time to time and there are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job obligations, health or money. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. People with GAD have fears that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.

GAD can cause physical issues such as headaches or stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two disorders.

While the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a part.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes different treatments that teach you to identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines along with medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to identify however, it is important to seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. Early treatment is more effective since it lets you control the physical and mental symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

This type of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms could be a sign of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression or other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood are typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety issues have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can result in difficulties in social situations, at work or school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties in concentrating.

A person with generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a wide range of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to be restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorders phobia disorders cause such extreme fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with daily life routines. It typically begins in childhood, but can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in certain social situations such as speaking in class or going out for a date. It could also be more widespread and include the need to avoid situations that could lead to being judged.

The person with SAD might realize that their fear is irrational but still feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding the stressful situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to reduce their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some sufferers who suffer from SAD benefit from medications. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The disorder can be life-threatening if not treated and may cause mental health issues like addiction and depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable however, only 1 out of four people who require care receive it. Treatment is impeded due to the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your doctor is aware of the different types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you suffer from anxiety disorders or utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific phobias

A person who suffers from a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears are usually in contrast to the risk that the object or circumstance creates, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt everyday functioning. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation could range from heights, dogs, flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common among women than men and it tends to start in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't unreasonable fears, but the fear is real.

Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. They rule out other conditions that may be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing a fear. In the past dsm anxiety Disorders editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says it is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and systematic exposure to the feared subject or event. The patient may begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then go on to seeing pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can reduce the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options to treat specific fears. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.