Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments.

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

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious from time to time There are good reasons to worry about issues like work responsibilities, health or financial. But if your worries become constant and overtake your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by dread and anxiety that can affect the entire life of a person. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major problems. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however, it can also occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed to females at birth as males.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with social and work activities, cause people to withdraw from friends or family, and contribute to an eroding of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to experience depression however treatment can help treat both disorders.

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that alter how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.

While there is no cure for GAD, the condition can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is different therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can assist you in overcoming your distorted thinking patterns and lessen your anxiety by confronting them. The use of medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, including dizziness and heart palpitations. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to diagnose however, you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. Early treatment is more effective, as it allows you to reduce the physical and mental symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. People who have this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart is pounding or flaring („heart palpitations”). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and may be at increased risk of depression and other health issues like asthma or hyperthyroidism.

The reason behind anxiety disorders isn’t known however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, such as trauma or abuse in childhood are typical causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety disorder s have a first degree relative with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can cause difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentration.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have a variety of worries about daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They’re also likely to feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also 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 methods. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you cope with anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in early adulthood, but it typically starts in childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in particular social situations, such as speaking in class or going out for dates. It could also be more widespread, and include avoidance of all situations that could lead to being judged.

When someone with SAD realizes that their anxiety is unfounded, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this can make them even more anxious. They may also adopt „safety behavior” to lessen their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact.

Certain people with SAD might benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These medications, also known as antidepressants, aid in balancing 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. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.

Only 1 in 4 sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re not sure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person with specific phobia experiences persistent and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or other people. These fears are often not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they are triggered by only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything, from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and areas that are crowded. The condition is widespread and is more common in women than men, and it tends to start in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren’t unfounded fears but the fear is real.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically get over them, however if a fear persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says 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 primarily focused on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event. The patient may begin by imagining the object or the situation. They may then go on to see images of it, stepping into an elevator, holding toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then experiencing a busy lift. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently experience better outcomes.