Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders have trouble concentrating and can become anxious. They also are at a higher-risk of depression and certain health conditions like thyroid issues.

It’s normal to feel anxious at times like before the test or when you move into a new house. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at one point. It’s an expected reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a vehicle coming at you fast, your anxiety or fear response can help you stay safe. It activates the „fight-or-flight” response which means that your heart will beat faster, blood will pump into your muscles, you’ll breath more deeply, and your body will get nervous to prepare for a potential fight or a run. Some people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous when you are unable to perform your daily routine or if it is a hindrance in your relationships, work or education. People with this problem suffer from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can affect people of any age but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders . Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.

Short-term anxiety treatments are usually addressed with medications. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta) and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Discuss with your doctor about these medications before beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You might feel like you’re unable to speak to others, or that they are looking at you. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism. This means that they are only scared of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind and can cause stress or anxiety. Compulsions are behaviors such as washing, counting or examining that you are driven to do to lessen the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently have both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy many hours of their lives and affect their everyday activities, relationships and work.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all different ages. It can start in the early years of life, but symptoms tend to manifest when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unknown however, it is believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn’t normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. There’s also a significant genetic component; if you have a family member or more who suffer from OCD, there’s about 25% chance that you’ll experience it.

OCD patients are often left incapable of stopping their obsessions and compulsions. They don’t enjoy performing their compulsions and know they are wrong, but they believe they have to act in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to alleviate or escape the anxiety that their obsessive thoughts create.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to aid. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. ERP involves an therapist gradually exposing you to the objects and situations 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 your anxiety diminishes over time.

SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are useful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending death, and the feeling that one is having a heart attack. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations in which they think they could trigger an episode.

PD like other anxiety disorders, can cause extreme distress and affect negatively the daily routine. It affects both genders equally however it is more common for people who have had trauma or a stressful experience. It is also more likely to happen in people with an extended family history of anxiety or depression.

Around 1 of 4 people who require treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are highly effective treatments available. Barriers to care include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it’s essential to consult an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining if there is a physical cause, a certified mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren’t completely understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and tend to develop at a younger age people who have a family history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart issues. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can help you manage your symptoms and decrease stress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and persistent fear of being in the public eye or in the company of other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat and sweating, trembling nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder can cause other mental disorders, like addiction or depression.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and helps reduce anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they are in control of how they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of an expert in a secure setting.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren’t considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.

Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. It is believed that certain genes and environmental factors may contribute. Some studies have also shown that people suffering from this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.

It is important to seek out help for anxiety disorders as they can have serious effects on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or mental healthcare specialist can identify anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance and so it’s helpful to include a family member or friend during the appointment procedure or to meet with other people in the same group.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase the risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. Contact panic anxiety disorder in the event that you or someone you know is considering suicide.