Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical issues out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious every from time to time There are good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibilities, health or money. However, if the worries become constant and overtake your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD sufferers experience fears that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often difficult to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can also hinder social and work-related activities, causing people to avoid friends or family and cause an eroding of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays a part.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can assist you in overcoming your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be relieved by medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize, but it is important to seek out assistance if you begin to notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. People who have this disorder may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart beats or is fluttering („heart palpitations”). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests they may be due to brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety disorders have a first degree relative with the disorder.

People with anxiety disorders can feel worried all the time even when they realize that their fears are unfounded. This can result in difficulties in social situations, work or at school. In addition, many sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability and difficulties in getting their attention.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience many worries about routine tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They may also feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves or others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and lessen anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it typically begins in childhood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in particular social situations, such as speaking in class or going out for a date. Or it may be more widespread and involve avoiding all situations that could lead to being judged.

When someone with SAD recognizes that their fear is unfounded, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop „safety behavior” to try to lessen their anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, being quiet and not making eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people with SAD can benefit from medication. 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).

If disorders anxiety or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it’s important to seek treatment. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could result in other mental health issues like depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.

One in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you’re unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or use an online screening tool.

Specific fears

A person who is afflicted with a particular phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals or other people. These fears may be unrelated to the risk posed by the object or situation, but they can cause severe distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about a single stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world most often in men than women, and tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded but this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually outgrow them, but if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and how they affect the way they function in their daily lives. They are able to rule out other conditions that may be similar like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing a fear. In past DSM editions, adult patients needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says it is no longer necessary for adults.

disorders anxiety for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event before moving on to looking at photos of the subject, taking a step toward it (such as walking through an elevator) or holding a toy snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can decrease the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options to treat certain phobias. These treatments are generally proven to be effective for people with phobias specific to them.