Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when these feelings are extreme or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious from time to time There are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities, health or money. However, if the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorders effects disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by dread and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor problems will develop into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually starts 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 symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with social and work-related 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.

While the specific cause of anxiety disorders is unclear, they appear to be related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain also plays a part.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various therapies that help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you manage your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be relieved by medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to identify and treat, but you should seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. People with this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be at a higher risk of depression or other health issues like asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most typical causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety problems have a first-degree family member who suffers from the disorder.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations at work, or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about routine tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments cbt for generalized anxiety disorder anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you cope with your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with daily life routines. It typically begins in the early years of childhood, but it can be present in the early years of adulthood. It is usually manifested as a fear of certain social situations, like talking in class or going on dates, or it may be more generalized, and include avoidance of any situation that could cause being considered unpopular by other people.

The person suffering from SAD may recognize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact.

Certain people suffering from SAD may benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, it's essential to seek treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening if left untreated and can cause other mental health problems like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.

Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from do anxiety disorders ever go away disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the different types anxiety disorders so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who suffers from a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears could be insignificant to the danger of the object or circumstance, but they cause marked anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia can be anything, from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and areas that are crowded. The condition is found worldwide and occurs more often for women than men, and it tends to start in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't unfounded fears but the fear remains real.

Children with phobias that are specific to them usually outgrow them. However when the fear persists in adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily high functioning anxiety disorder. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In the past DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at images of the subject, taking an action towards it (such as walking through an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then being in a noisy elevator. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it may reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating certain fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are generally reported to be effective for people with specific phobias.