Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulty concentrating and can be irritable. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health issues like thyroid problems.
Occasional anxiety is normal such as before taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point and this is an expected response to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a car approaching you quickly your fear or anxiety response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart will beat faster blood flow will increase into your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily and your body will become tense to prepare for a potential fight or run. Certain people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to manage. This type of worry can be detrimental in the event that it hinders you from engaging in your normal routine and interferes with relationships at work, school or. People suffering from this disorder have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD affects people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and continues until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People with GAD typically have other mental disorders, including dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medications. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta) and escitalopram all can be effective antidepressants. Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak to people around you, or that they are looking at you from afar. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, in which people are afraid of certain situations, such as eating in public or speaking in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back to your mind and can cause stress or anxiety. Compulsions are behaviours like washing, counting or checking, that you feel driven to perform in order to lessen the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among people suffering from OCD. They can consume a lot of time and interfere with relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive compulsive disorder affects men, women, and children of any age. disorders anxiety can be diagnosed as early as the earliest years of life, however, symptoms are more likely to appear when you reach puberty or early adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown however some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be related to an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If you have one or more members of your family have OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they are wrong, but they believe they must do something in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessive thoughts create.
There are many treatments that can help. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for a majority of people. ERP involves a therapy therapist gradually exposing you the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time.
Some people with OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you learn to let go of your obsessional thoughts and removes the power they exert over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, nausea and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending death, and the feeling that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes may occur in response to trauma experiences or simply. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack.
PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and can affect negatively daily life. Men and women are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent in those who have experienced a traumatic event. It is also more likely to happen in those with a family history of depression or anxiety.
Only about 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the limited access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all barriers to care.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to those of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is crucial to visit an expert for an evaluation and a diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families, and tend to develop at a younger age in those with an ancestral history of them. Moreover, there are many factors that could trigger anxiety disorders like childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart problems. Becoming aware of the different types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a persistent and heightened anxiety about being in the public eye or with others. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and will be considered a negative judge. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations can create problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could cause other psychological disorders, such as depression or substance abuse.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It teaches the patient alternative ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears aren't proportional to the actual threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety medications including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
The research is ongoing to determine the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than others to certain hormones.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance and it can be helpful to include a family member or friend in the appointment making procedure or to meet with other people in the same group.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life and can increase the risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you know is considering suicide.