Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety is constant, chronic and interfere with your daily routine. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical ailments out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious now and then There are good reasons to worry about issues like work responsibilities, health or money. But if your worries become constant and overtake your life, you may have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD sufferers experience anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to anticipate the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be affected by anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those assigned to be female at birth, as it is in men.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also hinder social and work activities, leading people to isolate themselves from family or friends, and contribute to the loss of self-esteem. People with severe, chronic GAD are at greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the root of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain plays a part.

Although there isn't a cure for GAD however, it is manageable with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, includes a variety of methods that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and some medicines that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to diagnose however, you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before anxiety and physical symptoms take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression and other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are common medications for anxiety disorders causes of anxiety disorder. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the condition.

People with anxiety disorders can be anxious constantly, even when they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty in social situations, work or at school. In addition, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may worry about a wide range of everyday activities, including job responsibilities and family issues. They might also feel anxious ocd and anxiety disorder fatigued, or have difficulty concentration. They may also worry about their safety or the safety of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help determine what causes anxiety disorders disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce best anxiety disorder treatment attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe disorder that can affect everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety over specific social situations, like speaking in class or going on dates, or it could be more generalized anxiety disorder therapies, and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being considered unpopular by other people.

The person with SAD may recognize that their anxiety is unfounded however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long run. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact.

Some people with SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychotherapy. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate 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 when they suffer from social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 to speak with an experienced crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated, but only about 1 in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to make sure that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. If you're not sure 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 phobias

A person who has a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or even other people. These fears are often out of proportion with the dangers that the object or event poses, but they can cause distress and interfere in daily functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from heights to dogs, flying to injections and crowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more prevalent for women than men, and tends to begin in the adolescent years or early childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are unfounded but this does anxiety disorder cause high blood pressure not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children with phobias that are specific to them usually overcome them. However when the fear persists into adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that this is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way that people react to their fears and helps them develop healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or circumstance before moving on to looking at photos of the subject, then taking a step toward it (such as walking through an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it could reduce its intensity.

Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often have better results.