Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be identified when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing 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 now and then There are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job obligations, health or money. If the worry is constant and consumes your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and are often hard to control. They are prone to believe that everything is worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and typically begins in adolescence or childhood however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as common for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can hinder social and work activities. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.

Although the exact cause is not known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters inside the brain plays an important role.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses different therapies that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by challenging them. Medicines can ease some physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize however it is crucial to seek out help if you are experiencing anxiety or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms take over your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People who have this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart is pounding or it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be at a higher risk of depression or other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like traumatizing events in childhood are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can create problems in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentration.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about daily tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They might also feel anxious and tired, or have trouble concentrating. They may also worry about their own safety or that of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will help you identify the disorder that what causes anxiety disorders your symptoms, and suggest the best drug for social anxiety disorder treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with daily life routines. It usually begins in the early years of childhood, but it can also appear in early adulthood. It is usually manifested as anxiety about specific social situations, like having a conversation in class or going on a date, or it may be more generalized, and include avoidance of any situation that could result in being considered unpopular by other people.

The person with SAD may recognize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, stay silent, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients with SAD benefit from medication. These medications, known as antidepressants, aid in balancing the levels of 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 important to seek treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 to speak to an experienced crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool.

Specific Phobias

A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals, or other people. These fears are often in contrast to the risk that the object or circumstance poses, but they can cause distress and hinder daily functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more prevalent in women than men, and it tends to start in adolescence or childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are not rational but this doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually overcome them, however if a anxiety persists in adults it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders anxiety. In earlier editions of the DSM adults were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.

There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and systematic exposure to the object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or event and then move to looking at pictures of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes, and finally riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not solve phobias but it can dramatically decrease the severity of the symptoms.

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