Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be identified when fear or anxiety are chronic, persistent, and affecting daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments.
First, consult your physician to rule out any physical conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everybody feels anxious from time to time, and there are many valid reasons to be worried about things like work responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with GAD have feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and can be difficult to manage. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those born female.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work activities, leading people to avoid friends or family and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.
While the root of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises several treatments that help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. The use of medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to recognize, but it is important to seek out help if you are experiencing anxiety and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, as it allows you to manage your anxiety and physical symptoms before they become a major part of your life.
Panic disorder
This type of anxiety disorder is marked by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression and other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known however, researchers believe they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests they may be related to faulty brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even though they know that their fears are irrational. This can cause difficulties in social situations, at work or in school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may worry about a wide range of daily tasks that include work-related responsibilities as well as family problems. They might also feel anxious, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentration. They might also be concerned about their own safety or that of others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed in groups or individually.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but can also appear in early adulthood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, like speaking in class or going on date, but it could be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could result in being judged by others.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational but still feel powerless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people with SAD benefit from medication. These medications, 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. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 and talk with an experienced crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it. Treatment is impeded due to a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person who has a specific phobia experiences persistent and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals or even other people. These fears could be out of proportion to the danger posed by the object or situation but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorder s due to the fact that they cause anxiety around a single stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could include anything from heights to dogs to flying to injections to crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more common for women than men, and tends to begin in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. They exclude other conditions that could be similar like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing the fear. In earlier editions of the DSM adults were required to recognize their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier ways of coping and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation and then move to looking at photos of the subject. They may then take an action towards it (such as walking past an elevator) or holding a toy snake, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy cannot solve phobias however it can greatly reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Other treatment options for specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.