Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when these feelings are severe or persistent and disrupt everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, consult your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone feels anxious now and then and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job obligations, health or money. However, if the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder known as
generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by fear and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in males.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However treatment can help manage the two conditions.
While the root of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role as well.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes several treatments that help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be alleviated by medication. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medicines to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify and is therefore important to seek out assistance if you begin to notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by frequent episodes of extreme terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also suffer from chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling that their heart is beating or it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They are concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are symptoms of a heart attack. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as trauma or abuse in childhood are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety disorders have a first degree relative with the disorder.
People with anxiety disorders may be worried constantly, even when they know that their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a wide range of daily tasks such as work responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about their safety or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments
Meds for generalized anxiety disorder anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health methods. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that causes your symptoms, and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce
anxiety disorders book attacks.
different types of anxiety disorders types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out in groups or individually.
Social anxiety disorder
Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear,
anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as talking in class or going on dates, or it could be more generalized and include avoidance of any situation that could cause being judged by other people.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety. The condition can be fatal if not treated and may result in other mental health issues, such as depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.
One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It
is generalized anxiety disorder a disability essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorders to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Request your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you suffer from anxiety disorders or use an online screening tool.
Specific Phobias
A person who has a specific phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or even other people. These fears may be insignificant to the danger posed by the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence, more often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms.
Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However when the fear persists into adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily function. They are able to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing the fear. In previous DSM editions, adult patients had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says it is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. The treatment is based on exposure, which 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 situation before moving on to looking at photos of the subject. They may then take an action towards it (such as walking by an elevator), holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then riding in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it may decrease the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific fears. These treatments are frequently proven to be effective by people with specific phobias.
