Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are irritable. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and certain health conditions like thyroid problems.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times for instance, prior to taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant it is possible to require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.
Generalized
anxiety disorders psychology definition Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at one moment in time. It's an expected response to stress, either physical or psychological.
best med for generalized anxiety disorder example, when you notice a car speeding towards you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster, blood flows to your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes nervous in the event you have to flee from danger or defend yourself against threats. However certain people are plagued by anxiety that is impossible to control. This kind of worry can be detrimental when it prevents you from doing your usual routine and hinders relationships such as work or school. People who suffer from this condition have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD affects people of all ages, however it usually begins in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in
anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medications. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.
Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear, is a source of extreme anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You may feel that you're not able to speak in front of people around you, or that they are looking at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder experience selective mutism. This means that they are terrified of certain situations, like eating or speaking in the presence of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors, such as washing, counting or even checking that you are driven to do to lessen the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. People with OCD often suffer from both obsessions and compulsions that can consume many hours of their lives and disrupt the daily routine such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood however, symptoms are more likely to develop during puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear however some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to develop it.
OCD patients often feel in a position of powerlessness to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They know they're not right and don't appreciate their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to avoid bad things happening or to escape the anxiety that obsessive thought causes.
There are many treatments that can help. The majority of people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty and helps you resist acting in your compulsive behaviors (for instance, washing your hands), so that anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from OCD. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart and trembling, sweating, nausea and chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling of imminent doom, and the belief that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur following frightening experiences, or they may be sudden and unexpected. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety over the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they think they could trigger an episode.
PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and can have a negative impact on daily life. Both genders are affected, however the condition is more common among people who have experienced a traumatic event. People who have a family history of depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.
Although highly effective treatment exists but only one out of 4 people who need treatment receive it. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all barriers to treatment.
The
symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble the symptoms of other illnesses, including hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to see a physician in order to get a diagnosis and evaluation. After ruling out a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.
While the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely recognized, it is well-known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and are more likely to appear earlier for those with an anxiety history. Moreover, there are many risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, including benzodiazepines, like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatment can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public or around other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and substance abuse.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient alternative ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat and that they have control over how they react and act. Another method that works is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the patient to the situations that trigger their anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment.
Social anxiety disorder may be treated using medications but they aren't considered as a cure. They include antianxiety medication such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.
Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatments. It isn't easy to ask for assistance, so it could be helpful to involve a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or to attend with the support group or a peer.
Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They may increase the risk of depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you love is considering suicide.
