Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when these feelings are extreme or continue to reoccur and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder behaviors disorder. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective treatments.

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical conditions out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everybody feels anxious at times, and there are many valid reasons to be worried about things like work responsibilities or money, or health. But when the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by fear and anxiety that can impact a person’s entire life. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder social and work activities. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed However, treatment can help manage both disorders.

The root of anxiety disorders is unclear, they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect how to reduce anxiety disorder your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises several therapies that help you recognize and change unhealthy 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 anxiety by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medications that 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 and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective since it lets you manage your anxiety and physical symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they are experiencing are symptoms of a heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression and other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The cause of anxiety disorders facts disorders isn’t known however, experts believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics like childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the disorder.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be anxious all the time even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or at school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about routine tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They may also be irritable, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentrating. They might also worry about their safety or the safety of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen anxiety attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be done in groups or individually.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with daily life routines. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it typically starts in childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out for date. It can also be more widespread and involve the need to avoid situations that could result in being judged.

When someone with SAD recognizes that their fear is unfounded, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop “safety behavior” to help reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some people who suffer from SAD benefit from medications. These antidepressants can help regulate some neurotransmitters within 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 if they have social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, call 911, 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 ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. If you’re unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or make use of an online tool to screen.

Specific phobias

A person who is afflicted with a particular phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or even other people. These fears are usually out of proportion with the risk that the object or event poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt daily functioning. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything, from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and areas that are crowded. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and tends to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are irrational, but this knowledge does not lessen the severity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually get over them, however if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of 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 required best drug for anxiety disorder 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 teaches them healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared subject or event. The patient might begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, before riding a crowded lift. Although this kind of therapy does not solve phobias however it can greatly reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options best med for social anxiety disorder treating specific phobias. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often experience better outcomes.