Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medications are effective treatments.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical ailments out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder (resources) you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious every from time to time and there are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job obligations, health or financial. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence but it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned to females at birth as men.

GAD can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect the activities of work and social life. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at a greater chance of developing depression. However treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays a part.

Although there is no cure for anxiety disorder for GAD it can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various treatments that help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by engaging them. Medications can help relieve some of the physical symptoms, such as dizziness and heart palpitations. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize, but it is important to get assistance if you begin to notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat if you seek assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They often worry that their symptoms could be a sign of an attack on their heart. People who have panic disorder what are the 6 types of anxiety disorders at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and may be at a higher risk of depression and other health issues, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they may be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or school. People with anxiety disorders may are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a variety of everyday tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have trouble concentration. They may also worry about their safety or the safety of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and lessen panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out in groups or individually.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with everyday life activities. It typically begins in the early years of childhood, but it can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest as anxiety in specific social situations such as speaking in class or going out for dates. Or it may be more widespread and involve the need to avoid situations that could result in being judged.

The person with SAD might realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, stay silent, or avoid eye contact.

Some people with SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychological treatment. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of 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 have social anxiety disorder. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and cause other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.

Only 1 in 4 sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to make sure that your doctor is aware of the different types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure if you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who suffers from a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. The fear may be out of proportion to the threat of the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything, from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide, more often in men than women, and tends to start in adolescence or childhood. Certain phobias aren't just unreasonable fears, but the fear is real.

Children with specific phobias usually get over them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before determining a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer required cbt for anxiety disorders adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and consistent exposure to the feared object or situation. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event before moving on to looking at photos of the subject. They may then take an action towards it (such as walking through an elevator) or holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally being in a noisy elevator. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it may reduce its intensity.

Other treatment options for specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. These treatments are frequently reported to be effective by those with phobias specific to them.