Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, visit your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many good reasons to be worried about things like work obligations, money, or health. However, if the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder, known as generalized do anxiety disorders ever go away disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by fear and anxiety that can alter the whole life of a person. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor problems will turn into major problems. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as common in women and those born female.

GAD can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also interfere with work and social activities, cause people to withdraw from families or friends, and contribute to an eroding of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a higher risk of depression. However, treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear but they appear to be related to genes and changes in brain structure that alter how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may also play in.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you learn to control your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek out help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be at a higher risk of depression and other health issues like asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be due to brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like trauma or abuse in childhood are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety disorders have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition.

People suffering from anxiety disorders may be worried all the time even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They're also likely to be tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you discover how to deal with your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks you have. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a serious disorder that can affect everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, like talking in class or going on a date, or it could be more generalized and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by others.

The person with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact.

Some people with SAD might benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 and speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated however, only 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include 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 so that you can be treated and diagnosed appropriately. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who suffers from a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears may be insignificant to the threat posed by the object or situation, however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide most 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 however this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically get over them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. They are able to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing the fear. In past DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way people react to their fears and teaches them better ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and constant exposure to the object or situation. The patient may begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding an object, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, before riding a crowded lift. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it could reduce its intensity.

Psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options to treat certain phobias. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently report improved outcomes.