Types of Anxiety Disorders

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

First, visit your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many good reasons to be worried about things like work responsibility, money, or health. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized Anxiety Disorder medication anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to expect the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those assigned to be female at birth, as it is in males.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work-related activities, causing people to isolate themselves from families or friends and cause a loss of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can help treat both disorders.

While the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact your body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play in.

Although there isn't a cure for GAD it is manageable with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, includes a variety of treatments that teach you to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will assist you in overcoming your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and reduce your fears by engaging them. Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, like dizziness and heart palpitations. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to diagnose, but you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is much easier to treat when you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that are intense within minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They often worry that their symptoms are signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. A large number of people with different anxiety disorders issues have a first degree relative who has the disorder.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know that their fears are irrational. This can cause difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability and difficulty concentration.

A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a wide range of everyday tasks such as work responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen anxiety disorders ocd attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorders definition disorder is a severe disorder that can affect everyday life. It causes extreme anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, but it typically starts in the early years of childhood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out for dates. Or it may be more widespread, and include the need to avoid situations that could lead to being judged.

The person with SAD may recognize that their anxiety is unfounded but feel helpless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this makes them even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients suffering from SAD benefit from medications. 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 is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings, call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are ignorance that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorder quitting smoking disorders, so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor should refer you to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person with specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the danger that the object or event presents, but they may cause anxiety and disrupt everyday functioning. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may range from heights, dogs, flying to injections to crowds. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded, but this knowledge doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. They exclude other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder dsm 5 anxiety disorder before diagnosing the phobia. In previous editions of the DSM adults were required to acknowledge their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer needed for 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 strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or circumstance, then move on to looking at photos of the subject, taking a step toward it (such as walking through an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally being in a noisy elevator. This kind of therapy might not cure a fear, but it may decrease the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific phobias. These therapies are often proven to be effective by people with phobias specific to them.