Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical conditions out that might be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious every now and then and there are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job responsibilities, health or money. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder can be cured disorder (GAD). People with GAD have feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and are often hard to control. They tend to expect the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as males.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with work and social activities, leading people to isolate themselves from family or friends and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a higher chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions.

Although the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is involved in the cause.

Although there isn't a cure for GAD, the condition can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes a variety of therapies that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by confronting them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to identify and treat, but you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is simpler to treat it by seeking assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they're experiencing are signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders, and may be more susceptible to depression and other health issues like hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative who has the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be anxious all the time even though they know that their fears aren't rational. This can cause issues in social settings, at work or in school. People with anxiety disorders in adults disorders may also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble getting their attention.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also be irritable and tired, or have trouble in concentrating. They may also worry about their safety or the safety of others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you discover how to cope with your anxieties and decrease the number of panic attacks that you suffer from. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It usually starts in the early years of childhood, but it can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as having a conversation in class or going on a date, or it may be more generalized and involve avoidance of any situation that could result in being considered unpopular by others.

The person with SAD might realize that their anxiety is unfounded but feel helpless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding the stressful situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They may also develop "safety behavior" to to reduce their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact.

Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of certain 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like addiction or depression. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.

One in four sufferers of anxiety Disorders description disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different kinds of anxiety disorders so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Your doctor should refer you to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have anxiety disorder or utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific fears

A person with specific phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or even other people. The fear may be unrelated to the danger posed by the object or situation, however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may range from heights, dogs, flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common for women than men, and tends to begin in adolescence or childhood. Certain phobias aren't just unfounded fears however, the fear remains real.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, however 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 functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In the past DSM editions, adult patients had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on educating people about healthier ways of coping and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then move on to see images of it, walking near an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it may reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating certain fears include medication, like antidepressants, anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. These therapies are often proven to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.