What Is Type Of Anxiety Disorder And Why Are We Talking About It?

Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone feels anxiety and fear 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. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments. First, see your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that might be the cause of your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you have. Generalized anxiety disorder Every person experiences anxiety now and then, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job obligations, health or financial. But when the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have anxiety-like feelings that can influence their lives for the rest of their lives and can be difficult to control. They tend to expect the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any point. It is twice as common in women and those assigned to females at birth as men. GAD can cause physical issues like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also affect social and work activities, causing people to withdraw from family or friends, and contribute to an eroding of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to experience depression however treatment can aid in managing both disorders. Although the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays an important role. Although there isn't a cure for GAD however, it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes various therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, like heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD can be difficult to recognize, but it is important to get assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. It is simpler to treat it if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms could be a sign of a heart attack. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are typical causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative who has the disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even when they realize their fears aren't rational. This can cause difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability and difficulties in getting their attention. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may worry about a variety of everyday tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued and have difficulty concentrating. They also often worry about their safety or that of others. There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that causes your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in specific social situations such as speaking in class or going out for a date. It could also be more widespread and involve the need to avoid situations that could result in being considered a failure. The person suffering from 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 feel even more anxious. They might also develop “safety behavior” to ease their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact. In addition to the psychological treatments, some sufferers who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, help balance the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. anxiety disorders quotes of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's essential to get treatment. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could cause other mental health problems like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor. One in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool. Specific Phobias A person with a specific fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the risk posed by the object or situation but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in everyday life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from dogs to heights, flying to injections and areas that are crowded. The condition is widespread and occurs more often for women than men, and usually begins in adolescence or childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational but this doesn't diminish the intensity of their symptoms. Children with specific phobias usually outgrow them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of DSM adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement 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 helps them develop healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation that is feared. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it can reduce its intensity. Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy and other drugs. These treatments are generally proven to be effective by people who suffer from specific phobias.