Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They also are at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid problems.
Occasional anxiety is normal for instance, prior to taking an exam or moving to a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some time or another. It's an expected reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. When you see a vehicle coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can protect you. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart will beat faster blood will flow to your muscles, you'll breath more deeply and your body will become anxious to prepare for a potential fight or a run. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This type of worrying could be dangerous when you are unable carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance with your relationships, work or education. People who suffer from this condition have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and persists until adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. People who suffer from GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.
Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can aid in managing your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you to challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.
Treatments for short-term anxiety are typically treated with medications. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear creates extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel like you're not able to speak in front of people around you or that they look at you from afar. Some people with this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, where people are scared of certain situations such as speaking in public or eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that keep coming back to your mind, causing anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviours like washing, counting or checking that you are compelled to perform in order to ease the anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among those suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and can disrupt relationships as well as work activities.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men, and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the earliest years of life, however, symptoms are more likely to appear during puberty or young adulthood. The specific cause of OCD isn't known however, it is believed that some parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family have OCD, you are about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
People suffering from OCD generally feel that their obsessions or obsessions are unjust and that they are unable to stop them. They are aware that they are wrong and don't appreciate their compulsions but are compelled to take action to avoid negative events happening or to avoid the anxiety that obsessive thought creates.
There are many treatment options that can help. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty, and helps you resist acting on your impulsive actions (for example, hand-washing) in order that anxiety decreases over time.
Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and takes away the power they exert over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending danger, and the conviction that one is suffering from a heart attack. These episodes can occur following frightening experiences, or they can be sudden and unexpected. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety about the possible occurrence of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they could trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect the daily routine. Both genders are affected, however the condition is more common among people who have been through an event that was traumatic. People with a family history or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.
Around 1 in 4 people who need treatment are able to receive it, despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to those of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor to obtain an assessment and diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can suggest specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are typically passed down through families and typically develop at a younger age in those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are many risk factors that can cause anxiety disorders, like smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. Becoming aware of the different types of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in public eye or with others. They fear that they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms that include heartbeats that are rapid as well as sweating and trembling. Their aversion to and fear of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder could result in other mental disorders, like depression or substance abuse.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It teaches the patient alternative ways of thinking and acting, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over how they react and act. Another method that works is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that cause their anxiety with the help of the therapist in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medications however they aren't considered as a cure. They include antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. A few studies have also revealed that people suffering from this disorder react more than others to certain hormones.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders since they can have a severe impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and suggest treatment. It isn't easy to seek help, so it may be helpful to involve a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or attend the support group or a peer.
Some anxiety disorder s can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase your risk of depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline for help if you or someone you know is considering suicide.