Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently have trouble concentrating and are stressed. They also have a higher chance of developing depression and other illnesses, such as thyroid issues.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times such as before taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medication are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times and this is an normal response to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood flows to your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes nervous in the event you have to escape danger or defend yourself against a threat. However certain people are plagued by excessive worrying that seems difficult to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous when you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. This problem is known as generalized https://koefoed-stewart-2.technetbloggers.de/the-one-medication-for-anxiety-disorder-and-depression-mistake-every-beginner-makes .
GAD can be an issue for people of all ages but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than men. People suffering from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.
Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can aid in managing your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medications. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It can be a feeling that you can't speak in front of other people, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations such as speaking in public or eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that keep coming back in your head and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions could be actions like washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to alleviate anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up hours of their day and disrupt the daily routine like relationships, work and social activities.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood but the symptoms are most likely to develop when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known however certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be related to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which controls your moods. There's also a significant genetic component; if one or more family members have OCD, there's about a 25% chance you'll be affected.
OCD sufferers often feel incapable of stopping their compulsions and obsessions. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they believe they must do something in order to prevent bad things from happening or to escape or relieve the stress that their obsessions cause.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your thoughts, like touching objects that are dirty and assists you in restraining yourself from acting in your compulsive behaviors (for instance, washing your hands) in order that anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some people suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that peak in minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea as well as chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes may occur due to traumatizing experiences or spontaneously. People with PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they may trigger an episode.
PD like other anxiety disorders can cause extreme distress and affect negatively daily life. Women and men are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent among those who have experienced trauma. It is also more likely to occur in those with an extended family history of anxiety or depression.
Although there is highly effective treatment available but only one out of 4 people who require treatment receive it. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all barriers to treatment.
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder are often similar to symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. This is why it's important to see an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. A qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and they tend to manifest at a younger age in people who have a history of anxiety in their family. There are many risk factors that can lead to anxiety disorders, including childhood abuse or smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and learning about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and decrease stress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorders have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. They fear that they will be snubbed or rejected and will be judged negatively. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder may result in other mental disorders, including depression or substance abuse.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and reduces anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they can control how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which cause anxiety, with the assistance of an expert in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication but they aren't considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are often utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
The research is ongoing to determine the causes behind this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic factors are believed to be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have found that people who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones in the body.
It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the disorder and suggest treatment. It can be hard to ask for assistance and it can be beneficial to include a family member or friend during the appointment process, or to join other peers or a support group.
Some types of anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life and can increase your risk for depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline for help if you or someone you love is thinking about suicide.