Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have trouble concentrating and are irritable. They are also at a higher-risk of depression and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues.
Occasional anxiety is normal for instance, prior to taking a test or moving to an unfamiliar home. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some moment in time. This is an normal reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural fear or anxiety response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood flows to your muscles and you breathe harder and your body is tense in case you have to flee from danger or fight threats. Some people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to control. This type of anxiety could be dangerous if you are unable to perform your daily routine, or if it interferes with your relationships, work, or education. People with this problem suffer from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and continues into adulthood. It is more common in women than men. People who suffer from GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, especially dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid in managing your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It helps you combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.
Medications to treat anxiety are generally employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta) and escitalopram all can be effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications before beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You may feel like you can't talk to others, or that people are judging you or looking down at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges which keep returning to your mind and can cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions are behaviours like washing, counting or checking, that you feel driven to perform in order to reduce the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among people with OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and can disrupt relationships or work activities.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women and children of any age. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years but the symptoms are most likely to manifest during puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known however, certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that controls your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if one or more family members suffer from OCD, there's about 25% chance that you'll be affected.
People suffering from OCD generally think that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable and they have no power to stop them. They don't relish performing their compulsions and know they are wrong, but they feel they must act to prevent bad things from happening or to alleviate or escape the stress that their obsessions cause.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to aid. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP, the therapist gradually exposes you to the things or situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you resist acting on your compulsive actions (for example, hand-washing) in order that your anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people with OCD. These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD), also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by repeated episodes that last for minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea as well as chest pains and shortness of breath. These episodes can happen in response to trauma events or happen spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about future panic attacks, and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your everyday life. It affects both genders equally however it is more common for people who have had trauma or a stressful experience. It is also more likely to happen in people with a family history of anxiety or depression.
While there is a highly effective treatment available but only one out of 4 people who require treatment are treated. Barriers to care include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated as well as a lack of access to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is essential to consult the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't completely understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and tend to develop at a younger age for those who have an history of anxiety disorders. There are also many risk factors that could cause anxiety disorders, like smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers used to treat heart problems. You can treat your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can ease the anxiety in your everyday life by learning about treatments.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. They fear they will be ridiculed or rejected and be judged negatively. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may lead to other psychological disorders, such as substance abuse or depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This teaches alternative ways of thinking, and reduces anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears are not proportional to the actual threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations which create anxiety, with the assistance of professionals in a secure environment.
http://daleythorhaug.jigsy.com/entries/general/10-Meetups-About-Mixed-Anxiety-Disorder-You-Should-Attend are also used to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes and to identify risk factors. It is believed that certain genes and environmental factors can contribute. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health specialist can identify anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it is beneficial to include a friend or family member in the appointment making process, or to join others in a peer group or support group.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life, and can increase your risk for depression, substance abuse eating disorders, suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline for help.