Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.
First, see your doctor to rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Every person experiences anxiety now and then and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities, health or money. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have fears that affect their whole lives and are often difficult to control. They tend to assume the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in men.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can help treat both disorders.
Although the exact cause of anxiety isn't known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. https://montoya-nelson-2.hubstack.net/what-drugs-for-anxiety-disorder-experts-want-you-to-be-educated believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role too.
Although there isn't a cure for GAD it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is various treatments that teach you to identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. The use of medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, like heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medicines used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to seek help if you notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective since it lets you manage your physical and emotional symptoms before they become a major part of your life.
Panic disorder
The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
http://www.oovideos.com/members/lightshop1/activity/654801/ believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most typical causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the condition.
People with anxiety disorders can feel worried all the time even when they realize that their fears are unfounded. This can result in difficulties when it comes to social situations, work or school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a myriad of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family issues. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have trouble concentration. They might also be concerned about their security or that of others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done in groups or individually.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It is usually manifested as anxiety over specific social situations, like speaking in class or going on date, but it may be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could cause being perceived as a failure by other people.
While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is unfounded, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to reduce their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, a few sufferers who suffer from SAD can benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples 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 important to get treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.
One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to make sure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. Your doctor should refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you have anxiety disorder or utilize an online tool to screen.
Specific phobias
A person with a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears may be insignificant to the risk that the object or situation but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared may range from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or even overcrowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world most often in men than women, and is more likely to start in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are not rational however this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children with specific fears usually get over them. However, if the phobia persists as an adult it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily function. Before determining a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnosis process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.
Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people react to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or situation. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at pictures of the subject, then taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator) or holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and then being in a noisy elevator. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it could reduce the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific phobias. These treatments are generally proven to be effective by those with specific phobias.