Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are chronic, persistent, and interfere with your daily routine. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical conditions out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everybody feels anxious from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to worry about things like work responsibilities, money, or health. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD sufferers experience feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and are often difficult to control. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder work and social activities. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression, but treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays in.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses a variety of methods that help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that can help you to understand and control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and decrease your fear by engaging them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, like dizziness and heart palpitations. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD isn't easy to identify and is therefore important to seek help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This type of anxiety disorder is marked by frequent episodes of extreme terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart beats or is it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Some research suggests they may be caused by brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a parent with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations at work, at home or in school. People with anxiety disorders may are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a wide range of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family issues. They're also likely to be restless or easily fatigued as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about their safety or that of others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with daily life routines. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, but it typically starts in the early years of childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out for dates. It can also be more widespread and involve avoiding all situations that could result in being judged.

Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their fear is unfounded, they are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients suffering from SAD benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within 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 has social anxiety disorder, it's essential to seek treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse. 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 an emergency counselor.

One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types http://www.oovideos.com/members/bargeside7/activity/637679/ , so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. The fear may be insignificant to the risk of the object or situation but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they are triggered by one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything from heights to dogs, flying to injections and the crowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and occurs more often for women than men, and it tends to start in adolescence or childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are unfounded but this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. https://squareblogs.net/usesprout1/10-tips-for-drugs-for-anxiety-disorder-that-are-unexpected diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of the 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 needed for adults.

Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and consistent exposure to the subject or event. The patient may begin by imagining the object or the situation. They can then proceed to see images of it, walking near an elevator, holding toys, going to the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and finally experiencing a busy lift. Although this type of therapy cannot solve phobias, it can significantly reduce the intensity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific phobias. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often report improved outcomes.