Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders have trouble concentrating and can become irritable. They also are at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health conditions like thyroid issues.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times such as before taking an exam or moving into the new location. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medication, are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some time or another. This is an expected reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For example, when you observe 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 into your muscles and you breathe more deeply and your body is anxious in the event that you need to escape danger or fight threats. Some people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to manage. This kind of worry can be harmful when you are unable to carry out your normal activities, or if it interferes with your relationships, work or education. People suffering from this disorder are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can affect people of any age, but it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for https://chairquail5.bravejournal.net/8-tips-to-up-your-anxiety-disorders-medicine-game s typically involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It helps you overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medication. Several types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications before beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear is a source of extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It is possible that you're not able to speak to people around you or that they look at you from afar. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Others who suffer from this disorder experience selective mutism. This means that they are only scared of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that keep coming back in your mind, causing anxiety or distress. Compulsions could be actions such as washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to alleviate anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People with OCD often suffer from both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy hours of their day and disrupt the daily routine, relationships and work.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men, and children of all ages. It can begin in childhood, but the symptoms tend to manifest when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The reason behind OCD isn't known but it is believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which determines your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If one or more members of your family have OCD, you are about 25 percent more likely to develop it.
People with OCD typically feel that their obsessions or compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they have no power to stop them. They know that they are wrong and don't appreciate their compulsions, yet are forced to act to avoid bad things occurring or to alleviate the anxiety their obsessive thinking generates.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of treatment options available to help. 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 therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty, and helps you resist acting on your impulsive actions (for example, hand-washing), so that anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also useful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending danger, and the conviction that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also have enduring distress about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations in which they fear they could trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact everyday life. Women and men are equally affected, but the condition is more common among people who have been through a traumatic event. It is also more likely to happen in people with an extended family history of depression or anxiety.
Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment are treated. Obstacles to treatment include a lack of awareness 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 may be similar to those of other ailments like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to see a physician in order to get an evaluation and diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage for those with an history of anxiety disorders. There are also many risk factors that can lead to anxiety disorders, including smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart issues. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can help you manage your symptoms and lessen stress in 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 ridiculed or rejected and thought to be a negative person. They might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear of social situations could cause problems at work or relationships. The disorder may cause a range of psychological disorders such as depression and addiction to substances.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It teaches the patient different ways of thinking and acting that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are in proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they can control the way they react and behave. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of the therapist in a secure environment.
Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren't considered a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. It is believed that certain environmental factors and genes can contribute. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people with this disorder have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.
It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be difficult to seek assistance, so it might be helpful to involve your family member or friend in making an appointment or attend a support group or peer.
Certain 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. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.