Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are severe or persistent and disrupt daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, visit your doctor to rule out any physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons for worrying about things like work obligations, money, or health. However, if the worries become constant and overtake your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually starts in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any age. It is twice as common in women and those assigned female at birth as in men.

https://writeablog.net/slicecoin91/15-secretly-funny-people-work-in-anxiety-disorders can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to sleep. It can also hinder social and work activities, leading people to avoid families or friends, and contribute to a loss of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to experience depression, but treatment can help treat both disorders.

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body responds to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays an important role.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help you learn to control your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and reduce your fears by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines along with medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD isn't easy to identify and is therefore important to seek assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective because it helps you reduce the physical and mental symptoms before they begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of a heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression and other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, experts believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can cause problems when it comes to social situations, work or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They might also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience numerous worries regarding everyday tasks, such as job responsibilities or family problems. They're also likely to be tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you discover how to manage your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are a variety of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe disorder that can affect daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on a date, or it could be more generalized, and include avoiding any situation that might result in being considered unpopular by other people.

The person suffering from SAD might realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also develop "safety behaviors" to help lessen their anxiety, like drinking alcohol, being quiet and not making eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, some people who suffer from SAD can benefit from medication. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety disorder. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else you know has suicidal feelings call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also important to make sure that your healthcare provider is aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool.

Specific Phobias

A person who suffers from a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. The fear may be unrelated to the risk that the object or situation but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. In contrast to other types of https://notes.io/wh4QQ , specific phobias cause anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation could range from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or crowds. This condition occurs worldwide and is more common in males than women, and tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are irrational however this does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms.

Children who have specific fears typically get over them. However when the fear persists in adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. 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 adults were required to recognize their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on altering the way people respond to their fears and teaches them better strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared subject or event. The patient might begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then go on to see images of it, walking in front of an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, before experiencing a busy lift. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it may decrease the intensity.

Other treatment options for specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are generally reported to be effective by people with phobias specific to them.