A Complete Guide To Type Of Anxiety Disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or persistent and disrupt daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments.
First, see your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times There are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities, health or money. If the worry is constant and consumes your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder . People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and are often hard to control. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any age. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help treat both disorders.
Although the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role too.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes several therapies that help you recognize and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness could be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to identify however, you should seek treatment when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is much easier to treat by seeking assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be at increased risk of depression or other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the disorder.
People suffering from anxiety disorders can be anxious constantly, even when they know that their fears are irrational. This can create issues in social settings, at work or in school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a myriad of everyday activities such as work responsibilities and family issues. They may also feel restless and 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 medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you discover how to manage your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks you have. There are several types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed in groups or individually.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. It can also be more widespread and involve avoidance of all situations that could lead to being assessed.
While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is irrational, they still feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. These antidepressants can help balance certain 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 if they have social anxiety disorder. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could result in other mental health issues, such as depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 and speak to a trained crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable but only one in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or use an online screening tool.
Specific Phobias
A person with a specific fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations, animals, or other people. These fears are usually out of proportion with the risk that the object or situation creates, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and the crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded, but this knowledge does not lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. They are able to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing the fear. In the past DSM editions, adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that this is no longer required for adults.
Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then go on to look at pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding an object, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it could reduce its intensity.
Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options to treat specific phobias. These treatments are frequently reported to be effective by those with specific phobias.