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Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be identified when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments.

First, visit your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Every person experiences anxiety now and then, and there can be good reasons to be concerned about issues like work responsibility, health, or money. However, if the worries become constant and overtake your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and are often difficult to control. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be affected by anyone. It usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can hinder the activities of work and social life. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to experience depression However, treatment can help treat both disorders.

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role in the cause.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses different methods that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and some medicines that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize however it is crucial to seek assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before anxiety and physical symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This type of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). panic anxiety disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be at a higher risk of depression or other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some research suggests they may be caused by brain circuits that control emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a parent with the condition.

People suffering from anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are not rational. This can lead to problems in social situations, at work or in school. In addition, many sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They might also suffer from muscle tension, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They’re also likely to be exhausted or restless and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health methods. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn how to cope with your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks that you suffer from. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are nervous or shy in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with daily life routines. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety about specific social situations, such as talking in class or going on date, but it may be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could result in being perceived as a failure by other people.

While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is irrational, they still feel helpless to overcome it. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long run. They might also develop “safety behaviours” to to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some people with SAD benefit from medications. These medications, known as antidepressants, can 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 is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment if they have social anxiety disorder. The condition can be debilitating if left untreated and can result in other mental health issues, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the different types anxiety disorders so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you’re not sure whether you have 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 with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears may be unrelated to the danger of the object or circumstance, but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders , specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. Specific phobias are not unfounded fears, but the fear is real.

Children with specific fears usually overcome them. However in the event that the fear persists in adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Before determining a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In the past DSM editions, adults needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way people respond to their fears and helps them develop healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event and then move to looking at pictures of the subject, taking an action towards it (such as walking by an elevator), holding a toy snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it can decrease the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific fears. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often experience better outcomes.