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Types of Anxiety Disorders

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

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, and there are many good reasons to be worried about things like job responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it could be a more severe anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterised by dread and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any point. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed female at birth as in men.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder the activities of work and social life. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help treat both disorders.

While the specific cause of anxiety disorders is not known however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain plays in.

Although there is no cure for GAD, the condition can be managed through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is different therapies that help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will help you learn to control your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medicines used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD isn’t easy to identify, but it is important to seek out help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective because it helps you reduce the physical and emotional symptoms before they begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by intense, sudden feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of a heart attack. 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 asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could 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 disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are irrational. This can result in difficulties in social situations, work or school. In addition, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a variety of everyday activities such as work responsibilities and family issues. They’re also likely to feel exhausted or restless, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about their safety or that of others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but may also appear in early adulthood. disorders anxiety shows up as anxiety over specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going on dates, or it may be more generalized, and include the avoidance of situations that could result in being considered unpopular by others.

The person suffering from SAD may recognize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long term. They might also develop “safety behaviors” to to reduce anxiety, like drinking alcohol, being quiet and avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some sufferers suffering from SAD benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters inside 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it’s crucial to seek treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 to speak with an experienced crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Barriers to getting treatment include the 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 anxiety disorders to ensure you be properly diagnosed and treated. Your doctor should refer you to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who has a specific phobia has a persistent and a heightened fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or other people. These fears are usually not proportional to the risk that the object or event poses, but they can cause distress and hinder everyday functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from heights, dogs, flying to injections to crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide most often in men than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. Certain phobias aren’t irrational fears but the fear remains real.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically outgrow them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. They are able to rule out other conditions that could be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing a fear. In the past DSM editions, adults needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that this is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people healthier ways of coping and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and consistent exposure to the object or situation. The patient might begin by imagining the object or the situation. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, and finally experiencing a busy lift. Although this kind of therapy is not able to cure a phobia however it can greatly reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options for treating certain phobias. These therapies are often reported to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.