Activity

Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also are at an increased risk of developing depression and certain health issues like thyroid issues.

It is normal to experience anxiety at times, for example before taking a test or moving to an unfamiliar home. If anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at one time or another. It’s an normal reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. If you see a car coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can help you stay safe. It triggers the “fight-or-flight” response which means that your heart rate will increase, blood will pump into your muscles, you’ll breath more heavily, and your body is anxious to prepare for a potential fight or run. However there are those who are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to manage. This type of anxiety is harmful when you are unable carry out your normal activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. People who suffer from this condition are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can be an issue for people of all ages but it is more common in children and adolescents. It can last throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric conditions like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you to confront distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.

Treatments for short-term anxiety are typically addressed with medications. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Discuss with your doctor about these medications prior to starting treatment.

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear, causes intense anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You may feel that you’re not able to speak in front of people around you or that they stare at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are scared of certain situations, such as public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that keep coming back in your head and can cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are behaviors, such as washing, counting or examining, that you feel driven to do to reduce the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy hours of their day and disrupt everyday activities, relationships and work.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women and children of all ages. It can begin in childhood, but the symptoms are more likely to develop in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The reason behind OCD is not known however, it is believed that the activity in certain regions of the brain isn’t as normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family have OCD you’re about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.

OCD sufferers often feel incapable of stopping their compulsions and obsessions. They don’t relish following their compulsions and are aware that they’re wrong, yet they believe they have to act in order to prevent bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessive thoughts create.

Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can help. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for most people. ERP involves an therapist gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your thoughts of obsession, such touching dirty objects. They also help you overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety decreases with time.

Some people with OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea, chest discomfort, breathlessness and a sense of imminent death, and the feeling that one is suffering from a heart attack. These episodes can happen due to traumatizing experiences or spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they think might trigger one.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your daily life. panic anxiety disorder are affected, however the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through trauma. It is also more likely to occur in people who have a family history of anxiety or depression.

While there is a highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 of those who require treatment are treated. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all barriers to care.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to those of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor in order to get an evaluation and diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families and tend to develop at a younger age people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors that can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart conditions. Learning about the various types of anxiety disorders and learning about treatment can help you manage your symptoms and lessen stress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is defined by intense and persistent anxiety about being in the public eye or in the company of others. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and considered a negative judge. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulties speaking. Their aversion to and fear of social situations could cause issues at work or with relationships. The disorder can cause a range of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is an essential treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and reduces anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren’t in proportion to the actual threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which create anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren’t considered a cure. These include antianxiety medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are often employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to discover the causes behind this condition and identify risk factors. It is known that certain genes and environmental factors can contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.

It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it may be helpful to involve a family member or friend in making an appointment or attending with a support group or peer.

Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can call the suicide prevention hotline for assistance.