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Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health conditions like thyroid problems.

It’s normal to be anxious occasionally, such as before a test or when moving into a new house. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at one time or another. This is an normal response to stress, either physical or psychological. When you see a car approaching you quickly and you are anxious or scared, your response can protect you. It activates the “fight-or-flight” response, which means your heart beats faster blood will flow into your muscles, you’ll breathe more heavily and your body will get nervous to prepare for a possible fight or run. Some people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to control. This type of worry can be harmful in the event that it hinders you from engaging in your normal routine activities and affects relationships such as work or school. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD is a problem for people from all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders, such as depression or dysthymia. They also are more likely to use alcohol and drugs.

Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. It can be helpful to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It helps you combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.

Medications to treat anxiety are usually employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications prior to beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel like you’re unable to speak in front of others, or that they look at you. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are only scared of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that recur in your mind, causing anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors such as washing, counting or examining that you are compelled to do to reduce the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. People with OCD typically suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up hours of their day and interfere with everyday activities such as relationships, work and family.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women, and children of any age. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood, but symptoms are most likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD isn’t known but it is believed that some parts of the brain isn’t normal. It may be linked to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If one or more members of your family have OCD, you are about 25% more likely to develop it.

OCD patients are often left powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don’t relish following their compulsions and are aware that they are wrong, but they believe they have to act to stop negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the stress that their obsessive thoughts create.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessive thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your compulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) in order that your anxiety decreases as time passes.

SSRIs are often prescribed to people with OCD. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also helpful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach an extreme within minutes. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is suffering from an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur in response to trauma experiences or spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.

PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and affect negatively the daily routine. It affects both genders equally, but it is more prevalent for people who have had a traumatic or stressful event. People with a history of family or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.

Although highly effective treatment exists but only one out of 4 people who need treatment receive it. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all barriers to seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to the symptoms of other ailments like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is crucial to visit the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will suggest specific treatment after determining physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and typically manifest at a younger stage for those with an history of anxiety disorders. There are a variety of risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, like smoking or abusing children. Some medications can also cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. Becoming aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can help you manage your symptoms and decrease stress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. panic anxiety disorder believe that they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, such as rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder may lead to other mental disorders, like substance abuse or depression.

This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This teaches alternative ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears aren’t in proportion to the actual threat and that they have control over how they react and act. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which trigger their anxiety, with the assistance of an expert in a secure setting.

Social anxiety disorder can also be treated using medications however they aren’t considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to discover the risk factors and to understand the root cause of this condition. It is well-known that certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute. Certain studies have also demonstrated that those with this disorder respond more than normal to certain hormones.

It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on people’s daily lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for assistance and so it’s recommended to include a trusted family member or friend during the appointment procedure or to meet with other people in the same group.

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