Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are constant, chronic and interfere with daily life. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone is anxious every now and then, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job responsibilities, health or financial. However, if the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and are often hard to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst and believe that minor issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence but it can happen at any point. It is twice as prevalent among women and the newly born female.
GAD can lead to physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can hinder the activities of work and social life. disorders anxiety with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.
While the exact cause is unknown, it appears that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role as well.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes several treatments that help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by engaging them. Medications can help relieve certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness and heart palpitations. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to seek help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat by seeking help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by repeated, sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also feel chest pain, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart beats or is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues such asthma or hyperthyroidism.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't known however, researchers believe they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative with the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are not rational. This can cause difficulties in social situations, at work or in school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may worry about a wide range of everyday tasks such as work responsibilities and family issues. They may also be irritable, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentrating. They might also be concerned about their safety or the safety of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen anxiety attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It usually starts in the early years of childhood, but it can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, like having a conversation in class or going out on dates, or it could be more generalized, and include the avoidance of situations that could result in being judged by other people.
When someone with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, avoid talking to others, or avoid eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, known as antidepressants, can aid in balancing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment if they suffer from social anxiety. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types anxiety disorders so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or make use of an online tool to screen.
Specific fears
A person with a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears are usually not proportional to the risk that the object or event presents, but they may cause distress and hinder daily functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may range from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more prevalent in women than men, and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are not rational but this does not lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or circumstance before moving on to looking at pictures of the subject, taking an action towards it (such as walking by an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes, and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. While this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias but it can dramatically reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific phobias. These treatments are generally considered to be effective by those who suffer from specific phobias.