10 Unexpected Type Of Anxiety Disorder Tips
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.
First, see your physician to rule out any physical ailments that might be the cause of your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are many valid reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities and financial obligations, as well as health. If the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, it could be a more serious anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is defined by feelings of dread and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They are prone to anticipate the worst and assume that minor problems will turn into major problems. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any age. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in males.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with work and social activities. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help treat both disorders.
The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unclear, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role in the cause.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes various treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by challenging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to identify, but you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. The sufferers may also suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart is beating or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests they may be caused by brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the disorder.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to be anxious all the time even when they realize their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations, at work or in school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience a variety of worries about everyday tasks, such as the demands of their job or family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxieties and decrease the number of panic attacks you experience. There are a variety of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Although many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with normal life activities. It can manifest in early adulthood, but it typically starts in childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in particular social situations like speaking in class or going out on date. Or it may be more widespread, and include avoiding all situations that could result in being considered a failure.
While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For instance drinking alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within 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 when they suffer from social anxiety. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 in 4 people who need care receive it. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also important to make sure that your doctor is aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.
Specific phobias
A person with specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals, or other people. These fears are usually not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt daily functioning. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around a single stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may be anything from heights to dogs to flying to injections to crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence, more 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 phobias that are specific to them usually outgrow them. However when the fear persists into adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before determining a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them better coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or circumstance, then move on to looking at photos of the subject, taking steps towards it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and finally riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy is not able to cure a phobia but it can dramatically reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Other treatment options for specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often report improved outcomes.