20 Things You Should Know About Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues.

It's normal to feel anxious occasionally like before a test or when moving into a new residence. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications, are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, and this is usually a normal part of responding to psychological or physical stress. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural fear or anxiety response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps to your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes tense in case you have to escape danger or fight a threat. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worrying that seems difficult to manage. This type of anxiety can be harmful when you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance in your relationships, work, or education. This problem is known as  generalized anxiety disorder .

GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it most often starts in childhood or adolescence and persists throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as depression or dysthymia. They also are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help you 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 challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are usually used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta) and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about these medications before beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming anxiety and apprehension in social situations. It can be a feeling that you can't talk to others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or looking down at you. Some people with this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are terrified of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that recur in your mind and cause you stress or anxiety. Compulsions can be behaviours such as washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to reduce anxiety or distress brought on by an obsession. People with OCD frequently suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up hours of their day and disrupt the daily routine such as relationships, work and family.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all ages. It can start in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms are more likely to develop during puberty or young adulthood. The specific cause of OCD is unknown however, it is believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't as normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which controls your mood. There is also a strong genetic component. If one or more family members suffer from OCD There's a 25% chance you'll be affected.

OCD patients often feel incapable of stopping their compulsions and obsessions. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're not right, but they feel they must act to stop negative events from happening or to get rid of or ease the anxiety that their obsessions cause.

Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are many treatment options available to aid. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. In ERP, a therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting in your compulsive behaviors (for example, hand-washing) in order that your anxiety decreases over time.

Some people with OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and 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 characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling, nausea, chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent doom, and the belief that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur in response to trauma events or happen spontaneously. People with PD also have enduring distress over the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations in which they fear they may trigger an episode.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your everyday life. Women and men are equally affected, but the disorder is more prevalent in those who have been through an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to occur in people with a family history of depression or anxiety.

Only about 1 in 4 people who need treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to see a doctor to obtain an assessment and diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Anxiety disorders can run in families and tend to manifest at a younger age people who have an ancestral history of them. There are many risk factors that can cause anxiety disorders, such as smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Some medications can also cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense fear of being in public eye or with others. They fear that they will be humiliated or rejected and thought to be a negative person. They typically experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty speaking. Their aversion to and fear of social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder can cause other mental disorders, including substance abuse or depression.

This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This teaches the person different ways of thinking and acting to lessen the anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears aren't proportional to the actual threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Another method that works is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing a person to the situations that trigger anxiety, with the assistance of a therapist in a safe environment.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to discover the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes may contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this condition react more strongly than others to certain hormones.

It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the condition and suggest treatments. It can be hard to ask for help and it can be helpful to include a family member or friend in the appointment-making process or to attend with others in a peer group or support group.

Some types of anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life, and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline to get assistance.