Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and other medical conditions, including thyroid problems.
Occasional anxiety is normal such as before taking an exam or moving to the new location. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times and this is an normal response to psychological or physical stress. When you see a vehicle speeding towards you and you are anxious or scared, your response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart beats faster, blood will pump into your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily and your body is tense to prepare for a potential fight or run. However there are those who are plagued by anxiety that is impossible to control. This kind of anxiety can be detrimental in the event that it hinders you from doing your usual routine activities and hinders relationships, work or school. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder .
GAD can affect people of any age but it is more frequent in adolescents and children. It can persist into adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid in managing your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medications. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.
Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak to people around you or that they look down at you. Some people with this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, which is when they are scared of certain situations, like eating or speaking in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are actions like washing, counting or checking that you are compelled to do in order to ease the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in people with OCD. They can take up a lot of time and can disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women and children of any age. 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 isn't known however, it is believed that activity in some areas of the brain isn't as normal. It may be linked to an imbalance of serotonin, the chemical that controls your moods. There's also a significant genetic component. If you have a family member or more who have OCD there's a 25% chance you'll experience it.
People suffering from OCD usually believe that their obsessions or obsessions are unjust and that they have no power to stop them. They realize that they are wrong and don't appreciate their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to avoid bad things happening or to escape the anxiety their obsessive thinking creates.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can help. Many people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a counselor gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also aid you in learning to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety diminishes over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some people suffering from OCD. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and removes the power they exert over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD), also known as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by frequent episodes that last for minutes. Symptoms include trembling, nausea and sweating as well as chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes can occur as a result of traumatic experiences or simply. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about future panic attacks, and are cautious about situations they fear could trigger a panic attack.
PD as with other anxiety disorders, can create extreme distress and affect negatively everyday life. It affects men and women equally, but it is more common for those who have been through a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to occur in people with a family history of depression or anxiety.
About 1 out of four people who require treatment get it despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The barriers to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health services and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other diseases like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is important to see a physician for an evaluation and diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.
While the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely identified, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and tend to develop at a younger age people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Moreover, there are many risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam or Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. You can treat your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatments.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense anxiety about being in the public eye or in the company of others. They fear that they will be humiliated or rejected and be considered a negative judge. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations could cause problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could also lead to a variety of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and helps reduce anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they can control how they behave and react. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of the therapist in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders, though they are not considered a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to discover the causes and identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental elements are known to cause. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than others to certain hormones.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or a mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it could be helpful to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or to attend with an organization or peer.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life and increase your risk for depression, substance use eating disorders, suicide. Contact the suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you love is considering suicide.