Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health conditions like thyroid issues.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times for instance, prior to taking a test or moving to an unfamiliar home. If anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications, are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural fear or anxiety response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps into your muscles and you breathe more deeply; and your body becomes anxious in the event that you need to flee from danger or fight an attack. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This type of worrying is harmful when you are unable perform your daily routine or if it is a hindrance in your relationships, work or education. People who suffer from this condition suffer from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age, but it is most frequent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric conditions such as depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It helps you challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually addressed with medications. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Discuss with your doctor about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, is a source of extreme anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak to others or that they look down at you. Some people suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that keep coming back in your mind and cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors like washing, counting or examining that you are compelled to do to reduce the anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among people with OCD. They can take up a lot of time and can disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms are most likely to appear during puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear however, some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family has OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to develop it.
People with OCD generally think that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable and they are powerless to stop them. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they feel they must act in order to prevent negative events from happening or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessions cause.
There are a variety of treatments that can help. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. ERP involves a counselor gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that anxiety levels decrease with time.
Some people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be useful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach the peak in just minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent danger, and the conviction that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen as a result of traumatic experiences or simply. People with PD also experience constant anxiety about the possible occurrence of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they may trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your the daily routine. It affects men and women equally however it is more common in people who have experienced an event that was stressful or traumatizing. People who have a family history of depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.
Although there is highly effective treatment available but only one in 4 people who need treatment receive it. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's essential to consult an expert for an evaluation and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a certified mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are typically passed through families and typically appear earlier for those with an anxiety history. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, especially benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions. You can treat your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders. You can ease the anxiety in your daily life by learning about treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in public eye or in the company of other people. They fear that they will be ridiculed or rejected and will be considered a negative judge. They typically experience a variety of physical and emotional signs like a fast heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulties speaking. Their aversion to and fear of social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders, including addiction and depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This teaches alternative ways of thinking, and can reduce anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not proportional to the actual danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the patient to the situations that trigger their anxiety with the help of the therapist in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medications however they aren't considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. It is believed that certain environmental factors and genes can contribute. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that those affected by this condition have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have serious effects on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or a mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It isn't easy to seek help, so it may be beneficial to include a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or to attend with an organization or peer.
Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.