Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also have a higher risk of depression and some medical conditions, including thyroid problems.

It is normal to be anxious at times like before the test or when you move into a new house. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you might require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some moment in time. This is an normal reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you observe a car speeding towards you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster, blood pumps to your muscles and you breathe harder and your body is anxious in the event that you need to run away from danger or fight threats. Some people are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to control. This kind of worry can be harmful when you are unable do your normal daily activities 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 affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and continues until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid in managing your symptoms. It can be helpful to find a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.

Treatments for short-term severe anxiety disorder are typically treated with medications. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It is possible that you are unable to speak in front of people around you or that they stare at you from afar. Some people with this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are only scared of certain situations, like eating or speaking in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that keep coming back to your mind and cause you stress or anxiety. Compulsions are behaviours such as washing, counting or even checking that you are driven to do in order to reduce the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently have both compulsions and obsessions which can occupy the majority of their time and interfere with everyday activities like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect women, men, and children of any age. It can start in the early years, but symptoms are most likely to manifest when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown, but certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family suffer from OCD, you are about 25 percent more likely to develop it.

OCD sufferers often feel incapable of stopping their obsessions and compulsions. They don't enjoy following their compulsions and are aware that they are wrong, but they feel they must act in order to prevent bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessive thoughts create.

Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are a variety of solutions available to aid. Many people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (cbt for social anxiety disorder) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves an therapy therapist gradually exposing you the objects and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession, such touching dirty objects. They also assist you to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time.

Some people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be beneficial in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD), also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by repeated episodes that peak in minutes. Symptoms include trembling, nausea and sweating as well as chest pains and breathing problems. These episodes can happen after frightening experiences, or they can occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry over the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations where does anxiety disorder come from they believe they might trigger an episode.

PD, like other anxiety disorders, can create extreme distress and have a negative impact on everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through an event that was traumatic. It is anxiety a disorder also more likely to happen in those with a family history of depression or anxiety disorders worksheet.

Although highly effective treatment exists but only one out of 4 people who require treatment receive it. The barriers to treatment include a lack awareness 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 often mimic symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is crucial to visit an expert for an evaluation and the diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely recognized, it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families and tend to manifest at a younger age in those with 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 can also trigger anxiety, including benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can reduce anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in the public eye or around others. They fear that they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid as well as sweating and trembling. Their aversion to and fear of social situations could cause issues at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders such as depression and addiction to substances.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps the person learn alternative ways of thinking and behaving, which can lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they are in control of how they react and behave. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing a person to the situations that trigger anxiety with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

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

The research is ongoing to determine the causes of this condition and identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes can contribute. In addition, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones in the body.

It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders since they can have serious consequences on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental healthcare professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it might be beneficial to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or attend the support group or a peer.

Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact 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, you can call the suicide prevention hotline for assistance.