Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty concentrating and can be anxious. They also have higher risk of developing depression as well as certain medical anxiety disorder conditions, such as thyroid issues.

It is normal to be anxious at times, such as before an exam or when moving into a new residence. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might need treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is a normal part of responding to psychological or physical stress. When you see a vehicle coming at you fast, your anxiety or fear response can help keep you safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart will beat faster blood will flow into your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily and your body will get nervous to prepare for a potential fight or run. Some people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous when you are unable do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption in your relationships, work or education. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can affect people of all ages, however it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and continues until adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. People who suffer from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage 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 distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques.

Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically treated with medications. Several types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.

Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak in front of others or that they are looking at you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Some people with this disorder experience selective mutism, which is when they are scared of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images or desires that keep popping up in your mind, causing anxiety or even distress. Compulsions can be behaviours like washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to perform to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a lot of time and disrupt relationships or work activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect men, women and children of all different ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years, but symptoms are most likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. OCD's exact cause is unknown however, some brain activity is believed 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 any members of your family have OCD You are approximately 25% more likely to develop it.

People suffering from OCD usually believe that their obsessions or compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are unable to stop them. They don't get pleasure from performing their compulsions and know they're wrong, yet they believe they must do something to stop terrible things from happening, or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessions cause.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatment options available to aid. The majority of people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves the therapy therapist gradually exposing you the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also help you avoid the compulsive behavior (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time.

Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you learn to let go of your obsessional thoughts and removes their power over you, while meditation and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by repeated episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. The symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea chest pains, as well as breathing problems. These episodes can occur following frightening events, or they could occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they think might trigger one.

PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and have a negative impact on everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through an event that was traumatic. People with a family history or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.

While there is a highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 of those who require treatment receive it. Barriers to care include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are treatable as well as a lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble those of other illnesses, including hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. This is why it is essential to consult a doctor for an evaluation and the diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families and tend to develop earlier in those with an ancestral history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may reduce anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart issues. Becoming aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can help you manage your symptoms and decrease stress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public, or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could cause problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder may result in other mental disorders, like addiction or depression.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This teaches the person alternative ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they are in control of how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations which cause anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren't considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety medications including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to discover the causes behind this condition and identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.

It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a serious impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health specialist can identify anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be hard to ask for help and it can be helpful to include a family member or friend during the appointment process, or to join other peers or a support group.

Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life, and can increase your risk for depression, substance abuse eating disorders, suicide. Contact the suicide prevention helpline if you or someone you know is considering suicide.