Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are extreme or persistent and disrupt daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everybody feels anxious from time to time, and there are many good reasons to be worried about things such as job obligations, money, or health. If the anxiety becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and can be difficult to control. They tend to assume the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can also affect work and social activities, causing people to withdraw from friends or family, and contribute to a loss of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to experience depression however treatment can help treat both disorders.

The root of anxiety disorders is not known but they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses a variety of therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that can help you learn to control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and decrease your fear by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to identify however, you should seek treatment when you are worried or if other symptoms of the condition are apparent. Early treatment is more effective, as it allows you to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms before they begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This type of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling that their heart is beating or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression and other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like traumatizing events in childhood are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree relative who has the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are irrational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They might also suffer from muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentration.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may worry about a wide range of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family issues. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine for generalized anxiety disorder psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. There are several types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with everyday life activities. It usually begins in childhood, but may be present in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out for a date. Or it may be more widespread and involve the need to avoid situations that could result in being judged.

The person with SAD might realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to try to lessen their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and avoid eye contact.

Certain people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. Antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, it's crucial to get treatment. The condition can be fatal if not treated and may cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders (minecraftcommand.science), to ensure you be properly diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you suffer from anxiety disorders or utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific fears

A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or even other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the danger posed by the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders because they are triggered by only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide, more often in men than women, and is more likely to start in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded however this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However, if the phobia persists into adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous editions of the DSM adults were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then move on to see images of it, stepping into an elevator, holding an object, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, before riding a crowded lift. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can decrease the intensity.

Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy and other drugs. People suffering from specific phobias who try these therapies frequently report improved outcomes.