Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and other health conditions, like thyroid issues.

It is normal to feel anxious at times like before an exam or when moving into a new residence. When anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming it is possible to require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, and this is usually a normal part of responding to physical or psychological stress. If you see a car coming at you fast and you are anxious or scared, your response can protect you. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart rate will increase, blood will pump into your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily, and your body will get tense to prepare for a fight or a run. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worrying that seems difficult to manage. This type of worrying is harmful when you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance with your relationships, work or education. People with this problem are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can affect people of all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and persists into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy 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. There are a variety of antidepressants that can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Talk to your doctor about these medications before beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You may feel that you're not able to speak in front of people around you, or that they are looking at you from afar. Some people with this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Other people with this disorder experience selective mutism, in which they only seem to be terrified of certain situations, such as public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and can cause stress or anxiety. Compulsions are actions like washing, counting or examining, that you feel driven to do in order to lessen the anxiety disorder medication or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD often have both obsessions and compulsions that can consume hours of their day and disrupt daily activities like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for men, women and children of all ages. It can start in childhood, but the symptoms are more likely to appear in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The reason behind OCD is unknown however, it is believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't as normal. It could be due to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that regulates your mood. There's also a strong genetic component. If one or more family members suffer from OCD There's 25% chance that you'll be affected.

People suffering from OCD typically think that their obsessions and compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they have no power to stop them. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're not right, but they believe they must do something to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessive thoughts create.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to aid. Most people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a counselor gradually exposing you to the things and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession such as touching objects that are dirty. They also help you avoid the compulsive behavior (such as hand-washing) so that your anxiety decreases with time.

SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you learn to let go of your obsessional thoughts and eliminates the power they exert over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes and include symptoms such as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea chest discomfort, breathlessness and a sense of imminent danger, and the conviction that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen after frightening experiences, or they can be spontaneous and unexpected. People suffering from PD also have enduring distress about the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they think they could trigger an episode.

PD like other anxiety disorders can cause extreme distress and have a negative impact on daily life. It affects both genders equally however it is more prevalent for those who have been through a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to happen in those with a family history of anxiety or depression.

Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 out of 4 people who need treatment receive it. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorder test disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all barriers to treatment.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble symptoms of other diseases such as hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. This is why it is crucial to visit an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining if there is a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can recommend specific treatments.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't completely understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are often passed through families and tend to develop at a younger age in those with an anxiety history. There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to anxiety disorders, such as smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Some medications can also cause anxiety, especially benzodiazepines like diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers used to treat heart issues. Learning about the various types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and lessen stress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders have persistent and intense fears of being in public or with other people. They fear they will be humiliated or rejected and will be considered a negative judge. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder may lead to other mental disorders, including addiction or depression.

This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This teaches the person different ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over how they react and act. Another method that works is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause their anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorder however they aren't considered a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and understand what causes this condition. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. Additionally, studies have revealed that those affected by this condition have a greater than normal response to certain hormones within the body.

It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the disorder and suggest treatment. It isn't easy to ask for help, so it may be beneficial to involve your family member or friend in scheduling an appointment, or attending with a support group or peer.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They could increase your risk of depression and eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you love is considering suicide.