Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are anxious. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health conditions like thyroid problems.
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time like before the test or when you move into a new residence. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant it is possible to require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications, are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at one time or another. This is an expected reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you observe a car speeding towards you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster, blood flows into your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes nervous in the event you have to run away from danger or fight against a threat. Some people are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to manage. This type of anxiety could be dangerous if you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance with your relationships, work, or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD affects people from all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. People suffering from GAD frequently suffer from other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.
Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk mixed anxiety disorder , also known as psychotherapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You may feel that you're unable to speak in front of others, or that they are looking at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. The condition is also known as selective mutism. of this disorder, in which people are scared of certain situations such as eating in public or speaking in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back to your mind, causing anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors such as washing, counting or examining that you are compelled to do in order to reduce the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among those suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for women, men, and children of all different ages. It can begin in the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to develop when you reach puberty or early adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown however certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance of serotonin, the chemical that affects your mood. There's also a significant genetic component; if you or your family members suffer from OCD, there's about a 25% chance you'll be affected.
OCD patients often feel in a position of powerlessness to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They know that they're wrong and don't appreciate their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to avoid bad things happening or to escape the anxiety their obsessive thinking generates.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can help. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for most people. In ERP therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessive thoughts, like touching objects that are dirty and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your compulsive actions (for example, hand-washing), so that anxiety levels decrease over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your obsessive and negative thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also useful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that peak in minutes. The symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes can occur following frightening events, or they could occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also have enduring distress about the possible occurrence of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations where they believe they may trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have experienced trauma. People with a family history or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
Although highly effective treatment exists but only one in 4 of those who require treatment are treated. Barriers to care include a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders can be treated, poor access to mental health care services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and evaluation. After determining the physical cause, a trained mental health professional can recommend specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed through families and are more likely to develop at a younger age for those who have an anxiety history. There are many risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, like childhood abuse or smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers that are used to treat heart problems. Becoming aware of the different types of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense anxiety about being in the public eye or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder may also lead to a variety of psychological disorders such as depression and substance abuse.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient alternative ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual danger in the scenario and that they can control the way they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.
Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medication however they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all part of. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and determine the causes of this condition. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have found that people who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders since they can have serious consequences on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be difficult to seek help and it can be helpful to include a friend or family member in the appointment-making process, or to join other people in the same group.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase the risk of depression and eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline for help.