Types of Anxiety Disorders
anxiety disorder symptoms disorders can be diagnosed when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy.
First, consult your physician to rule out any physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone is anxious every at times There are good reasons to worry about issues like work obligations, health or money. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience fears that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and can be difficult to control. They tend to assume the worst and believe that minor issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in men.
GAD can lead to physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can affect work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two disorders.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role too.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses a variety of therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by challenging them. The use of medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including dizziness and heart palpitations. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD is difficult to identify, but it is important to seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before physical and emotional symptoms take over your life.
Panic disorder
The anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be caused by brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like trauma or abuse in childhood are the most the most common causes of
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Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even though they know that their fears aren't rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also suffer from muscle tension, irritability and difficulties in concentration.
A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may worry about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They might also feel anxious and tired, or have difficulty in concentrating. They may also worry about their security or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, like speaking in class or going out on a date, or it could be more generalized and include avoiding any situation that might cause being considered unpopular by others.
While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is irrational, they still feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause
anxiety disorders symptoms, but this makes them even more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to reduce their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, avoid talking to others, or avoid eye contact.
Some people with SAD might benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment if they have social anxiety disorder. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also important to ensure that your doctor is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an
anxiety disorders in adults disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person who has a specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals, or other people. These fears could be insignificant to the danger of the object or circumstance, but they can cause severe anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may be anything from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or crowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world, more often in men than women, and tends to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational, but this knowledge does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, however if a anxiety persists in adults it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults.
Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way people respond to their fears and helps them develop healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or the situation. They can then proceed to seeing pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, and finally taking a ride in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias, it can significantly decrease the severity of its symptoms.
Other options for treating certain fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias who take these treatments often experience better outcomes.