15 Things Your Boss Wants You To Know About Types Of Anxiety Disorders You Knew About Types Of Anxiety Disorders
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders experience trouble concentrating and can become irritable. They also have a higher chance of developing depression and other illnesses, such as thyroid problems.
A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. When anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders .
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point and this is an expected response to psychological or physical stress. When you see a car speeding towards you, your anxiety or fear response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart rate will increase blood flow will increase into your muscles, you'll breath more heavily, and your body will get tense to prepare for a potential fight or run. However, some people are troubled by excessive worrying that seems difficult to control. This kind of worry can be harmful if you are unable to perform your daily routine, or if it interferes in your relationships, work, or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD can be an issue for people of all ages however it is most frequent in adolescents and children. It can persist into adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric conditions such as depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid in managing your symptoms. It is 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 helps you overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Short-term anxiety treatments are usually addressed with medications. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel like you're not able to speak to people around you, or that they look at you. Some people suffering from this condition are so anxious that they avoid all social interactions. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations like eating in public or speaking in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts, images, or urges that recur in your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to perform to alleviate anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently have both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy the majority of their time and affect their the daily routine like relationships, work and social activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men and children of all ages. It can begin in childhood but the symptoms are most likely to develop in early adulthood or during puberty. OCD's exact cause is unknown however some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which controls your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if one or more family members suffer from OCD there's 25% chance that you will experience it.
People suffering from OCD generally think that their obsessions and compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are powerless to stop them. They realize that they are wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions but feel compelled to act to avoid negative events occurring or to alleviate the anxiety that obsessive thought generates.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for most people. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your thoughts, like touching objects that are dirty, and helps you resist acting on your compulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases over time.
Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your obsessive thoughts and eliminates their influence over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling and chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling of imminent doom, and the belief that one is having a heart attack. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People with PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they think might trigger one.
PD, like other anxiety disorders, can create extreme distress and have a negative impact on everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, but the disorder is more common among people who have experienced an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to happen in people with a family history of depression or anxiety.
Around 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it, despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The barriers to treatment include a lack awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable as well as a lack of access to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder often mimic the symptoms of other illnesses like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and evaluation. A qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and they tend to develop at a younger age in people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can reduce anxiety, as can beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart problems. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations could cause issues at work or with relationships. The disorder may also lead to a variety of psychological disorders, including depression and addiction to substances.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and helps reduce anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they can control how they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.
Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to discover the causes behind this condition and to identify risk factors. It is known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. In addition, some studies have found that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it may be beneficial to include a friend or family member in making an appointment or to attend with an organization or peer.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression or eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.