20 Things You Must Know About Types Of Anxiety Disorders
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also have a higher risk of depression and some medical conditions, including thyroid issues.
It's normal to be anxious at times like before an exam or when moving into a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at one moment in time. It's an expected reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. When you see a car approaching you quickly and you are anxious or scared, your response can help keep you safe. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart beats faster blood will flow to your muscles, you'll breath more heavily, and your body is nervous to prepare for a possible fight or a run. Certain people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This kind of anxiety can be harmful when it prevents you from engaging in your normal routine and interferes with relationships such as work or school. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD can affect people of any age but it is more frequent in adolescents and children. It can persist throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of 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 aid in managing your symptoms. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to confront distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.
Medications to treat anxiety are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It is possible that you are unable to speak in front of others, or that they stare at you from afar. Some people with this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder experience selective mutism, which is when they are terrified of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in the presence of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images or desires that keep coming back in your mind and cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions could be actions like washing or counting, which you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up many hours of their lives and disrupt daily activities such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect men, women and children of any age. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to develop when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The reason behind OCD is unknown however, it is believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that regulates your mood. There's also a significant genetic component. If you or your family members have OCD there's a 25% chance you will experience it.
OCD sufferers often feel in a position of powerlessness to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They know they're not right and don't enjoy their compulsions but feel compelled to act to avoid negative events happening or to avoid the anxiety their obsessive thinking creates.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can help. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for most people. In ERP therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty and helps you to resist relying on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) to ensure that anxiety levels decrease as time passes.
Some people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you learn to let go of your obsessional thoughts and removes their influence over you, while meditation and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD), also known as anxiety or panic attacks, is characterized by recurrent episodes that peak in minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and shortness of breath. These episodes can happen as a result of traumatic events or happen spontaneously. People with PD also have enduring distress about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations in which they fear they could trigger an episode.
PD, like other anxiety disorders, can cause significant distress and affect negatively daily life. Women and men are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent in those who have experienced an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to occur in those with a family history of depression or anxiety.
About 1 out of four people who require treatment get it despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the limited access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder frequently resemble symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. It is therefore essential to see a physician to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options.
While the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage for those with an history of anxiety disorders. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors that can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines like diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart issues. You can treat your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders. Iam Psychiatry can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatments.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorders have intense and persistent fears of being in public or with other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid as well as sweating and trembling. Their aversion to and fear of social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and addiction to substances.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is the most effective treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient alternative ways of thinking and behavior to lessen the anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they are in control of how they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that create anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medications but they aren't considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes behind this condition and identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental elements are known to cause. Additionally, studies have found that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek help for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner 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 include a family member or friend in making an appointment or attend an organization or peer.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life, and can increase the risk of depression, substance use or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.