5 Laws Anybody Working In Types Of Anxiety Disorders Should Be Aware Of
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders experience trouble concentrating and can become anxious. They also have a higher chance of depression and some health conditions, like thyroid issues.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times such as before taking an exam or moving to the new location. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant, you may require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is an expected response to psychological or physical stress. When you see a car coming at you fast, your anxiety or fear response can help you stay safe. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart rate will increase blood will flow to your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily and your body is anxious to prepare for a possible fight or run. Certain people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to control. This kind of worry can be harmful when you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance with your relationships, work or education. People suffering from this disorder suffer from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is a problem for people from all ages, but it usually begins in adolescence or childhood and persists throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. People suffering from GAD frequently suffer from other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use alcohol and other drugs.
Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Several types of antidepressants are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Discuss with your doctor about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. It can be a feeling that you aren't able to talk to others, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Others who suffer from this disorder experience selective mutism. This means that they are only afraid of specific situations, such as public speaking or eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions can be behaviours like washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to perform to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and can disrupt relationships as well as work activities.
Obsessive compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all ages. It can start in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unknown however, it is believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't normal. It may be linked to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that affects your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if one or more family members have OCD, there's about a 25% chance you will experience it.
OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they are wrong, but they believe they have to act in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to escape or relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of solutions available to help. The majority of people will benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves the therapy therapist gradually exposing you the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such touching dirty objects. They also aid you in learning to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety diminishes over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive thoughts and removes the power they exert over you, while meditation and relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling, chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is experiencing a heart attack. These episodes may occur due to traumatizing events or happen spontaneously. People with PD also experience constant anxiety over the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations in which they think they might trigger an episode.
PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause extreme distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. It affects men and women equally, but it is more common in people who have experienced trauma or a stressful experience. People who have a family history of anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
About 1 of 4 people who require treatment are able to receive it, despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. Barriers to care include a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder frequently resemble the symptoms of other illnesses like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to see a physician in order to get an assessment and diagnosis. After determining the physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are typically passed down through families and typically appear earlier in those with an anxiety history. There are a variety of risk factors that can trigger anxiety disorder s, including smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public or around other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They typically experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty speaking. Their fear and avoidance of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may cause a range of psychological disorders like depression and substance abuse.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This teaches the person new ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are in proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they are in control of how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations which cause anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure setting.
Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medications but they aren't considered as a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
The research is ongoing to determine the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic factors are known to contribute. In addition, some studies have shown that people who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a serious impact on the lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and suggest treatment. It isn't easy to ask for assistance, so it could be beneficial to include a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or attending with the support group or a peer.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase the risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can call the suicide prevention hotline for help.