How Type Of Anxiety Disorder Altered My Life For The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone is anxious every now and then, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about issues like work responsibility, health, or financial. But if types of anxiety disorders become constant and overtake your life, you may have a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and can be difficult to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can become major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in adolescence or childhood however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent among women and the newly born female.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder the activities of work and social life. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to suffer from depression However, treatment can help treat both disorders.
The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role as well.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is different methods that help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be relieved by medications. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to recognize however, you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat by seeking help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, extreme terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They often worry that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't known, but researchers believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events, are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the disorder.
People who have anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly even though they know that their fears are irrational. This can cause problems when it comes to social situations, work or at school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience many worries about everyday tasks, such as work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel exhausted or restless, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about their safety or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can assist you in identifying the condition that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxieties and decrease the amount of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but may be present in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in particular social situations such as speaking in class or going out on a date. It could also be more widespread and include avoiding all situations that could lead to being assessed.
While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they feel powerless to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this makes them more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behaviours" to help reduce anxiety, like drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoiding eye contact.
Some people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. Antidepressants can help balance 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 when they have social anxiety disorder. The condition can be fatal if not treated and may result in other mental health issues like addiction and depression. If you or someone else you know has suicidal feelings contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.
Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable but only one in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types anxiety disorders so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.
Specific phobias
A person who is afflicted with a particular phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or other people. These fears may be insignificant to the threat of the object or situation however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about a single stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could include anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowds. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. Specific phobias are not unreasonable fears however, the fear is real.
Children with specific phobias usually outgrow them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. Before determining a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.
Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, holding a toy, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, before experiencing a busy lift. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it may reduce its intensity.
Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific fears. These treatments are frequently reported to be effective by people with specific phobias.