How Type Of Anxiety Disorder Has Transformed My Life The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if the feelings are intense or persistent and disrupt daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.
First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, and there are many valid reasons for worrying about things such as job responsibility or money, or health. When the worry becomes constant and consumes your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common among women and the newly born female.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders.
Although the exact cause is unknown but it is clear that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters inside the brain plays an important role.
While there is no cure for GAD, the condition is manageable with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes different therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and decrease your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD is a difficult condition to recognize, but you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is much easier to treat if you seek assistance early, before anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are symptoms of a heart attacks. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some research suggests they may be caused by brain circuits that control emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty in social situations, work or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder might be concerned about a variety of everyday activities, including job responsibilities and family problems. They may also be irritable and fatigued, or have trouble in concentrating. They might also worry about their safety or the safety of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health practices. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your anxiety and reduce the number of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are several types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are nervous or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, but it typically begins in childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in specific 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 considered a failure.
The person with SAD may realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behaviours" to try to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact.
Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication along with psychological therapy. These medications, also known as antidepressants, can help balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues like depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.
Anxiety disorders can be treated however, only 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also crucial to make sure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different kinds of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be properly diagnosed and treated. Your doctor should refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you suffer from anxiety disorders or use an online screening tool.
Specific phobias
A person who is afflicted with a particular 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 unrelated to the danger that the object or situation, however they can cause significant anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they are triggered by only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia can be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and the crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence most often in men than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children who suffer from specific phobias typically outgrow them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. They rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing a fear. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching people better ways of coping and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the object or situation that is feared. The patient may begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then go on to see images of it, stepping into an elevator, holding toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. Although this type of therapy cannot alleviate phobias however it can greatly reduce the intensity of its symptoms.
Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective by people who suffer from specific phobias.