Is Type Of Anxiety Disorder Just As Important As Everyone Says?
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy.
First, visit your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many valid reasons to worry about things like job responsibility or money, or health. But when the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by dread and anxiety that can affect a person's entire life. They are prone to anticipate the worst and assume that minor problems will develop into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any age. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female.
GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher chance of developing depression. However treatment can help manage the two disorders.
While the exact cause of anxiety isn't known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play in.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you to understand and control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and decrease your fear by confronting them. Medications can help relieve some of the physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations and dizziness. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD is a difficult condition to recognize, but you should seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. People with this disorder may also suffer from chest discomfort, breathlessness or the sensation that their heart is beating or fluttering ("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 at a higher risk of depression or other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Some research suggests they may be due to brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse, or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorder. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member with the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even though they know their fears aren't rational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or school. People with anxiety disorders may are also unable to sleep or eating well. anxiety disorder best medication might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have a variety of worries about everyday tasks, such as work responsibilities or family issues. They may also be irritable, easily fatigued or have trouble in concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and lessen panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.
Social anxiety disorder
Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with daily life routines. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as talking in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized and include avoidance of any situation that could result in being considered unpopular by other people.
While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to try to reduce anxiety, like drinking alcohol, being quiet and avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of certain neurotransmitters in 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 suffer from social anxiety. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.
One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Barriers to getting treatment include lack of awareness that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the various forms of anxiety disorders, so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to a mental health professional or make use of an online tool to screen.
Specific fears
A person with specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals or other people. These fears may be unrelated to the danger posed by the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may include anything from dogs to heights to flying to injections to crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more common among women than men and tends to begin in the adolescent years or early childhood. Certain phobias aren't unfounded fears but the fear remains real.
Children with specific phobias usually get over them, but if the phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of the DSM, adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then move on to see images of it, walking near an elevator, holding toys, going to the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and finally riding a crowded lift. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can reduce its intensity.
Other treatment options for specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are frequently proven to be effective for people with phobias specific to them.