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Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They also are at an increased risk of developing depression and certain health issues like thyroid issues.
It's normal to be anxious occasionally, such as before the test or when you move into a new residence. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may need treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at one time or another. It's an expected reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, when you see a car speeding toward you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster, blood pumps to your muscles and you breathe more deeply and your body is tense in case you have to run away from danger or defend yourself against a threat. However certain people are plagued by excessive worrying that seems impossible to control. This type of worrying is harmful when you are unable to do your normal daily activities, or if it interferes in your relationships, work or education. People with this problem have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age but it is more common in children and adolescents. It can last throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to confront distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.
The medications used to treat anxiety are typically employed as short-term treatments for anxiety. There are a variety of antidepressants that can be effective, including 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 when in social situations. You might feel like you're not able to speak in front of others, or that they are looking at you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. Others who suffer from this disorder experience selective mutism. This means that they are scared of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind and can cause stress or anxiety. Compulsions can be behaviours like washing or counting, which you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress brought on by an obsession. Iam Psychiatry suffering from OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions that can consume the majority of their time and disrupt daily activities, relationships and work.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all ages. It can begin in the early years of life however, symptoms are more likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. The specific cause of OCD is not known but it is believed that some regions of the brain isn't as normal. It could be related to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. There's also a strong genetic component. If one or more family members have OCD There's 25% chance that you'll experience it.
People with OCD generally think that their obsessions and obsessions are unjust and that they are powerless to stop them. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they feel they must act in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to alleviate or escape the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts.
There are many treatments that can aid. The majority of people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a therapist gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some people with OCD. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach the peak in just minutes. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending danger, and the conviction that one is having a heart attack. These episodes may occur after terrifying experiences, or they can be spontaneous and unexpected. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about future panic attacks, and are cautious about situations they fear could trigger a panic attack.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your daily life. Both genders are affected, but the condition is more prevalent in those who have been through trauma. It is also more likely to occur in people with an extended family history of depression or anxiety.
While there is a highly effective treatment available however, only 1 in 4 people who require treatment receive it. The barriers to treatment include a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders can be treated, poor access to mental health services and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders often mimic symptoms of other diseases, including hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and evaluation. After determining if there is a physical cause, a trained mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not yet fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families and tend to manifest at a younger age people with an ancestral history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Learning about the various types of anxiety disorders and learning about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in public eye or with others. They fear they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder may cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and substance abuse.
This condition can be treated using psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and can reduce anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over how they react and act. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of the therapist in a secure environment.
They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorders, though they are not considered a cure. They include antianxiety medication including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes and to identify risk factors. It is known that certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it is recommended to include a trusted friend or family member in the appointment-making process, or to join other people in the same group.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They may increase your risk of suffering from depression and substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline for help.