Type Of Anxiety Disorder: The Good And Bad About Type Of Anxiety Disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are chronic, persistent, and interfere with your daily routine. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.
First, visit your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times and there are good reasons to worry about things like job responsibility, health, or money. But if your worries become constant and overtake your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by dread and anxiety that can alter the whole life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence but it can happen at any point. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed to be female at birth, as it is in men.
GAD can lead to physical discomforts, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can also affect social and work-related activities, leading people to isolate themselves from friends or family and lead to a loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders.
The root of anxiety disorders is not known but they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role too.
While there is no cure for GAD, the condition can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises several treatments that help you identify and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to seek assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, since it lets you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they take over your life.
Panic disorder
The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. panic anxiety disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be more susceptible to depression or other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Some research suggests they may be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition.
People suffering from anxiety disorders can be anxious all the time even though they know that their fears are unfounded. This can create problems in social situations, at work or in school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also have tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have a variety of worries about routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also be irritable, easily fatigued or have difficulty in concentrating. They might also worry about their safety or the safety of others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It usually starts in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in specific social situations like speaking in class or going out for date. It could also be more widespread and include avoidance of all situations that could lead to being assessed.
Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is unfounded, they are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behaviours" to try to lessen their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and not making eye contact.
Certain people with SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychotherapy. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, it's crucial to seek treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like addiction or depression. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with an emergency counselor.
Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the various types of anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen.
Specific phobias
A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears could be out of proportion to the risk that the object or situation, however they can cause significant distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they involve anxiety about one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may be anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and can begin in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't just unreasonable fears however, the fear is still very real.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, but if a fear persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, adult patients had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding an object, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, before riding a crowded lift. Although this type of therapy does not solve phobias, it can significantly decrease the severity of its symptoms.
Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.