Type Of Anxiety Disorder Tips From The Top In The Business
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or persistent and disrupt your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.
First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are a variety of good reasons to worry about things like work responsibilities, money, or health. If the worry is constant and consumes your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterised by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any age. It is twice as common in women and those born female.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can hinder work and social activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher risk of developing depression. However, treatment can help to manage both disorders.
The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown but they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role too.
Although there isn't a cure for GAD, the condition is manageable by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, encompasses various methods that help you recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and decrease your fear by challenging them. Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to get assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other symptoms of the disorder. It is much easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and mental symptoms take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that are intense within a matter of minutes. People who have this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling that their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They worry that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attacks. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues such asthma or hyperthyroidism.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some studies suggest that they may be caused by brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative who has the condition.
People who have anxiety disorders may be worried all the time even when they realize that their fears are irrational. This can create difficulties in social situations at work, at home or in school. Additionally, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties in concentration.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may be worried about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to be tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about the safety of themselves and others.
There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your anxieties and decrease the number of panic attacks you experience. 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 serious condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in childhood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in particular social situations such as speaking in class or going out on date. Or it may be more widespread and involve avoidance of all situations that could result in being judged.
While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people with SAD benefit from medications. Antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The disorder can be life-threatening if left untreated and can cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders can be treated 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 also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different kinds of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor to refer to a mental health professional when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.
Specific phobias
A person who has a specific fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals, or other people. These fears could be insignificant to the danger of the object or situation however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia can be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide, more often in men than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded but this doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms.
Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, but if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous editions of the DSM adults 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 kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on altering the way people react to their fears and helps them develop healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure of the object or situation that is feared. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They can then proceed to see images of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding a toy, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and finally riding a crowded lift. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it can reduce the intensity.
Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. These treatments are generally considered to be effective for people with specific phobias.