Types Of Anxiety Disorders: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders have trouble concentrating and can become irritable. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and other health conditions, like thyroid issues.
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time for instance, prior to a test or when moving into a new residence. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant it is possible to require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some time or another. This is a normal response to stress, either physical or psychological. When you see a car speeding towards you your fear or anxiety response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart rate will increase blood will flow into your muscles, you'll breath more heavily and your body will become tense to prepare for a potential fight or a run. Some people, however, are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This type of anxiety is harmful when you are unable do your normal daily activities, or if it interferes in your relationships, work or education. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD is a problem for people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and continues throughout adulthood. mixed anxiety and depressive disorder is more common in women than men. People who suffer from GAD frequently suffer from other mental disorders, including depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.
Anxiety medications are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and apprehension in social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak in front of others, or that they look at you. Some people suffering from this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations such as speaking in public or eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that keep popping up in your mind and cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are actions, such as washing, counting or examining that you are driven to do in order to lessen the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up the majority of their time and disrupt everyday activities like relationships, work and social activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for men, women and children of all age groups. It can be diagnosed as early as the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The reason behind OCD is not known, but it's believed that the activity in certain areas of the brain isn't normal. It may be linked to an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD, you are about 25 percent more likely to develop it.
OCD patients are often left powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they are wrong, but they believe they have to act to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessions cause.
There are many treatments that can aid. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for most people. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the things or situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your impulsive actions (for instance, washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is also referred to as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by repeated episodes that peak in minutes. The symptoms include trembling, nausea and sweating as well as chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes can happen as a result of traumatic experiences or spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they think might trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect the daily routine. Women and men are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through trauma. People with a family history or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
Only about 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. Obstacles to treatment include a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable as well as a lack of access to mental health care services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble the symptoms of other illnesses, including hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's essential to consult the doctor for an assessment and the diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families and tend to be diagnosed at a younger age people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, like childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and learning about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and may be smacked of or rejected. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear and avoidance of social situations can cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder could cause a range of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn new ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and they can control the way they react and behave. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger their anxiety with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorder but they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all part of. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and understand what causes this condition. Certain environmental and genetic factors are known to contribute. In addition, some studies have shown that people who suffer from this disorder have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.
It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders since they can have serious consequences on people's daily lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be hard to ask for help and it can be recommended to include a trusted friend or family member in the appointment making process, or to join other people in the same group.
Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life and can increase your risk for depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline for help.