Types Of Anxiety Disorders Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also have a higher risk of depression as well as some illnesses, such as thyroid issues.
A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications, are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some time or another. This is a normal reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For instance, when you observe a car speeding towards you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood pumps into your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes nervous in the event you have to escape danger or defend yourself against an attack. Some people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to control. This kind of anxiety can be detrimental if it keeps you from completing your routine and affects relationships such as work or school. People suffering from this disorder are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD affects people from all ages, but it most often starts in childhood or adolescence and persists until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often associated with other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid in managing your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques.
Medications to treat anxiety are generally used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel as if you're not able to talk to other people, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down at you. Some people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Others who suffer from this disorder suffer from selective mutism, which is when they are only afraid of specific 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 may be behaviors like washing or counting. They can also be actions that you are compelled to do to ease anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. People with OCD often have both compulsions and obsessions, which can take up the majority of their time and affect their the daily routine, relationships and work.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men, and children of all different ages. It can start in the early years, but symptoms are most likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. The specific cause of OCD isn't known, but it's believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't as normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that controls your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If you have one or more members of your family has OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
OCD patients are often left powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're not right, but they believe they have to act to stop negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the stress that their obsessions cause.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of treatment options available to aid. Most people can benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) in order that anxiety levels decrease over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be useful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, nausea and chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent doom, and the belief that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur following terrifying experiences, or they can be sudden and unexpected. People with PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack.
PD, like other anxiety disorders, can cause severe distress and can have a negative impact on daily life. Women and men are equally affected, but the disorder is more prevalent among those who have experienced an event that was traumatic. People who have a family history of depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.
While there is a highly effective treatment available however, only 1 out of 4 people who require treatment receive it. The barriers to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated, poor access to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to obtain a diagnosis and evaluation. After determining if there is a physical cause, a certified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment options.
While the causes of anxiety disorders aren't yet fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families, and they tend to manifest earlier in people with a family history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors that can lead to the development of anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can reduce anxiety, as can beta-blockers that are used to treat heart conditions. You can control your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders. You can ease the anxiety in your daily life by learning about treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder are constantly afraid of being in public, or with other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear and avoidance of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and addiction to substances.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It teaches the patient new ways of thinking and behaving, which can lessen the anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they can control the way they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that create anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure setting.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated using medications but they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
The research is ongoing to determine the causes and to identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. Certain studies have also demonstrated that people with this condition react more strongly than normal to certain hormones.
It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental healthcare professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to seek help, so it is recommended to include a trusted friend or family member during the appointment procedure or to meet with other peers or a support group.
Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and can increase your risk for depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline if you or someone you love is considering suicide.