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Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when these feelings are severe or continue to reoccur and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety. First, consult your doctor to rule out any physical ailments that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you have. Generalized anxiety disorder Every person experiences anxiety now and then and there are good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, health, or money. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by feelings of dread and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor problems will develop into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it typically begins in childhood or adolescence however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as males. GAD can lead to physical discomforts, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also affect social and work activities, causing people to isolate themselves from family or friends and lead to an eroding of self-esteem. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher risk of depression. However treatment can help manage both disorders. While the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well. Although there is no cure for GAD, the condition is manageable through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes various therapies that help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines along with medicines that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD can be difficult to recognize however it is crucial to seek assistance if you begin to notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to manage your anxiety and physical symptoms before they take over your life. Panic disorder The anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. People with this disorder may also suffer from chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart is pounding or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They frequently worry that their symptoms could be a sign of a heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression or other health problems such as asthma or hyperthyroidism. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of 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 disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even though they know that their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about everyday tasks, such as job responsibilities or family problems. They might also feel anxious, easily fatigued or have trouble in concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own security or that of others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and suggest the right treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It typically begins in childhood, but can be present in the early years of adulthood. It usually manifests as anxiety about specific social situations, like having a conversation in class or going on dates, or it could be more generalized and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by others. The person suffering from SAD might realize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to to lessen their anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoiding eye contact. Some people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. Antidepressants can help balance certain 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 get treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to talk with a trained crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders can be treated however, only 1 in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider understands the different types anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor should refer you to an expert in mental health when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool. Specific phobias A person with specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or even other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the risk that the object or circumstance presents, but they may cause distress and interfere in the daily activities of. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could range from heights to dogs to flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. This is a common occurrence most often in men than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. Specific phobias are not unfounded fears, but 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 by looking at the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of DSM, adult patients were required to recognize their fears that were irrational in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
Other options for treating certain fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy and other drugs. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders are frequently proven to be effective by those with specific phobias. |
