Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, see your doctor to rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious at times, and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things such as job obligations or money, or health. If the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with GAD have feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and are often difficult to control. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone. It typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those born female.

GAD can cause physical issues such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also affect work and social activities, leading people to isolate themselves from friends or family and cause an eroding of self-esteem. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions.

While the root of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body responds to stress. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.

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GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes several treatments that help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by confronting them. The use of medicines can ease some physical symptoms, including dizziness and heart palpitations. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and some medicines that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to recognize however, you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is easier to treat by seeking assistance early, before physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms could be a sign of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be at a higher risk of depression or other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree relative who has the condition.

People with anxiety disorders can feel worried all the time even though they know that their fears are unfounded. This can cause issues in social settings at work, at home or in school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about routine tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They're also likely to be exhausted or restless, have trouble concentrating and often worry about the safety of themselves or others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder causes such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with normal life activities. It usually starts in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It may manifest as anxiety in specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. Or it may be more widespread and involve avoiding all situations that could lead to being judged.

While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, being quiet and avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people who suffer from SAD benefit from medications. These antidepressants can help regulate some neurotransmitters within 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 essential to seek treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues like depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with a crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to make sure that your doctor is aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific Phobias

A person with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the danger that the object or situation poses, but they can cause distress and hinder everyday functioning. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything, from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are unfounded however this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually get over them, but if a phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In past DSM editions, adult patients needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says it is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or situation. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at images of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking through an elevator), holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it could reduce the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific fears. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often experience better outcomes.


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Last-modified: 2024-05-06 (月) 15:58:35 (13d)