Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety disorders statistics and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.
First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Every person experiences anxiety now and then There are good reasons to worry about issues like work obligations, health or financial. When the worry becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and are often hard to manage. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and believe that minor issues can become major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it typically begins in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as men.
GAD can cause physical issues such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can also hinder social and work activities, leading people to isolate themselves from friends or family and cause a loss of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression, but treatment can help treat both disorders.
Although the exact cause of anxiety isn’t known, it appears that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that impact your body’s response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role in the cause.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various therapies that help you recognize and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you manage your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD isn’t easy to identify, but it is important to get help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, since it lets you manage your physical and mental symptoms before they take over your life.
Panic disorder
This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. People who have this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart is beating or it is fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They often worry that their symptoms could be a sign of a heart attack. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Some research suggests that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an separation anxiety disorder therapies disorder have a first-degree family member with the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even when they realize their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or school. In addition, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating.
A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless and fatigued, or have difficulty concentration. They might also worry about their own safety or that of others.
There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best medication for generalized anxiety disorder treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to deal with your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious disorder that can affect everyday life. It causes extreme anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in particular social situations like speaking in class or going out on dates. It can also be more widespread and involve avoidance of all situations that could lead to being judged.
The person suffering from SAD may recognize that their anxiety is unfounded however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to ease their anxiety. For instance drinking alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychotherapy, some people with SAD benefit from medications. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it’s crucial to seek treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening if left untreated and can cause mental health issues, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor.
One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider is aware of the various forms of anxiety disorders, to ensure you be properly diagnosed and treated. If you’re unsure if you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.
Specific Phobias
A person who suffers from a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears could be insignificant to the risk that the object or situation but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object could be anything from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded but this does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms.
Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, however if a anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. They what are the 6 types of anxiety disorders; recent post by Rvolchansk, able to rule out other conditions that may be similar like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing the fear. In earlier editions of DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer required for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on educating people about healthier ways of coping and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and consistent exposure to the subject or event. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at photos of the subject, taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it could decrease the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific fears. These therapies are often considered to be effective by people with phobias specific to them.