5 Type Of Anxiety Disorder Tips From The Pros
Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if these feelings are extreme or persistent and disrupt your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments. First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from. Generalized disorders anxiety feels anxious at times and there are many good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, money, or health. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor issues will turn into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent for women and in those who are born female. GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to experience depression However, treatment can help manage both disorders. The exact cause of anxiety disorders is not known however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays a part. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes various therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by challenging them. Medications can help relieve some of the physical symptoms, including dizziness and heart palpitations. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD is difficult to recognize and treat, but you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is easier to treat when you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life. Panic disorder This kind of anxiety disorder is characterized by repeated, intense fear and terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be more susceptible to depression or other health issues such as asthma or hyperthyroidism. The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but researchers believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be due to brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know their fears aren't rational. This can cause difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Additionally, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They might also have tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by numerous worries regarding everyday tasks, such as the demands of their job or family issues. They might also feel anxious and fatigued, or have difficulty concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own safety or that of others. There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health methods. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in early adulthood, but it typically starts in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety about specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by other people. The person suffering from SAD may recognize that their anxiety is unfounded but feel helpless. disorders anxiety attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behaviours” to try to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact. Some people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of 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 essential to get treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening when left untreated, and could cause other mental health problems like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders can be treated, but only about 1 out of four people who require care receive it. The main barriers to treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to make sure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be treated and diagnosed appropriately. If you're unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool. Specific phobias A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations, animals, or other people. These fears could be insignificant to the risk that the object or situation however they can cause significant distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. Unlike the 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, dogs, flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more common in women than men, and tends to begin in adolescence or childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational, but this knowledge does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms. Children with phobias that are specific to them usually overcome them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In the past DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults. There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching people healthier ways of coping and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and consistent exposure to the feared object or circumstance. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or circumstance and then move to looking at pictures of the subject, then taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. Although this type of therapy cannot cure a phobia however it can greatly reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Psychotherapy and medicines such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options for treating certain phobias. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently experience better outcomes.