Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently have trouble concentrating and are anxious. They also have a higher risk of depression and some medical conditions, including thyroid problems.
It is normal to feel anxious at times for instance, prior to an exam or when moving into a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times and this is an expected response to psychological or physical stress. For instance, when you notice 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 to your muscles and you breathe more deeply and your body gets tense in case you have to flee from danger or fight against an attack. However certain people are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This kind of worry can be harmful if you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance in your relationships, work or education. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it usually begins in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than men. People who suffer from GAD typically have other mental disorders, including depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid in managing your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Treatments for short-term anxiety are typically treated with medications. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, talk about the medications with your physician.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It is possible that you're not able to speak to others, or that they look at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are scared of certain situations like eating or talking in public, or even eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images or urges that keep coming back in your mind and cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing, checking or counting that you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently have both compulsions and obsessions, which can take up the majority of their time and interfere with daily activities, relationships and work.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women, and children of all ages. It can begin in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known however certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which controls your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family have OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
People suffering from OCD typically think that their obsessions and compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are powerless to stop them. They are aware that they are wrong and don't like their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to avoid bad things happening or to avoid the stress that their obsessive thinking causes.
While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to help. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for most people. In ERP therapy, your therapist gradually exposes to the objects or situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) in order that anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are beneficial in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach an extreme within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending death, and the feeling that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may be sudden and unexpected. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about future panic attacks, and avoid situations that they think might trigger one.
PD like other anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. Men and women are equally affected, but the disorder is more prevalent in those who have experienced an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to occur in people with an extended family history of anxiety or depression.
Around 1 out of four people who require treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are many highly effective treatments available. Obstacles to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder frequently resemble symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation and the diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options.
Although panic anxiety disorder of anxiety disorders are not completely identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed down through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage in those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are many risk factors that can trigger anxiety disorders, including childhood abuse or smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam or Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. You can treat your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can lessen the stress in your everyday life by learning about treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorders have intense and persistent fears of being in public or with other people. They fear that they will be snubbed or rejected and judged negatively. They often develop a range of physical and emotional signs such as rapid heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations could cause problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could also lead to a variety of psychological disorders such as depression and substance abuse.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and reduces anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and that they are in control of how they behave and react. Another effective approach is exposure therapy or cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger anxiety, with the assistance of the therapist in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication, but they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and understand the root cause of this condition. It is known that certain genetic and environmental factors could be responsible for. In addition, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the disorder and suggest treatment. It isn't easy to ask for assistance, so it might be beneficial to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or attending with an organization or peer.
Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life and can increase your risk for depression, substance use or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline to get help.