Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but if the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy.

First, consult your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everybody feels anxious from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things like work responsibilities, money, or health. But when the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by fear and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can lead to physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect work and social activities. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at a higher risk of developing depression. However, treatment can help to manage both disorders.

Although the exact cause of anxiety isn’t known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact your body’s response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays a part.

Although there is no cure for GAD however, it is manageable through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises several treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be alleviated by medication. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines along with medicines that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to identify however, you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to manage your physical and emotional symptoms before they take over your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is characterized by repeated, sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart is pounding or flaring (“heart palpitations”). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attacks. 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.

The root cause of anxiety disorders isn’t fully understood however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that control emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as trauma or abuse in childhood are the most the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be anxious all the time even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can cause issues in social settings, at work or in school. People with anxiety disorders may also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties in concentration.

A person with generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a myriad of everyday tasks, including job responsibilities and family problems. They may also feel exhausted or restless as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. panic anxiety disorder can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, but it typically starts in childhood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, such as talking in class or going on a date, or it could be more generalized and involve avoiding any situation that might cause being perceived as a failure by others.

The person with SAD may realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behaviors” to try to reduce their anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and avoid eye contact.

Certain people with SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, known as antidepressants, may help to regulate 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 important to get treatment. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone 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 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorder s, the lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types anxiety disorders to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor should refer you to an expert in mental health in case you’re not sure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific fears

A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears may be insignificant to the threat posed by the object or circumstance, but they cause marked anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could range from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more prevalent for women than men, and it tends to start in the adolescent years or early childhood. Specific phobias are not unfounded fears but the fear is still very real.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually overcome them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on everyday functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of the DSM adults were required to acknowledge their fears that were irrational in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two types of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their reactions to fear. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They may then go on to seeing pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, playing with toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias, it can significantly reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Other options for treating specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently experience better outcomes.