Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are constant, chronic and interfere with your daily routine. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, see your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious every now and then and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities, health or financial. But when the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by dread and anxiety that can alter a person’s entire life. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur 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 symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions.

Although the exact cause is unknown but it is clear that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact the body’s response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, includes various methods that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be alleviated by medication. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medicines to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek out help if you are experiencing anxiety and other signs of the disorder. It is simpler to treat it when you seek help early, before the physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. People with this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart is beating or fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They are concerned that the symptoms they’re experiencing are signs of heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at a higher risk of depression or other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The root cause of anxiety disorders isn’t fully understood however, researchers believe they develop from a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like trauma or abuse in childhood, are typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders have a first degree relative who has the disorder.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even though they know their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations, at work or school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless and tired, or have trouble in concentrating. They may also worry about their safety or the safety of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. disorders anxiety include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the right treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed in groups or individually.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe disorder that can affect daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in certain social situations such as speaking in class or going out on date. It could also be more widespread and involve avoidance of all situations that could result in being considered a failure.

The person suffering from SAD might realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them more anxious. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, a few patients with SAD can benefit from medication. These medications, also known as antidepressants, help balance the levels of some 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 condition can be debilitating if not treated and may result in other mental health issues like addiction and depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Treatment is hindered by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the different types anxiety disorders, so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you’re unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or make use of an online tool to screen.

Specific phobias

A person with a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear for one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears may be out of proportion to the threat posed by the object or situation but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia can be anything, from dogs to heights, flying to injections and the crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more common for women than men, and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood. Certain phobias aren’t just irrational fears however, the fear is still very real.

Children with phobias that are specific to them usually outgrow them. However when the fear persists as an adult, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and how they affect the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer required for adults.

Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and consistent exposure to the object or situation. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They may then go on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding toys, going to the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and then experiencing a busy lift. Although this type of therapy is not able to solve phobias but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options for treating certain phobias. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often have better results.