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 health conditions, like thyroid problems.

It is normal to experience anxiety at times, for example before taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. But if it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications, are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is a normal part of responding to physical or psychological stress. When you see a car coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can help you stay safe. It triggers the “fight-or-flight” response which means that your heart will beat faster, blood will pump into your muscles, you’ll breathe more heavily and your body is nervous to prepare for a potential fight or a run. Certain people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is hard to control. This type of anxiety can be harmful if you are unable to do your normal daily activities or if it is a hindrance in your relationships, work, or education. People suffering from this disorder have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can affect people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and continues until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People with GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help you manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you to confront the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.

Medications to treat anxiety are typically used as short-term treatments for anxiety. There are a variety of antidepressants that can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. You may feel that you’re not able to speak in front of people around you, or that they look down at you. Some people suffering from this condition are so anxious that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Other people with this disorder experience selective mutism, which is when they are scared of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your mind and cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions can be behaviours like washing, checking or counting that you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among those suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and can disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men, and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to appear during puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear however some brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD you’re about 25% more likely to develop it.

People with OCD typically believe that their obsessions or compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are unable to stop them. They don’t get pleasure from performing their compulsions and know they’re wrong, yet they believe they must do something to stop bad things from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessions cause.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are many solutions available to help. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for the majority of people. ERP involves a therapy therapist gradually exposing you the objects and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession like touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety diminishes over time.

panic anxiety disorder are also prescribed to some patients suffering from OCD. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety, is characterized by recurrent episodes that last for minutes. panic anxiety disorder include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and breathing problems. These episodes can happen as a result of traumatic events or happen spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they believe could trigger one.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your daily life. It affects both genders equally but it is more common for people who have had a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to occur in people with a family history of anxiety or depression.

Although highly effective treatment exists, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment are treated. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.

The symptoms of an anxiety disorder are often similar to those of other illnesses, including hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. It is therefore essential to see a doctor to obtain a diagnosis and evaluation. A licensed mental health professional will suggest specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families, and they tend to be diagnosed at a younger age people with an ancestral history of them. There are many risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, including smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart issues. Educating yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and decrease stress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is defined by a persistent and heightened anxiety about being in the public eye or around others. They fear that they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that include heartbeats that are rapid, sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations can cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder could lead to other psychological disorders, such as depression or substance abuse.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps the person learn alternative ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears aren’t proportional to the actual danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger their anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorder however they aren’t considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all included. They are usually utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and determine the root cause of this condition. Certain environmental and genetic factors are believed to be responsible for. Some studies have also shown that people suffering from this condition react more strongly than others to certain hormones.

It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have serious consequences on people’s daily lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatments. It isn’t easy to ask for help, so it may be beneficial to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or to attend with the support group or a peer.

Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life and increase your risk for depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. Contact the suicide prevention helpline if you or someone you know is considering suicide.