Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.

First, see your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things like job responsibilities and financial obligations, as well as health. However, if the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by dread and anxiety that can affect a person’s entire life. They tend to assume the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be affected by anyone. It typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned female at birth as in men.

GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder the activities of work and social life. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help manage both disorders.

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

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses different therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to diagnose however, you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is simpler to treat it when you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (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 more susceptible to depression or other health issues, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests they may be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the condition.

People suffering from anxiety disorders can feel worried all the time even though they know that their fears are unfounded. This can cause problems in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability and difficulties in getting their attention.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may worry about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family problems. They’re also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about their safety or that of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn how to manage your anxiety and reduce the amount of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are many types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with daily life. It causes intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It usually starts in childhood, but can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It usually manifests as anxiety over specific social situations, such as talking in class or going out on a date, or it may be more generalized, and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by other people.

The person with SAD may recognize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them more anxious. They may also develop “safety behavior” to lessen their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, stay silent, or avoid eye contact.

Some people with SAD may benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. Antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider understands the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health in case you’re not sure if you suffer from anxiety disorders or utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific Phobias

A person with a specific fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears could be insignificant to the risk of 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 a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia can be anything, from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more common among women than men and it tends to start in the adolescent years or early childhood. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are irrational however this doesn’t diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, but if a anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In past DSM editions, adults had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that this is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on educating people about healthier coping mechanisms and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared subject or event. The patient might begin by imagining the object or event. They may then go on to see images of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding an object, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, and finally taking a ride in a crowded elevator. While this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias, it can significantly reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific fears. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often report improved outcomes.