Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders have trouble concentrating and can become anxious. They also have higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health conditions like thyroid problems.

A few times of anxiety are normal for instance, prior to taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent it is possible to require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications, are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, and this is usually an expected response to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, when you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps keep you safe by activating the “fight or flight” response. Your heart beats faster; blood pumps to your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes anxious in the event that you need to run away from danger or defend yourself against threats. Certain people, however, are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to control. This type of worrying can be harmful when you are unable perform your daily routine or if it causes disruption in your relationships, work, or education. People suffering from this disorder are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can be an issue for people of all ages, but it is most frequent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric conditions, such as depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you to challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.

Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically treated with medications. Several types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You may feel that you’re not able to speak in front of people around you, or that they look at you from afar. Certain people suffering from this disorder suffer from such anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are scared of certain situations, such as speaking in public or eating in front strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind and cause you anxiety or distress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing, checking or counting that you are compelled to do to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in those suffering from OCD. They can consume a lot of time and disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect men, women, and children of any age. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years, but symptoms are most likely to manifest during puberty or early adulthood. The reason behind OCD isn’t known but it is believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn’t normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that determines your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If you have one or more members of your family suffer from OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.

OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don’t enjoy performing their compulsions and know they’re not right, but they feel they must act to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessions cause.

While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are many treatment options available to help. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) to ensure that anxiety decreases over time.

Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to let go of your obsessional thoughts and eliminates their power over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach the peak in just minutes and include symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, nausea, chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is having a heart attack. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may be spontaneous and unexpected. People suffering from PD also have enduring distress about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations in which they fear they may trigger an episode.

PD as with other anxiety disorders , can cause severe distress and can affect negatively the daily routine. Men and women are equally affected, but the disorder is more common among people who have been through trauma. It is also more likely to happen in people who have an extended family history of depression or anxiety.

Only about 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it despite the fact there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders are often similar to the symptoms of other illnesses like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore important to consult a doctor to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis. After determining the physical cause, a trained mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood it is known that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families, and tend to be diagnosed earlier in those with a family history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of factors that could trigger an anxiety disorder such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam or Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. Becoming aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. panic anxiety disorder about social situations can create problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could result in other psychological disorders, such as substance abuse or depression.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key treatment for this condition. This teaches alternative ways of thinking and helps reduce anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears are not proportional to the actual threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that trigger their anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.

Social anxiety disorder can also be treated using medications, but they are not considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are often utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to understand the causes and identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. Additionally, studies have shown that people with this disorder have a greater than normal response to certain hormones within the body.

It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a serious impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental healthcare professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it is helpful to include a family member or friend during the appointment process or to attend with other people in the same group.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They may increase your risk of suffering from depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.