Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently have trouble concentrating and are irritable. They also have higher risk of developing depression as well as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues.
Occasional anxiety is normal, for example before taking an exam or moving into a new home. When anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. medication for anxiety disorder and depression (talk therapy) and medications are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, and this is usually a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. For example, when you observe a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood flows into your muscles and you breathe more deeply; and your body becomes tense in case you have to run away from danger or fight an attack. However, some people are troubled by excessive worrying that seems impossible to control. This type of worry could be harmful when it prevents you from completing your daily activities and if it hinders relationships, work or school. People suffering from this disorder are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age however it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you to challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.
The medications used to treat anxiety are generally used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Talk to your doctor about these medications before beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It can be a feeling that you can't be able to speak to others, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, in which people are afraid of certain situations such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your mind, causing anxiety or stress. Compulsions can be behaviours such as washing or counting. They can also be actions that you are compelled to do to ease anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. People with OCD frequently have both compulsions and obsessions which can occupy the majority of their time and disrupt everyday activities such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all different ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms tend to manifest during puberty or young adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown however some brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If one or more members of your family suffer from OCD, you are about 25% more likely to develop it.
OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't relish performing their compulsions and know they're not right, but they feel they must act to prevent bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the anxiety that their obsessive thoughts create.
There are many treatment options that can aid. The majority of people can benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP, the therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying in your compulsive behaviors (for instance, washing your hands) in order that your anxiety decreases as time passes.
Certain people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that last for minutes. The symptoms include trembling sweating and nausea as well as chest pains and shortness of breath. These episodes can occur following frightening events, or they could be sudden and unexpected. People with PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they think might trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through trauma. It is also more likely to happen in people who have a family history of depression or anxiety.
Although highly effective treatment exists but only one out of 4 people who require treatment are treated. Barriers to care include a lack awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health care services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other ailments like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is crucial to visit a doctor for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining the physical cause, a certified mental health professional can recommend specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed through families and are more likely to appear earlier in those with an history of anxiety disorders. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam or Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense fear of being in public eye or around other people. They fear that they will be humiliated or rejected and considered a negative judge. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could lead to other mental disorders, including addiction or depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn alternative ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over how they react and act. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders, though they are not considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and to understand the root cause of this condition. It is believed that certain genes and environmental factors may contribute. In addition, some studies have found that people who suffer from this disorder have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.
It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders since they can have serious consequences on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health specialist can identify anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to seek help and it can be recommended to include a trusted family member or friend in the appointment-making procedure or to meet with others in a peer group or support group.
Some types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention for help if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.