Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be identified when anxiety or fear are constant, chronic and interfere with your daily routine. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.

First, see your doctor to rule out any physical ailments that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety disorders effects from time to time, and there are many valid reasons to worry about things such as job responsibilities and financial obligations, as well as health. However, if the worries become constant and overtake your life, you may have a more serious separation anxiety disorder in adults disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to control. They tend to anticipate the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major problems. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those deemed female at birth as in men.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, including headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work-related activities, leading people to isolate themselves from families or friends, and contribute to an eroding of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to suffer from depression However, treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the root of anxiety disorders medicine disorders is unknown however, they are linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that alter how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role as well.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a variety of methods that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and reduce your fears by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat when you seek help early, before the physical and mental symptoms take over your life.

Panic disorder

The generalised anxiety disorder disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that peak within a matter of minutes. People with this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, breathlessness or the sensation that their heart is pounding or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People who have 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 known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests they may be due to brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the disorder.

People who have anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. 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 suffer from muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience many worries about everyday tasks, such as work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel tired or irritable, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about their safety or that of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that causes your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxiety and reduce the amount of panic attacks you experience. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can interfere with everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety about specific social situations, like speaking in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized and include avoidance of any situation that could result in being perceived as a failure by others.

The person suffering from SAD might realize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, stay silent, or avoid eye contact.

Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 and talk with an experienced crisis counselor.

One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types anxiety disorders, to ensure you be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific fears

A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears could be insignificant to the threat that the object or situation but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared may be anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. This is a common occurrence most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or early adolescence. Certain phobias aren't unfounded fears but the fear is real.

Children who have specific fears typically overcome them. However in the event that the fear persists as an adult, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. They exclude other conditions that could exhibit similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing the fear. In earlier editions of DSM adults were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.

There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on educating people about healthier coping mechanisms and changing their reactions to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then go on to look at pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, and then experiencing a busy lift. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it may reduce its intensity.

Other options for treating certain fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often have better results.