Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are severe or ongoing and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.
First, consult your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everybody feels anxious at times and there are a variety of good reasons to worry about things such as job obligations or money, or health. But if your anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by feelings of dread and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor issues will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as men.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with the activities of work and social life. panic anxiety disorder with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help manage both disorders.
The root of anxiety disorders is not known, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play an important role.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various treatments that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that can help you to understand and control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify however it is crucial to seek help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, since it lets you manage your physical and mental symptoms before they begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). The sufferers may also suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart is beating or it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They may be concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are signs of heart attack. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known, but researchers believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be caused by brain circuits that control emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like traumatizing events in childhood, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree relative with the condition.
People with anxiety disorders may be worried constantly, even when they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to problems in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a variety of everyday activities, including job responsibilities and family issues. They may also be irritable and tired, or have trouble concentrating. They might also worry about their own safety or that of others.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It usually starts in childhood, but can also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It often shows up as anxiety over specific social situations, such as talking in class or going on a date, or it may be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by others.
While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychotherapy, some sufferers who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. These medications, known as antidepressants, may help to regulate the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's important to get treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues like depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 and speak to a trained crisis counselor.
Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor should refer you to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you suffer from anxiety disorders or utilize an online tool to screen.
Specific fears
A person with specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals, or other people. The fear may be unrelated to the danger of the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders in that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could range from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or even crowds. This condition occurs worldwide most often in men than women, and can begin in childhood or adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are unfounded but this does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms.
Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, however if a fear persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. They are able to rule out other conditions that can exhibit similar symptoms like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing a phobia. In past DSM editions, patients of adult age were required to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that this is no longer required for adults.
Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better strategies for coping and altering their response to fear. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation that is feared. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or circumstance and then move to looking at images of the subject. They may then take an action towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it may reduce its intensity.
Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating certain phobias. People with specific phobias who test these therapies often have better results.