Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are extreme or continue to reoccur and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments.

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

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Everyone is anxious every now and then, and there can be good reasons to be concerned about issues like work responsibilities, health or money. But if your anxieties become constant and take over your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have fears that have a profound effect on their lives and are often hard to manage. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone. It usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any time. It is twice as common for women and in those who are born female.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with work and social activities, cause people to avoid family or friends and lead to a loss of self-esteem. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at a higher risk of depression. However, treatment can help to manage both disorders.

While the exact cause is not known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes to brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you learn to control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek out help if you are experiencing anxiety and other symptoms of the disorder. It is much easier to treat when you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be at a higher risk of depression and other health issues, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

The cause of anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders isn't known however, experts believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders have a first degree family member who suffers from the disorder.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder dsm-5 anxious disorder might be concerned about a myriad of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family issues. They may also feel exhausted or restless as well as having trouble concentrating. They frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health methods. 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 learn how to deal with your anxieties and decrease the number of panic attacks you have. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can interfere with daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date, but it may be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could result in being judged by others.

The person with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded however, they feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also develop "safety behaviors" to help reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients suffering from SAD can benefit from medication. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, can 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 crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment if they have social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor.

One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, a lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders - please click the next page -, so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you're not sure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person with a specific fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears are often in contrast to the dangers that the object or circumstance poses, but they can cause distress and hinder the daily activities of. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about a single stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may range from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and occurs more often among women than men and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood. Certain phobias aren't just unreasonable fears however, the fear is still very real.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually overcome them, however if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure of the object or situation that is feared. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event, then move on to looking at photos of the subject, then taking an action towards it (such as walking past an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it can reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety and eating disorders psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People suffering from specific phobias who test these therapies often experience better outcomes.