Types of Anxiety Disorders

anxiety disorders resources disorders can be identified when fear or anxiety are excessive, persistent and interfere with your daily routine. Treatments include medication and talk therapy or psychotherapy.

First, visit your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.

generalized anxiety disorder treatment anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious at times and there are many good reasons for worrying about things such as job obligations, money, or health. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorder. People suffering from GAD experience anxiety-like feelings that can influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst, or believe that minor problems will develop into major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it typically begins in childhood or adolescence however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent among women and the newly born female.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also hinder social and work activities, leading people to withdraw from families or friends, and contribute to a loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders however treatment can help treat both disorders.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear, they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that alter the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain plays a part.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various treatments that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be alleviated by medication. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and some medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to diagnose, but you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is much easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't known, but researchers believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety issues have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition.

People suffering from anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They might also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder might be concerned about a myriad of everyday activities such as work responsibilities and family issues. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also often worry about the safety of themselves or others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you identify the disorder that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you learn how to deal with your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with daily life routines. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it typically begins in childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. It can also be more widespread, and include avoidance of all situations that could lead to being assessed.

The person suffering from SAD might realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding the stressful situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long term. They may also develop "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For instance drinking alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, some people who suffer from SAD benefit from medication for social Anxiety Disorder. These medications, also known as antidepressants, help to regulate the levels of some 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 crucial to get treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor.

Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorders so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who has a specific phobia experiences persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals, or other people. These fears are often not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance presents, but they may cause distress and interfere in the daily activities of. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could include anything from heights to dogs to flying to injections to crowded spaces. The condition is widespread and is more prevalent in women than men, and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are irrational however this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children with specific fears usually get over them. However when the fear persists as an adult, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on everyday functioning. They rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing the phobia. In earlier editions of DSM, adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and systematic exposure to the object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event before moving on to looking at images of the subject, taking an action towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and then taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This kind of therapy might not cure a fear, but it could reduce the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating certain phobias. People suffering from specific phobias who try these therapies frequently have better results.