Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty concentrating and can be irritable. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health conditions like thyroid problems.

A few times of anxiety are normal, for example before taking an exam or moving to a new home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication, are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some time or another. It's an expected response to stress, either physical or psychological. If you see a car coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart beats faster, blood will pump to your muscles, you'll breathe more deeply, and your body is anxious to prepare for a potential fight or run. However certain people are plagued by excessive worrying that seems difficult to control. This type of worrying is harmful if you are unable to do your normal daily activities, or if it interferes in your relationships, work or education. People who suffer from this condition have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD affects people of all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and continues throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorder can be cured disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may 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 form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you how to combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.

Short-term anxiety treatments are usually addressed with medications. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Talk to your doctor about these medications prior to beginning treatment.

Social generalised anxiety disorder disorder, also known as social fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. You might feel like you are unable to speak to others or that they look at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder suffer from such anxiety Disorder stress management that they avoid social interactions in all forms. The condition is also known as selective mutism. of this disorder social anxiety. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations, such as eating in public or speaking in front strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your mind and cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are actions such as washing, counting or checking, that you feel driven to do in order to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions which can occupy many hours of their lives and interfere with everyday activities like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all age groups. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood but the symptoms are most likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD is unclear however, certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that controls your moods. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family have OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.

People with OCD typically think that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable and they are powerless to stop them. They don't enjoy doing their compulsions, and they know they're not right, but they believe they must do something to stop bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts.

There are many treatment options that can aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. ERP involves the counselor gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession, such touching dirty objects. They also help you overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases with time.

Some people with OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath or a feeling of imminent danger, and the conviction that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur following frightening experiences, or they may be sudden and unexpected. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about future panic attacks, and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.

PD, like other anxiety disorders, can create significant distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. Both genders are affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through a traumatic event. It is also more likely to happen in those with a family history of depression or anxiety.

About 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it, despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all barriers to care.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to those of other ailments like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's essential to consult a doctor for an evaluation and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and typically manifest at a younger stage in those with an anxiety history. There are a variety of risk factors that could cause anxiety disorders, including smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders are constantly afraid of being in public or around other people. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and be considered a negative judge. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their aversion to and fear of social situations could cause issues at work or in relationships. The disorder may cause a range of psychological disorders, including depression and substance abuse.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. This helps the person learn new ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they are in control of how they react and behave. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the patient to the situations that trigger their anxiety disorders list with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

Social phobic anxiety disorder disorder can also be treated using medications but they aren't considered as a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are often utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and understand the root cause of this condition. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people with this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.

It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and suggest treatment. It can be hard to ask for help and so it's beneficial to include a friend or family member in the appointment-making process or to attend with other people in the same group.

Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life and can increase the risk of depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can call a suicide prevention hotline for help.