Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be anxious. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid problems.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times such as before taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medications, are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times, and this is usually a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood flows into your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes tense in case you have to run away from danger or defend yourself against a threat. Some people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is hard to control. This kind of anxiety can be harmful if it keeps you from completing your routine activities and affects relationships at work, school or. People who suffer from this condition have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD affects people of all ages, however it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. People who suffer from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for anxiety disorder s typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, talk about the medications with your physician.
panic anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. You may feel like you're not able to speak in front of other people, or that people are judging your behavior or judging you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid social interactions in all forms. The condition is also known as selective mutism. of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations such as eating in public or speaking in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind, causing stress or anxiety. Compulsions are behaviors like washing, counting or checking that you are driven to do in order to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People with OCD frequently have both compulsions and obsessions that can consume many hours of their lives and disrupt daily activities such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men and children of all ages. It can begin in the early years of life, but symptoms are most likely to manifest in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD is not known however, some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical that controls your moods. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family suffer from OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
People suffering from OCD typically think that their obsessions and compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they have no power to stop them. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they are wrong, but they feel they must act to prevent negative events from happening or to alleviate or escape the stress that their obsessions cause.
Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are many treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. ERP involves a counselor gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety decreases with time.
Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and takes away their power over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach the peak in just minutes. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling, nausea, chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling of imminent death, and the feeling that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen after frightening events, or they could be sudden and unexpected. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they fear could trigger a panic attack.
PD, like other anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and can affect negatively the daily routine. Both genders are affected, but the disorder is more prevalent in those who have been through an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to occur in people with an ancestral history of depression or anxiety.
Although there is highly effective treatment available but only one in 4 people who require treatment receive it. The barriers to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated, poor access to mental health care services, and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to see a physician to obtain an assessment and diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.
While the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families, and tend to be diagnosed at a younger age in those with a history of anxiety in their family. Furthermore, there are numerous risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder like childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam or Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions. You can manage your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant and intense fear of being in the public eye or around others. They fear they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They usually experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations could cause problems in the workplace or relationships. The disorder could cause a variety of psychological disorders like 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 acting that can reduce the anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not proportional to the actual threat and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations which trigger their anxiety, with the help of an expert in a secure setting.
Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorder but they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to discover the causes and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic factors are believed to be responsible for. Some studies have also shown that people suffering from this condition react more strongly than normal to certain hormones.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, as they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to seek help, so it may be helpful to involve a family member or friend in scheduling an appointment, or attend the support group or a peer.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase your risk of suffering from depression and eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the suicide prevention hotline for help.