Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.
First, consult your doctor to rule out any physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, and there are a variety of good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility or money, or health. If the anxiety becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is defined by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually begins in adolescence or childhood, but it can happen at any point. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned to be female at birth, as it is in men.
GAD can trigger physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with the activities of work and social life. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed However, treatment can help manage both disorders.
While the specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role too.
GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is various therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD is a difficult condition to recognize and treat, but you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are evident. Early treatment is more effective, since it lets you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They often worry that their symptoms are signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression or other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be linked to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that control the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the disorder.
People with anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are unfounded. This can lead to issues in social settings at work, at home or in school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also suffer from muscle tension, irritability and difficulty getting their attention.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless and fatigued, or have trouble concentration. They may also worry about their security or that of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, like having a conversation in class or going on dates, or it may be more generalized and involve avoiding any situation that might result in being judged by other people.
The person suffering from SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded but still feel powerless. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long term. They may also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychological treatments, some patients suffering from SAD can benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within 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. The condition can be debilitating when left untreated, and could cause mental health issues, such as depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 and speak to an experienced crisis counselor.
Only 1 in 4 sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Barriers to getting treatment include ignorance that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you suffer from anxiety disorders or utilize an online tool to screen.
Specific Phobias
A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. These fears are usually not proportional to the risk that the object or situation poses, but they can cause distress and interfere in daily functioning. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about a single stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything, from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and areas that are crowded. This condition occurs worldwide most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or early adolescence. Certain phobias aren't just unreasonable fears but the fear is real.
Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However in the event that the fear persists into adulthood, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. They rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing the phobia. In the past DSM editions, adult patients needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.
Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by imagining the object or the situation. They can then proceed to look at pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then experiencing a busy lift. Although this kind of therapy is not able to solve phobias however it can greatly reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Other options for treating certain fears include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People suffering from specific phobias who take these treatments often report improved outcomes.