Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be identified when anxiety or fear are constant, chronic and affecting daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that might be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things such as job responsibilities or money, or health. However, if the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder best medication disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and typically begins in childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those born female.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with work and social activities, leading people to withdraw from friends or family and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed, but treatment can aid in managing both disorders.

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is not known but they appear to be related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.

While there is no cure for GAD it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a variety of methods that help you identify and modify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek out help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat when you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. People with this disorder may also suffer from chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart beats or is it is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They frequently worry that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but researchers believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Some research suggests that they may be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like traumatizing events in childhood, are common causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even though they know that their fears aren't rational. This can create issues in social settings, at work or in school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also suffer from muscle tension, irritability and trouble concentration.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about everyday tasks, such as job responsibilities or family problems. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have difficulty in concentrating. They might also be concerned about their safety or that of others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the Best drugs for generalized anxiety disorder treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen anxiety disorders description attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

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

The person suffering from SAD may recognize that their anxiety is unfounded but still feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long run. They may also adopt "safety behaviours" to help reduce their anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, being quiet and avoiding eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, some sufferers with SAD benefit from medications. 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 important to get treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening if not treated and may cause mental health issues, such as depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 and speak with an experienced crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated however, only 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also important to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different kinds of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or make use of an online tool to screen.

Specific Phobias

A person who suffers from a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. The fear may be out of proportion to the threat that the object or circumstance, but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorder diagnosis disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could include anything from heights, dogs, flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and occurs more often in women than men, and tends to begin in adolescence or childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are not rational however this does not lessen the severity of their symptoms.

Children with specific fears usually outgrow them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In past dsm anxiety disorders editions, adults were required to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier ways of coping and changing their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and consistent exposure to the object or situation. The patient may begin by imagining the object, or situation. They can then proceed to see images of it, stepping into an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. Although this type of therapy does not cure a phobia, it can significantly reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.