Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medications are effective treatments.
First, see your physician to determine if there are any physical issues that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you suffer from.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things like work responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. But when the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by dread and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They tend to think that they are the worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and typically begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent among women and the newly born female.
GAD can lead to physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also hinder work and social activities, causing people to isolate themselves from friends or family and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed, but treatment can help manage both disorders.
Although the exact cause of anxiety isn't known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain is involved in the cause.
GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of treatments that help you identify and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you learn to control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and decrease your fear by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.
GAD is difficult to recognize and treat, but you should seek treatment when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they're experiencing could be signs of a heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at a higher risk of depression or other health problems like asthma or hyperthyroidism.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known, but researchers believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they may be linked to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders have a first degree family member who suffers from the disorder.
People with anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are unfounded. This can result in difficulties when it comes to social situations, work or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have numerous worries regarding daily tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear, 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 starts in the early years of childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in particular social situations such as speaking in class or going out on dates. Or it may be more widespread, and include the need to avoid situations that could result in being assessed.
The person with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded but still feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to try to reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact.
Some people with SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. 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 essential to get treatment. The condition can be debilitating if left untreated and can cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to talk with an experienced crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders can be treated but only one in 4 people who need care receive it. Treatment is impeded due to a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider understands the various forms of anxiety disorders, so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Request your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health when you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.
Specific fears
A person with a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears could be unrelated to the danger that the object or situation but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation could include anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't irrational fears however, the fear is real.
Children with specific fears usually outgrow them. However in the event that the fear persists into adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer required for adults.
There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way that people react to their fears and helps them develop healthier strategies for coping. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by imagining the object or event. They can then proceed to see images of it, stepping into an elevator, holding toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, and finally riding a crowded lift. Although this kind of therapy does not solve phobias, it can significantly reduce the severity of its symptoms.
Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific fears. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.