20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Types Of Anxiety Disorders
Types of Anxiety Disorders People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also have a higher chance of depression and some health conditions, like thyroid problems. It is normal to feel anxious occasionally for instance, prior to a test or when moving into a new residence. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times and this is a normal part of responding to psychological or physical stress. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural fear or anxiety response helps ensure your safety by activating the “fight or flight” response: your heart beats faster; blood flows into your muscles and you breathe more deeply; and your body becomes anxious in the event that you need to escape danger or fight threats. Certain people, however, are plagued by excessive worry that is hard to control. This type of anxiety is harmful if you are unable to do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work, or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD can affect people from all ages, but it most often starts in childhood or adolescence and persists throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you how to challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques. The medications used to treat anxiety are typically used as short-term treatments for anxiety. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor. Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to talk to other people, or that people are judging you or looking down at you. Some people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Other people with this disorder experience selective mutism, which is when they are only scared of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in the presence of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive disorder Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that keep coming back to your mind, causing anxiety or stress. Compulsions are actions, such as washing, counting or examining that you are compelled to perform in order to ease the anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in people with OCD. They can consume a lot of time and interfere with relationships, work, and daily activities. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men and children of all ages. It can begin in childhood, but the symptoms are more likely to develop when you reach puberty or early adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown, but certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which controls your moods. A strong genetic component may also be present. If one or more members of your family have OCD, you are about 25% more likely to develop it. People suffering from OCD generally believe that their obsessions or obsessions are unjust and that they are unable to stop them. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they believe they have to act to stop terrible things from happening, or to alleviate or escape the anxiety that their obsessive thoughts create. There are many treatment options that can help. The majority of people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP, a therapist gradually exposes you to the things or situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty, and helps you to resist relying on your impulsive actions (for example, hand-washing) in order that anxiety levels decrease over time. SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people with OCD. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling, nausea and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending death, and the feeling that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes may occur as a result of traumatic experiences or spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and are cautious about situations they fear could trigger a panic attack. Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your everyday life. It affects men and women equally, but it is more prevalent in people who have experienced a traumatic or stressful event. People with a history of family or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it. Although there is highly effective treatment available however, only 1 in 4 people who require treatment receive it. Barriers to care include a lack awareness that anxiety disorders can be treated as well as a lack of access to mental health care services, and the stigma that comes with seeking help. The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to symptoms of other ailments like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's important to see the doctor for an assessment and the diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes. While the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders can run in families, and tend to be diagnosed at a younger age in those with an ancestral history of them. Moreover, there are many risk factors for developing anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. Learning about the various types of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant and intense fear of being in the public eye or in the company of other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and may feel humiliation or even rejection. They typically experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulties speaking. Their fear of and aversion to social situations could cause issues at work or with relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and addiction to substances. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is the most effective treatment for this condition. This teaches the person alternative ways of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they can control how they react and behave. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of a therapist in a safe environment. The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered a cure. They include antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are often employed in conjunction with psychotherapy. Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and to understand the root cause of this condition. Certain genes and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for. Additionally, studies have revealed that those with this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones within the body. It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, as they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to seek assistance, so it could be helpful to involve a family member or friend in making an appointment or to attend with an organization or peer. Some anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They can increase your risk of depression or substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline to get assistance.