Types Of Anxiety Disorders Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have trouble concentrating and are irritable. They also are at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health conditions like thyroid problems.
Occasional anxiety is normal, for example before taking a test or moving to the new location. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent you may need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. It's an normal response to stress, either physical or psychological. For instance, if you see a car speeding toward you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood pumps to your muscles; you breathe more heavily and your body gets nervous in the event you have to run away from danger or fight threats. Certain people, however, are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This type of worrying can be harmful if you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it is a hindrance with your relationships, work or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age however it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric conditions like dysthymia or depression. They also are more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.
Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective kind of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically treated with medication. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta) and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and apprehension in social situations. You might feel like you're not able to speak to others or that they stare at you. Some people suffering from this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are scared of certain situations like eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges which keep returning to your mind and cause you anxiety or stress. Compulsions can be behaviours like washing or counting, which you feel compelled to perform to alleviate anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in those suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men, and children of all ages. It can start in the early years of life, but symptoms are most likely to manifest during puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD isn't known, but it's believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that determines your mood. There's also a significant genetic component. If one or more family members suffer from OCD There's 25% chance that you'll experience it.
OCD sufferers often feel incapable of stopping their obsessions and compulsions. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they believe they must do something to stop bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessions cause.
Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are numerous solutions available to aid. Many people can benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your thoughts, such as touching objects that are dirty, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting on your impulsive actions (for example, hand-washing) in order that anxiety levels decrease over time.
SSRIs are often prescribed to patients suffering from OCD. 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 learn to let go of your obsessional thoughts and removes their influence over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is also referred to as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by frequent episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. The symptoms include trembling sweating and nausea chest pains, as well as breathlessness. These episodes can occur following terrifying experiences, or they can occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety about the possible occurrence of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they fear they may trigger an episode.
PD like other anxiety disorders, can create severe distress and can have a negative impact on the daily routine. Men and women are equally affected, but the disorder is more prevalent in those who have experienced trauma. People with a history of family or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
Around 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to care.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's important to see an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining the physical cause, a certified mental health professional can suggest specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a role. disorders anxiety are typically passed through families and typically appear earlier for those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are also many risk factors that could lead to anxiety disorders, like smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Some medications can also cause anxiety, especially benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Becoming aware of the different types of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorders are constantly afraid of being in public or with other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of and aversion to social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder could result in other mental disorders, including substance abuse or depression.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key treatment for this condition. It teaches different ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren't in proportion to the real threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which trigger their anxiety, with the assistance of a professional in a safe setting.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medications however they aren't considered as a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to discover the causes and to identify risk factors. It is believed that certain genes and environmental factors may contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.
It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have serious consequences on people's daily lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It isn't easy to ask for assistance, so it could be helpful to involve a family member or friend in arranging an appointment or attend a support group or peer.
Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression and eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.