Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders have difficulty concentrating and can be irritable. They also have a higher chance of depression as well as some illnesses, such as thyroid issues.
Occasional anxiety is normal for instance, prior to taking an exam or moving into a new home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, and this is usually a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a car coming at you fast and you are anxious or scared, your response can protect you. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart will beat faster blood will flow into your muscles, you'll breathe more deeply, and your body will become anxious to prepare for a potential fight or a run. However certain people are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous when you are unable do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD can affect people from all ages, but it usually begins in adolescence or childhood and persists until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People with GAD typically have other mental disorders, including depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid in managing your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.
The medications used to treat anxiety are usually employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Discuss with your doctor about these medications before beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear creates extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You might feel like you're unable to speak in front of people around you or that they stare down at you. Some people with this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations such as eating in public or speaking in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and cause you anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors like washing, counting or examining that you are driven to do in order to ease the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and interfere with relationships as well as work activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for women, men, and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to appear during puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family suffer from OCD You are approximately 25% more likely to develop it.
People with OCD typically believe that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they are powerless to stop them. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're not right, but they believe they have to act in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to alleviate or escape the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts.
There are many treatment options that can aid. The majority of people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying in your compulsive behaviors (for example, washing your hands), so that anxiety levels decrease as time passes.
SSRIs are also prescribed to some people with OCD. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are useful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD), also known as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by repeated episodes that last for minutes. The symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and shortness of breath. These episodes can occur due to traumatizing experiences or spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they believe could trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact daily life. Women and men are equally affected, but the condition is more common among people who have been through a traumatic event. People who have a family history of anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
About 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it, despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. Obstacles to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated, poor access to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorder s could be similar to the symptoms of other ailments like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's important to see the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. After determining if there is a physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely recognized, it is well-known that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families, and they tend to develop earlier in those with an ancestral history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety disorders such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications can also trigger 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. You can manage your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatments.
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 others. They fear they will be humiliated or rejected and considered a negative judge. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea and difficulty speaking. Their fear and avoidance of social situations may cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may result in other mental disorders, including addiction or depression.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking and can reduce anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears aren't in proportion to the actual threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. 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 the therapist in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders, though they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are usually used in combination with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to understand the causes of this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. A few studies have also revealed that people suffering from this disorder respond more than others to certain hormones.
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 recommend treatment. It isn't easy to ask for help, so it may be helpful to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or to attend with an organization or peer.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase your risk of depression or substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.