Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are extreme or ongoing and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication for social anxiety disorder are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Every person experiences anxiety now and then, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about issues like work obligations, health or money. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by fear and anxiety that can impact a person’s entire life. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone. It typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those assigned to females at birth as males.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with work and social activities. People suffering from severe, chronic GAD are at greater chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage both conditions.

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play an important role.

Although there isn’t a cure for GAD however, it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various treatments that help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to recognize however, you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. Early treatment is more effective, because it helps you control the physical and emotional symptoms before they begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) that are intense within a matter of minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be more susceptible to depression or other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The root cause of anxiety disorders isn’t known however, researchers believe they develop from a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to faulty circuits in the brain that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse, or traumatizing events are typical what causes anxiety disorders of anxiety disorder. Many people suffering from anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the disorder.

People suffering from anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly, even when they know that their fears are irrational. This can create problems in social situations at work, at home or in school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability and difficulties in concentration.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may be worried about a myriad of daily tasks that include work-related responsibilities as well as family problems. They’re also likely to be exhausted or restless, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about the safety of themselves or others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorder doctors near me disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you discover how to cope with your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Social Anxiety Disorders Causes disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with everyday life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. It could also be more widespread and include avoiding all situations that could result in being considered a failure.

Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still are unable to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them even more anxious. They may also adopt “safety behaviors” to try to reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and not making eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people with SAD can benefit from medication for anxiety disorder and depression. These medications, known as antidepressants, aid in balancing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in 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 has social anxiety disorder, it’s essential to get treatment. The condition can be debilitating if not treated and may cause other mental health problems, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 and speak to a trained crisis counselor.

One in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders, so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific Phobias

A person with a specific fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals, or other people. These fears may be insignificant to the risk that the object or situation but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and the crowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in women than men, and tends to begin in the adolescent years or early childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are unfounded however this what does anxiety disorder look like not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, but if the phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Before determining a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared subject or event. A patient may start with thinking about the object or event, then move on to looking at images of the subject, then taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator) or holding a toy snake, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then riding in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it may reduce the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating certain phobias. These treatments are generally reported to be effective by those with specific phobias.