Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and certain health conditions like thyroid issues.

It is normal to be anxious at times like before a test or when moving into a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is an normal response to psychological or physical stress. For instance, if you see a car speeding toward you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps to your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes nervous in the event you have to flee from danger or fight a threat. Some people suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This type of anxiety can be harmful when you are unable to do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. People suffering from this disorder suffer from what is known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD can affect people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and continues into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. People with GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, especially dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves psychotherapy and medications. 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 kind of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to confront mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.

The medications used to treat anxiety are usually 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 fear causes intense anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak to others, or that they stare at you from afar. Some people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, in which people are scared of certain situations, such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back to your mind, causing anxiety or distress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing or counting. They can also be actions that you feel compelled to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and can disrupt relationships as well as work activities.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men, and children of all ages. It can start in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest during puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known however some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that regulates your mood. There's also a significant genetic component. If one or more family members suffer from OCD there's a 25% chance you'll experience it.

People suffering from OCD usually believe that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they have no power to stop them. They don't enjoy doing their compulsions, and they know they're not right, but they believe they must do something in order to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts.

While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are many solutions available to aid. Most people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves the counselor gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also help you resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time.

Some people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also useful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety disorder symptoms or fear that reach the peak in just minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling chest discomfort, breathlessness and a sense of imminent doom, and the belief that one is having a heart attack. These episodes can happen as a result of traumatic experiences or spontaneously. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry over the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations where they believe they might trigger an episode.

PD, like other anxiety disorders, can create significant distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. It affects men and women equally however it is more common in people who have experienced a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to happen in people who have a family history of anxiety or depression.

Although highly effective treatment exists but only one in 4 of those who require treatment are treated. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all barriers to care.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other diseases like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and evaluation. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional can suggest specific treatments.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders meaning disorders are not completely recognized, it is well-known that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and they tend to develop at a younger age those with an ancestral history of them. There are many risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, including childhood abuse or smoking. Some medications, such as diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. You can treat your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatments.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders have intense and persistent fears of being in public, or with other people. They fear that they will be ridiculed or rejected and will be considered a negative judge. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or relationships. The disorder could lead to other mental disorders, including depression or substance abuse.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient new ways of thinking and acting to lessen the anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears aren't proportional to the actual danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive-based exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause best anxiety disorder treatment, with the assistance of an expert in a secure environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders however they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are often employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The research is ongoing to determine the causes and to identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. A few studies have also revealed that people with this disorder respond more than others to certain hormones.

It is important to seek help for anxiety disorders as they can have serious effects on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It can be hard to ask for help and so it's recommended to include a trusted friend or family member during the appointment process, or to join others in a peer group or support group.

Some types of anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life and can increase your risk of developing depression, substance abuse eating disorders, suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you know is considering suicide.