Types Of Anxiety Disorders: What's New No One Is Talking About
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are stressed. They also have a higher risk of depression as well as some medical conditions, including thyroid issues.
It is normal to feel anxious at times for instance, prior to a test or when moving into a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times, and this is usually an normal response to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, when you observe a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster; blood pumps into your muscles; you breathe more heavily and your body is tense in case you have to escape danger or fight an attack. Certain people, however, are plagued by anxiety that is hard to control. This kind of anxiety can be detrimental in the event that it hinders you from engaging in your normal routine and hinders relationships such as work or school. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder .
GAD is a problem for people of all ages, however it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence or childhood and continues into adulthood. It is more common in women than men. People suffering from GAD typically have other mental disorders, including depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. It can be helpful to find a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.
Medications to treat anxiety are generally employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications before beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear, is a source of extreme anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. You might feel as if you can't talk to others, or that people are judging your behavior or judging you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations such as speaking in public or eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that recur in your mind, causing anxiety or stress. Compulsions are behaviors such as washing, counting or checking that you are compelled to do to ease the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently suffer from both obsessions and compulsions that can consume many hours of their lives and disrupt daily activities, relationships and work.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men, and children of all ages. It can begin in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The specific cause of OCD is unknown however, it is believed that some areas of the brain isn't as normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which determines your mood. There is also a strong genetic component. If one or more family members suffer from OCD, there's about 25% chance that you'll be affected.
OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't get pleasure from performing their compulsions and know they are wrong, but they feel they must act to stop terrible things from happening, or to get rid of or ease the stress that their obsessions cause.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to aid. Many people can benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a therapy therapist gradually exposing you the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also help you overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases with time.
Certain people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and takes away their power over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by repeated episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea as well as chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes can happen due to traumatizing events or happen spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly worried about future panic attacks, and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact the daily routine. It affects men and women equally, but it is more common for people who have had a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to occur in people with an extended family history of depression or anxiety.
Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment are treated. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to the symptoms of other diseases like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's crucial to visit an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining if there is a physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can suggest specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't completely understood, it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are typically passed down through families and are more likely to appear earlier for those with an anxiety history. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger an anxiety disorder like childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications can cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers that are used to treat heart conditions. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense fear of being in the public eye or in the company of others. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and be 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 of social situations could create problems in the workplace or with relationships. The disorder could result in other mental disorders, including addiction or depression.
This condition can be treated using psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches different ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are in proportion to the actual threat in the situation and that they can control the way they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and to understand the causes of this condition. It is known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. Some studies have also shown that people suffering from this condition react more strongly than normal to certain hormones.
It is crucial to seek help for anxiety disorders as they can have serious consequences on people's daily lives. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be hard to ask for assistance and so it's helpful to include a family member or friend in the appointment-making process or to attend with other peers or a support group.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and increase the risk of depression, substance use, eating disorders and suicide. Contact the suicide prevention helpline for help if you or someone you love is thinking about suicide.