Everything You Need To Know About Type Of Anxiety Disorder Dos And Don'ts

Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are excessive, persistent and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy or talk therapy. First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can determine the type of anxiety disorder that you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibilities or money, or health. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it could be a more serious anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder . GAD is defined by fear and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and that minor problems can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and typically begins in adolescence or childhood however, it can also occur at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to be female at birth, as it is in males. GAD can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can hinder social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at greater chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions. The root of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are caused by genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved in the cause. Although there isn't a cure for GAD it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes a range of treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your fear by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medicines used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD can be difficult to diagnose however, you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is much easier to treat if you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms take over your life. Panic disorder This type of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be at increased risk of depression and other health issues like asthma or hyperthyroidism. The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, researchers believe they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that regulate emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like traumatizing events in childhood, are typical causes of anxiety disorders . Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a parent with the condition. People suffering from anxiety disorders can be anxious constantly even though they know that their fears are unfounded. This can create issues in social settings at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by numerous worries regarding routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentration. They may also worry about their own security or that of others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease panic attacks. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, a social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with normal life activities. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in certain social situations such as speaking in class or going out for dates. It could also be more widespread, and include avoidance of all situations that could result in being assessed. While the person with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this only makes them more anxious in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behaviors” to help reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact. Some people with SAD may benefit from medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues like addiction or depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with a crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable, but only about 1 out of four people who require care receive it. Treatment is impeded by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low funding for mental health services and stigma. It's also important to ensure that your doctor is aware of the different types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. Request panic anxiety disorder to refer you to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool. Specific fears A person with specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the risk that the object or situation, however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in daily life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from heights to dogs or flying, injections to flying and areas that are crowded. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more prevalent among women than men and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are not rational but this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms. Children with specific fears usually overcome them. However, if the phobia persists into adulthood it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer required for adults. There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people respond to their fears and teaches them better coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They can then proceed to look at pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, holding toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it may decrease the intensity. Other treatment options for specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often report improved outcomes.