20 Things You Need To Know About Types Of Anxiety Disorders
Types of Anxiety Disorders People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulty concentrating and can be irritable. They also have a higher chance of developing depression and other illnesses, such as thyroid problems. It is normal to be anxious from time to time for instance, prior to an exam or when moving into a new house. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medication, are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some moment in time. It's an normal reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the “fight or flight” response. Your heart beats faster; blood pumps into your muscles; you breathe more heavily and your body gets anxious in the event that you need to escape danger or defend yourself against an attack. Certain people, however, are plagued by excessive worry that is hard to control. This type of worrying can be harmful when you are unable to carry out your normal activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD affects people of all ages, however it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and persists until adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques. Medications to treat anxiety are typically used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before beginning treatment, discuss the medications with your physician. Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) creates a sense of fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It can be a feeling that you can't be able to speak to others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. disorders anxiety suffering from this disorder are so anxious that they avoid any social interaction. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are scared of certain situations, like eating or speaking in front of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive disorder Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that keep coming back to your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions could be actions like 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 typical among people suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and can disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for men, women and children of all age groups. It can begin in childhood, but symptoms are most likely to develop in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD is not known, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that determines your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If any members of your family has OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it. OCD patients are often left powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they're not right, but they feel they must act to stop bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts. While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous solutions available to help. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for the majority of people. ERP involves the therapist gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession such as touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety diminishes over time. Some people with OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also useful in managing stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety, is characterized by recurrent episodes that peak in minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and breathing problems. These episodes can happen after frightening experiences, or they may be spontaneous and unexpected. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety over the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they fear they could trigger an episode. PD, like other anxiety disorders, can cause extreme distress and affect negatively the daily routine. Men and women are equally affected, but the condition is more common among people who have been through trauma. People who have a family history of depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it. Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment are treated. Barriers to care include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorder s can be treated, poor access to mental health services and the stigma that comes with seeking help. The symptoms of an anxiety disorder often mimic those of other illnesses like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore important to see a physician for a diagnosis and evaluation. A licensed mental health professional will suggest specific treatment after determining physical causes. Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't fully understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders can be passed down through families, and they tend to be diagnosed at a younger age in people with an ancestral history of them. There are a variety of risk factors that could cause anxiety disorders, including childhood abuse or smoking. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart problems. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and lessen stress in your daily life. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and persistent anxiety about being in the public eye or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and may feel humiliation or even rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear of and aversion to social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder could cause a variety of psychological disorders, including depression and substance abuse. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient different ways of thinking and behavior to lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger in the scenario and that they can control how they react and behave. Another method that works is exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause anxiety with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment. Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medications but they aren't considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety medications including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually used in combination with psychotherapy. Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. A few studies have also revealed that people with this disorder react more than others to certain hormones. It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders as they can have serious effects on people's lives. A general practitioner or a mental health professional can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for help and it can be helpful to include a family member or friend in the appointment making process or to attend with others in a peer group or support group. Some anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression and substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.