How To Determine If You're All Set For Type Of Anxiety Disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety. First, consult your doctor to rule any physical ailments out that could be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you have. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are many good reasons to worry about things like work obligations and financial obligations, as well as health. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by fear and anxiety that can alter a person's entire life. They tend to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually starts in adolescence or childhood however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned to females at birth as men. GAD can cause physical problems, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can also cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a greater chance of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions. Although the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well. Although there isn't a cure for GAD however, it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a variety of methods that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of therapy that can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be relieved by medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines, as well as some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to seek help if you are experiencing anxiety and other signs of the disorder. It is much easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) that are intense within minutes. People who have this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart is pounding or it is fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They may be concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are symptoms of a heart attacks. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression and other health issues like asthma or hyperthyroidism. The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, researchers believe they develop from a combination of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition. People who have anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or at school. People with anxiety disorders may also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience a variety of worries about daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They're also likely to be restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you deal with anxiety and decrease panic attacks. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with normal life activities. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety about specific social situations, like having a conversation in class or going out on date, but it may be more generalized and involve avoiding any situation that might cause being considered unpopular by others. While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They might also develop “safety behaviors” to to reduce their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and avoiding eye contact. Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help to regulate 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's essential to get treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor. Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of the different types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be properly diagnosed and treated. Your doctor should refer you to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen. Specific Phobias A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. These fears are often not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could include anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowds. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and occurs more often for women than men, and it tends to start in the adolescent years or early childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are unfounded, but this knowledge doesn't diminish the intensity of their symptoms. Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In past DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults. There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and consistent exposure to the object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or event and then move to looking at pictures of the subject, then taking steps towards it (such as walking by an elevator), holding a toy snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then being in a noisy elevator. This type of therapy may not cure a fear, but it can decrease the intensity. Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are also options to treat specific phobias. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often have better results.