Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often struggle to concentrate and are irritable. They also are at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid issues.
It is normal to be anxious at times, such as before an exam or when moving into a new home. But when it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point and this is an normal response to physical or psychological stress. When you see a car coming at you fast and you are anxious or scared, your response can protect you. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart rate will increase, blood will pump into your muscles, you'll breath more heavily and your body is nervous to prepare for a fight or a run. However, some people are troubled by anxiety that is difficult to control. This type of anxiety is harmful when you are unable do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work or education. People who suffer from this condition are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or childhood and continues until adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric conditions such as depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may help you manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques.
Treatments for short-term anxiety are typically treated with medication. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before beginning treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and apprehension in social situations. It is possible that you are unable to speak in front of people around you, or that they stare at you from afar. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Some people with this disorder experience selective mutism, which is when they are scared of certain situations, such as public speaking or eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that recur in your mind and cause you stress or anxiety. Compulsions are actions like washing, counting or examining that you are driven to do to reduce the anxiety or stress 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 disorders affect women, men and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life but the symptoms are most likely to develop when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known however, it is believed that activity in some areas of the brain isn't as normal. It may be linked to an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood. There is also a strong genetic component; if you or your family members suffer from OCD there's a 25% chance you'll experience it.
OCD patients are often left incapable of stopping their compulsions and obsessions. They don't relish following their compulsions and are aware that they're not right, but they believe they must do something in order to prevent negative events from happening or to alleviate or escape the stress that their obsessive thoughts create.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatment options available to help. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for most people. ERP involves the counselor gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your thoughts of obsession like touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to avoid the compulsive behavior (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety decreases with time.
Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach an extreme within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent death, and the feeling that one is experiencing a heart attack. These episodes can happen after frightening experiences, or they may be sudden and unexpected. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they may trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your everyday life. It affects men and women equally, but it is more common for people who have had a traumatic or stressful event. People with a family history or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.
Around 1 of 4 people who require treatment get it despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. Obstacles to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health care services, and the stigma associated with seeking help.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble those of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. This is why it's essential to consult the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't fully understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed down through families and are more likely to manifest at a younger stage in those with an history of anxiety disorders. Moreover, there are many factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, like childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines like diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, as well as beta-blockers that treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant and intense fear of being in public eye or with others. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and will be thought to be a negative person. They often develop a range of physical and emotional signs such as rapid heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder can result in other psychological disorders, such as substance abuse or depression.
This condition can be treated using psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn new ways of thinking and acting to lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat in the situation and that they are in control of how they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations which create anxiety, with the assistance of an expert in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated using medications however they aren't considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are working to discover the risk factors and understand the root cause of this condition. Certain genes and environmental factors are known to contribute. Some studies have also shown that those with this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.
It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a serious impact on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it might be beneficial to include a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or attend an organization or peer.
Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase your risk of depression and eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you know is contemplating suicide.