A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Type Of Anxiety Disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when anxiety or fear are chronic, persistent, and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy. First, visit your physician to rule out any physical conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you have. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone is anxious every at times There are good reasons to be concerned about issues like work obligations, health or money. But if your anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and can be difficult to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will develop into major problems. GAD can affect anyone. It typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned to be female at birth, as it is in males. GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can also cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can interfere with social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders. While the exact cause of anxiety isn't known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved in the cause. Although there is no cure for GAD it is manageable through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD can be difficult to identify, but you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the condition are apparent. Early treatment is more effective, as it allows you to reduce the physical and emotional symptoms before they begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This type of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart beats or is fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They often worry that their symptoms are signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues like hyperthyroidism or asthma. The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests that they may be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood are the most typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety issues have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears aren't rational. This can lead to difficulties in social situations, at work or in school. In addition, some people with anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability and trouble getting their attention. A person with generalized anxious disorder may worry about a wide range of everyday tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about their safety or that of others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional will help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms, and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxiety and reduce the amount of panic attacks you have. There are many types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can hinder daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, such as talking in class or going on a date, or it could be more generalized, and include avoidance of any situation that could cause being perceived as a failure by other people. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to lessen their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact. Some people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor. Only 1 in 4 sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to a mental health professional in case you're not sure if you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool. Specific Phobias A person who suffers from a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. The fear may be out of proportion to the danger of the object or situation, but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from heights to dogs to flying, injections, or even overcrowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common among women than men and tends to begin in the adolescent years or early childhood. Specific phobias are not irrational fears, but the fear remains real. Children with phobias that are specific to them usually outgrow them. However when the fear persists as an adult it can be difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, adults were required to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults. There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing the way people respond to their fears and helps them develop healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or situation and then move to looking at photos of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator), holding a toy snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and finally being in a noisy elevator. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it could reduce the intensity. Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific phobias. These treatments are generally considered to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.