Why Type Of Anxiety Disorder Could Be Greater Dangerous Than You Think
Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and interfere with your daily routine. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy. First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical issues out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you suffer from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone feels anxious from time to time There are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job responsibilities, health or financial. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterised by fear and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to anticipate the worst, or believe that minor issues will turn into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone. It typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those born female. GAD can cause physical issues like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a higher risk of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage both conditions. Although the exact cause is unknown but it is clear that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a part. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a variety of therapies that help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that can help you learn to control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. Medications can help relieve some physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD is a difficult condition to identify, but it is important to seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. Early treatment is more effective, since it lets you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This type of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member with the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can cause issues in social settings at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder may worry about a wide range of daily tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They may also feel restless and fatigued, or have difficulty concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own safety or the safety of 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 can help you identify the disorder that causes your symptoms, and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can interfere with daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but may also appear in early adulthood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, like speaking in class or going on a date, or it may be more generalized and include avoiding any situation that might cause being perceived as a failure by other people. The person with SAD may realize that their fear is irrational however, they feel powerless. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this only increases their anxiety in the long run. They might also develop “safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact. In addition to the psychological treatments, a few sufferers suffering from SAD can benefit from medication. These medications, known as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of some 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The condition can be debilitating when left untreated, and could cause mental health issues like depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone else you know has suicidal feelings contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. panic anxiety disorder is impeded due to a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low funding for mental health services and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider understands the different types anxiety disorders , so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Your doctor should refer you to an expert in mental health in case you're not sure if you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool. Specific Phobias A person with a specific phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations like animals, animals, or people. The fear may be out of proportion to the danger posed by the object or circumstance, however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could include anything from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or even crowds. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. Certain phobias aren't just irrational fears, but the fear remains real. Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However, if the phobia persists as an adult it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. They rule out other conditions that may be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing a phobia. In earlier editions of DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer needed for adults. Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on altering the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient may begin by thinking about the object or the situation. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, playing with an object, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, before experiencing a busy lift. Although this kind of therapy cannot solve phobias, it can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms. Other options for treating specific fears include medication, like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These therapies are often considered to be effective by those who suffer from specific phobias.