Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are chronic, persistent, and interfere with your daily routine. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, consult your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from.

generalized anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious from time to time and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job obligations, health or money. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is defined by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact a person's entire life. They tend to assume the worst and believe that minor issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and typically begins in childhood or adolescence however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also hinder social and work-related activities, causing people to avoid friends or family and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at greater risk of developing depression. However, treatment can help manage the two conditions.

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a variety of therapies that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to seek help if you are experiencing anxiety and other symptoms of the disorder. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms begin to take over your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They may be concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attack. People with panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be at increased risk of depression or other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but researchers believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree family member who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even though they know that their fears are irrational. This can create issues in social settings at work, or at school. In addition, many sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have many worries about everyday tasks, such as job responsibilities or family problems. They're also likely to feel exhausted or restless and have difficulty concentrating. They also often worry about the safety of themselves and others.

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxiety and reduce the number of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out in groups or individually.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can interfere with everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It can be present in the early years of adulthood, however it typically starts in childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out for a date. It could also be more widespread and include avoidance of all situations that could result in being assessed.

The person with SAD might realize that their fear is irrational but still feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding the anxiety-provoking situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long in the long run. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to ease their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychological treatments, some sufferers suffering from SAD benefit from medications. These antidepressants can help balance 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 important to get treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening if left untreated and can result in other mental health issues like depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable however, only 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low funding for mental health services and stigma. It is also essential to make sure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're unsure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific fears

A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals, or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the risk posed by the object or situation, but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may include anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even overcrowded spaces. This is a common occurrence, more often in men than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are irrational however this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children who suffer from specific phobias typically outgrow them, but if the phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier coping strategies. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or circumstance and then move to looking at images of the subject. They may then take steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding a toy snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This kind of therapy might not be able to eliminate a fear, but it could reduce the intensity.

Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety disorder remedies drugs are also options for treating specific phobias. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.