Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders frequently have trouble concentrating and are anxious. They also have a higher chance of depression and some health conditions, like thyroid problems.

A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking a test or moving to an unfamiliar home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medication are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorder medication side effects disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at some time or another. It's an expected response to stress, either physical or psychological. When you see a car coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can help keep you safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart beats faster, blood will pump to your muscles, you'll breath more deeply, and your body is anxious to prepare for a fight or a run. However certain people are plagued by anxiety that is impossible to control. This kind of worry is harmful if you are unable to carry out your normal activities, or if it interferes with your relationships, work or education. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence or childhood and continues into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you how to combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are generally employed as short-term treatments for anxiety. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications prior to beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak to people around you or that they look at you. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder, in which people are scared of certain situations, such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that keep popping up in your mind and cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions can be behaviours such as washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to perform to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among people with OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and disrupt relationships as well as work activities.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women and children of all ages. It can begin in the early years of life, but symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear however, some brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which determines your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if one or more family members have OCD, there's about a 25% chance you'll experience it.

OCD patients are often left in a position of powerlessness to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They know they're not right and don't appreciate their compulsions but are forced to act to avoid negative events happening or to avoid the anxiety their obsessive thinking generates.

There are a variety of treatments that can help. Most people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessive thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) in order that your anxiety decreases as time passes.

SSRIs are often prescribed to people with OCD. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and eliminates their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be beneficial in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense illness anxiety disorder or fear that can reach an extreme within minutes. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea and chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is experiencing a heart attack. These episodes can happen due to traumatizing events or happen spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they think might trigger one.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your daily life. It affects both genders equally but it is more common for people who have had trauma or a stressful experience. It is also more likely to happen in those with a family history of anxiety or depression.

Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment receive it. Barriers to care include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are treatable as well as a lack of access to mental health services and the stigma associated with seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to those of other diseases like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it is crucial to visit the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can recommend specific treatment options.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families, and tend to manifest at a younger age in people with a family history of them. Additionally, there are a variety of risk factors for developing anxiety and panic disorder disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers used to treat heart issues. Becoming aware of the different types of anxiety disorders and learning about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders have persistent and intense fears of being in public or with other people. They fear they will be ridiculed or rejected and will be thought to be a negative person. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their aversion to and fear of social situations could cause issues at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a range of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.

The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn different natural ways to treat anxiety disorder of thinking and behavior that can reduce the anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they are in control of how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that create anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure setting.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are usually utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to understand the causes behind this condition and identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain genetic and environmental factors could be responsible for. A few studies have also revealed that those with this disorder respond more than normal to certain hormones.

It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, as they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A best general Anxiety disorder medication practitioner or a mental health specialist can identify anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for help and so it's helpful to include a friend or family member in the appointment-making procedure or to meet with others in a peer group or support group.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase your risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, you can call the suicide prevention hotline for assistance.