Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are anxious. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems.

It's normal to feel anxious at times, such as before the test or when you move into a new home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent you may need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at one moment in time. It's an expected reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For example, when you see a car speeding toward you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps into your muscles and you breathe harder and your body gets nervous in the event you have to flee from danger or fight against a threat. However, some people are troubled by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This kind of anxiety can be harmful when it prevents you from completing your routine and hinders relationships, work or school. This problem is known as generalized Anxiety disorder Treatment anxiety disorder.

GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age but it is more frequent in adolescents and children. It can last throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. People who suffer from GAD frequently suffer from other psychiatric disorders, especially dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are usually employed as short-term treatments for anxiety. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, talk about the medications with your physician.

Social generalised anxiety disorder disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. You might feel as if you aren't able to speak in front of others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or judging you. Some people with this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Others who suffer from this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they only seem to be scared of certain situations, like eating or speaking in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and cause you anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors, such as washing, counting or checking that you are driven to do to ease the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and disrupt relationships or work activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all different ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to appear when you reach puberty or early adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If any members of your family have OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.

ocd and anxiety disorder patients often feel powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They realize they're not right and don't appreciate their compulsions, yet feel compelled to act to avoid negative events occurring or to alleviate the anxiety that obsessive thought causes.

There are a variety of treatments that can help. Most people will benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves an counselor gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also help you overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety diminishes over time.

SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive thoughts and removes their power over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending danger, and the conviction that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes may occur in response to trauma experiences or spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.

Like other anxiety disorders what is it disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact daily life. It affects both genders equally but it is more common for people who have had trauma or a stressful experience. People with a history of family or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.

Although highly effective treatment exists however, only 1 out of 4 people who require treatment are treated. Barriers to care include a lack awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable as well as a lack of access to mental health care services, and the stigma that comes with seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to obtain an assessment and diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families and tend to manifest earlier in those with an ancestral history of them. There are a variety of risk factors that could lead to anxiety disorders, such as smoking cigarettes or abuse in the childhood years. Some medications can also cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, as well as beta-blockers to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety eating disorder. You can manage your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can lessen the stress in your daily life by learning about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is defined by a persistent and heightened fear of being in the public eye or around other people. They fear that they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations may cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may result in other mental disorders, including substance abuse or depression.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and can reduce anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren't in proportion to the actual threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause their anxiety with the help of the therapist in a secure environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Research is ongoing to understand the causes and to identify risk factors. It is known that certain genetic and environmental factors could be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people with this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.

It is crucial to seek help for anxiety disorders because they can have a significant impact on people's daily lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be hard to seek help and it can be recommended to include a trusted friend or family member during the appointment procedure or to meet with other people in the same group.

Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase the risk of depression and eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you know is considering suicide.