What's Next In Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from  anxiety disorders  have trouble concentrating and can become anxious. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid issues.

It's normal to feel anxious occasionally for instance, prior to an exam or when moving into a new house. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medication are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, and this is usually an expected response to psychological or physical stress. For instance, when you see a car speeding toward you your natural anxiety or fear response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps into your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes tense in case you have to escape danger or defend yourself against an attack. However certain people are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This type of worrying can be harmful when you are unable perform your daily routine, or if it interferes in your relationships, work or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can be an issue for people of all ages, but it is most frequent in adolescents and children. It can continue into adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People who suffer from GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, especially dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of 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 may help you manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to challenge the distortion of your thinking and employ relaxation techniques.

Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medication. Several types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and apprehension in social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to be able to speak to others, or that others are judging you or looking down at you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Selective Mutism is another sign of this disorder. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations, such as eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images or urges that recur in your head and can cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are actions like washing, counting or checking, that you feel driven to do in order to lessen the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among people with OCD. They can take up a lot of time and disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.

Obsessive compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of any age. It can start in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The reason behind OCD isn't known but it is believed that the activity in certain areas of the brain isn't normal. It could be related to an imbalance in serotonin, a chemical that controls your moods. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family have OCD you're about 25% more likely to develop it.

OCD patients often feel incapable of stopping their compulsions and obsessions. They don't get pleasure from following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they believe they have to act in order to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessions cause.

While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are many solutions available to help. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for most people. ERP involves the therapy therapist gradually exposing you the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also help you resist your compulsive behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety decreases with time.

Some people with OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications 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 thoughts and eliminates their power over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. The symptoms include trembling nausea and sweating, chest pains and breathlessness. These episodes can happen due to traumatizing events or happen spontaneously. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations where they believe they could trigger an episode.

PD as with other anxiety disorders, can cause severe distress and can have a negative impact on daily life. It affects both genders equally, but it is more common in people who have experienced an event that was stressful or traumatizing. It is also more likely to occur in people with an ancestral history of anxiety or depression.

While there is a highly effective treatment available but only one out of 4 people who require treatment are treated. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to symptoms of other ailments like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's essential to consult a doctor for an evaluation and an assessment. A qualified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and tend to manifest at a younger age in people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Moreover, there are many factors that could trigger anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam or Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. You can treat your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can lessen the stress in your daily life by learning about treatments.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder are constantly afraid of being in public, or with other people. They believe that they will be judged negatively and feel humiliation or even rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid, sweating and trembling. Their fear and avoidance of social situations may cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may also lead to a variety of psychological disorders such as addiction and depression.

This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This teaches the person alternative ways of thinking and acting, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears are not in proportion to the real danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing the patient to situations that cause their anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and to understand the causes of this condition. Certain environmental and genetic factors are believed to be responsible for. In addition, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.

It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders because they can have serious effects on the daily lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can identify the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it could be helpful to involve a friend or family member in making an appointment or attending with the support group or a peer.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase the risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you love is thinking about suicide.