Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders typically have trouble concentrating and are stressed. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues.

It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, such as before the test or when you move into a new house. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent it is possible to require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication are effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at times, and this is usually a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a vehicle coming at you fast and you are anxious or scared, your response can help you stay safe. It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart will beat faster blood flow will increase into your muscles, you'll breath more deeply and your body will get nervous to prepare for a potential fight or run. However, some people are troubled by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This type of worry can be harmful in the event that it hinders you from completing your routine activities and interferes with relationships at work, school or. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can be a problem for anyone of any age, but it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can persist throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People suffering from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves Best Medication For Social Anxiety Disorder and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. It can be beneficial to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective kind of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques.

Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically treated with medication. Different types of antidepressants are effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.

Social anxiety disorder, formerly known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to speak in front of others, or feel that others are judging you or judging you. Some people suffering from this condition are so anxious that they avoid all social interactions. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations like eating in public or speaking in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that keep popping up in your mind and cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions are actions, such as washing, counting or even checking that you are compelled to perform in order to lessen the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions that can consume many hours of their lives and disrupt daily activities like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all different 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 specific cause of OCD is unknown, but it's believed that the activity in certain regions of the brain isn't as normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which determines your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD, you are about 25% more likely to develop it.

OCD patients often feel powerless to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they're wrong, yet they believe they must do something to prevent bad things from happening or to get rid of or ease the anxiety that their obsessive thoughts create.

While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP, your therapist gradually exposes to the objects or situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands), so that anxiety decreases as time passes.

Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your obsessive thoughts and removes their influence over you, while meditative and relaxation techniques can help you 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 sweating and nausea, chest pains and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur after frightening experiences, or they can occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People with PD also suffer from constant worry over the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations where they believe they may trigger an episode.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect everyday life. It affects men and women equally, but it is more prevalent in people who have experienced a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to occur in those with a family history of depression and anxiety disorders or anxiety.

Although highly effective treatment exists, only about 1 in 4 people who require treatment are treated. The barriers to treatment include a lack of awareness that anxiety disorders can be treated and treatable, inaccessibility to mental health services and the stigma associated with seeking help.

The symptoms of an anxiety disorder often mimic the symptoms of other illnesses like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's crucial to visit an expert for an evaluation and the diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will suggest specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage for those who have a history of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, there are numerous risk factors for developing anxiety disorders such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications can cause anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines like diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders. You can lessen the stress in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders are constantly afraid of being in public, or with other people. They fear that they will be ridiculed or rejected and will be judged negatively. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could create problems in the workplace or relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and addiction to substances.

This condition can be treated using psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears aren't in proportion to the real threat and that they have control over how they react and act. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which trigger their anxiety, with the assistance of professionals in a secure environment.

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

Research is ongoing to discover the causes and to identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes can contribute. Furthermore, some studies have found that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.

It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders because they can have serious consequences on the daily lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for assistance and so it's recommended to include a trusted family member or friend in the appointment-making procedure or to meet with other peers or a support group.

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