Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders frequently have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have higher risk of developing depression as well as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems.
It is normal to be anxious at times like before an exam or when moving into a new house. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), as well as medication are effective in treating the majority of anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some point. It's an normal response to stress, either physical or psychological. For example, when you see a car speeding toward you your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood flows to your muscles and you breathe harder and your body gets anxious in the event that you need to run away from danger or fight against a threat. However certain people are plagued by excessive worrying that seems impossible to control. This kind of worry could be dangerous if you are unable to perform your daily routine or if it causes disruption 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 more frequent in adolescents and children. It can continue throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. best medication for anxiety disorder , or talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Several types of antidepressants are effective, such as 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, causes intense anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak to others or that they stare at you from afar. Some people with this condition are so anxious that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Others who suffer from this disorder suffer from selective mutism. This means that they are only terrified of certain situations, such as eating or speaking in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back to your mind and cause you anxiety or stress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing or counting, which you are compelled to do to ease anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. People with OCD often suffer from both obsessions and compulsions, which can take up the majority of their time and interfere with everyday activities such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of all age groups. It can start in the early years of life, but symptoms are more likely to appear when you reach puberty or early adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family suffer from OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.
OCD sufferers often feel powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They don't get pleasure from doing their compulsions, and they know they're not right, but they believe they must do something to stop negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the anxiety that their obsessions cause.
Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are many treatment options available to aid. Many people can benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a therapist gradually exposing you to the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also aid you in learning to avoid the compulsive behavior (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety decreases with time.
Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be beneficial in managing stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as anxiety or panic attacks, is characterized by recurrent 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 can occur in response to trauma events or happen spontaneously. People with PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack.
PD as with other anxiety disorders, can create significant distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. It affects men and women equally but it is more prevalent for people who have had an event that was stressful or traumatizing. People who have a family history of anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
While there is a highly effective treatment available but only one out of 4 people who require treatment receive it. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all barriers to care.
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder frequently resemble the symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation and a diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will suggest specific treatment after determining physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and tend to develop at a younger age for those who have a history of anxiety disorders. There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to anxiety disorders, like smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart issues. You can control your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders. You can lessen the stress in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatments.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People suffering from social anxiety disorder are constantly afraid of being in public, or with other people. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and be thought to be a negative person. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear and avoidance of social situations may cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder could also lead to a variety of psychological disorders, including depression and addiction to substances.
Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. It teaches different ways of thinking, and can reduce anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears are not in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that create anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder can also be treated using medications however they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all part of. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. Certain environmental and genetic elements are known to cause. Certain studies have also demonstrated that those with this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.
It is essential to seek help for anxiety disorders because they can have serious consequences on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental healthcare specialist can identify anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it might be helpful to involve a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or to attend with an organization or peer.
Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life and can increase the risk of depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline to get help.