Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders frequently struggle to concentrate and are irritable. They also have a higher chance of depression as well as some health conditions, like thyroid issues.

It is normal to experience anxiety at times, for example before taking an exam or moving to a new home. If anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming it is possible to require 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. This is an normal reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For instance, when you see a car speeding toward you your natural fear or anxiety response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood pumps into your muscles; you breathe more heavily and your body gets anxious in the event that you need to run away from danger or fight against an attack. However there are those who are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to control. This type of anxiety can be harmful when you are unable to do your normal daily activities or if it causes disruption in your relationships, work or education. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis mixed anxiety disorder disorder.

GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it usually begins in adolescence or childhood and persists into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. People suffering from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Treatment Best Med For Generalized Anxiety Disorder anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.

The medications used to treat anxiety are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta) and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme anxiety and apprehension in social situations. You might feel as if you can't talk to others, or feel that people are judging you or looking down on you. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are terrified of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts or images that recur in your mind and cause you anxiety or distress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing or counting. They can also be actions that you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People with OCD frequently have both compulsions and obsessions that can consume many hours of their lives and interfere with everyday activities, relationships and work.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect men, women, and children of any age. It can begin in childhood, but the symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD isn't known, but it's believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be caused by an imbalance in the chemical serotonin that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If one or more members of your family has OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it.

OCD sufferers often feel in a position of powerlessness to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They know that they are wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions, but feel compelled to act to prevent bad things from happening or to avoid the anxiety that obsessive thought creates.

While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. ERP involves a therapist gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts like touching objects that are dirty. They also help you avoid the compulsive behavior (such as washing your hands) so that your anxiety decreases with time.

Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD), also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that last for minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea chest pains, as well as breathlessness. These episodes can happen in response to trauma experiences or spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and are cautious about situations they fear could trigger a panic attack.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact everyday life. It affects men and women equally however it is more prevalent for people who have had a traumatic or stressful event. People with a family history or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.

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

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore essential to see a physician in order to get an evaluation and diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is known that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders can run in families, and they tend to develop at a younger age in people with a family history of them. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, including benzodiazepines, like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. You can treat your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can lessen the stress in your daily life by learning about treatments.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public or with other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and experience humiliation or rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms like rapid heartbeats as well as sweating and trembling. Their fear and avoidance of social situations may cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder could cause other mental disorders, like depression or substance abuse.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and helps reduce anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are out of proportion to the actual danger in the situation and they can control how they react and behave. Exposure therapy or cognitive delivered exposure is another method that works. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of professionals in a secure setting.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication however they aren't considered as a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to discover the risk factors and understand the causes of this condition. It is known that certain genetic and environmental factors may contribute. Certain studies have also demonstrated that people suffering from this disorder react more than normal to certain hormones.

It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, as they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It can be hard to ask for help, so it is helpful to include a family member or friend during the appointment process or to attend 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 or substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. Contact a suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you love is considering suicide.