It's Time To Expand Your Type Of Anxiety Disorder Options

It's Time To Expand Your Type Of Anxiety Disorder Options

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or continue to reoccur and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.



First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical ailments out which could be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times and there are good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, health, or financial. If the anxiety becomes constant and takes over your life, it could be a more serious anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst and believe that minor issues can become major problems. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any age.  depression and anxiety disorder  is twice as prevalent among women and the newly born female.

GAD can cause physical issues, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with the activities of work and social life. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression However, treatment can aid in managing both disorders.

While the root of anxiety disorders is unclear but they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that affect how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved too.

Although there is no cure for GAD however, it is manageable by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises a range of therapies that help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that can help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and decrease your fear by engaging them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to get help if you notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective since it lets you control the physical and mental symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They often worry that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression and other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety disorders have a first degree relative who has the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are irrational. This can lead to difficulty in social situations, work or at school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also experience tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have numerous worries regarding routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They're also likely to be tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about their safety or that of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. There are several types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with daily life. It causes intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It usually begins in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest as anxiety in specific social situations like speaking in class or going out on dates. It can also be more widespread and include the need to avoid situations that could result in being judged.

While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long term. They may also adopt "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some people who suffer from SAD benefit from medications. These antidepressants can help balance some neurotransmitters within the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's essential to get treatment. The disorder can be life-threatening if not treated and may cause other mental health problems, such as depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated however, only 1 in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also essential to make sure that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Request your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.

Specific fears

A person who has a specific fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals or even other people. These fears are often not proportional to the danger that the object or event poses, but they can cause distress and hinder daily functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually overcome them, however if a phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In the past DSM editions, adults had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and constant exposure to the object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event. They may then move on to see images of it, walking in front of an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. These treatments are generally proven to be effective by those who suffer from specific phobias.