Keep An Eye On This: How Types Of Anxiety Disorders Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Types of Anxiety Disorders People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also have a higher risk of depression and some medical conditions, including thyroid issues. A few times of anxiety are normal, for example before taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications are effective in treating most anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at some moment in time. This is an normal reaction to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, when you observe a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps 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 nervous in the event you have to flee from danger or fight an attack. However certain people are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This kind of anxiety could be harmful when it prevents you from completing your daily activities and if it affects relationships such as work or school. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder . GAD can affect people from all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence or childhood and persists until adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than men. GAD is often associated with other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid in managing your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you how to combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques. The medications used to treat anxiety are usually employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before beginning treatment, discuss the medications with your physician. Social anxiety disorder, also known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations. It can be a feeling that you can't be able to speak to others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Some people suffering from this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Others who suffer from this disorder experience selective mutism. This means that they only seem to be scared of certain situations, such as public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive disorder Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts or images which keep returning to your mind and cause you anxiety or stress. Compulsions could be actions like washing, checking or counting that you are compelled to do to reduce anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions which can occupy many hours of their lives and affect their everyday activities, relationships and work. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men, and children of any age. It can begin in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known, but certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If one or more members of your family suffer from OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it. OCD patients often feel powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They know that they're wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions, yet feel compelled to act to avoid bad things happening or to avoid the stress that their obsessive thinking causes. There are many treatments that can help. Most people can benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts, like touching objects that are dirty and helps you resist acting on your impulsive actions (for example, washing your hands) in order that your anxiety decreases as time passes. Certain people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you accept your negative and obsessive thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also helpful in managing stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is having an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen after frightening events, or they could be sudden and unexpected. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about future panic attacks, and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack. PD like other anxiety disorders, can create severe distress and can have a negative impact on daily life. It affects both genders equally but it is more prevalent in people who have experienced trauma or a stressful experience. People with a family history or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it. Although there is highly effective treatment available, only about 1 out of 4 people who require treatment receive it. The barriers to treatment include a lack of understanding that anxiety disorders are treatable, poor access to mental health services, and the stigma that comes with seeking help. The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to those of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's essential to consult an expert for an evaluation and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options. Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully identified, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are often passed through families and typically appear earlier for those who have a history of anxiety disorders. Moreover, there are many risk factors for developing anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Learning about the various types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can help you manage your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant and intense fear of being in public eye or with other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They usually experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems in the workplace or relationships. The disorder could cause other mental disorders, like addiction or depression. The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn new ways of thinking and behaving to lessen the anxiety. It helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment. The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered to be a cure. They include antianxiety medication including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Research is ongoing to discover the causes and to identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that those with this disorder have a greater than normal response to certain hormones within the body. It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a severe impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health specialist can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it may be beneficial to involve a friend or family member in arranging an appointment or to attend with an organization or peer. Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase your risk of suffering from depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention if you or someone you love is contemplating suicide.