The Reasons Type Of Anxiety Disorder Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or persistent and disrupt daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy. First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical ailments out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone is anxious at times, and there are many good reasons for worrying about things like job responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by fear and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and believe that minor issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but it can happen at any point. It is twice as common in women and those born female. GAD can lead to physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can help treat both disorders. While the exact cause is unknown, it appears that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect the body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain plays a part. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, encompasses various treatments that teach you to identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you to understand and control your thoughts and patterns of thinking that are distorted and reduce your fears by challenging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD is difficult to recognize however, it is important to seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is simpler to treat it by seeking help early, before the physical and mental symptoms take over your life. Panic disorder This kind of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated episodes of extreme terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). People with this disorder may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart beats or is flaring (“heart palpitations”). They frequently worry that their symptoms could be a sign of an attack on their heart. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and could be more susceptible to depression or other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. The reason behind anxiety disorder s isn't known however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control the emotions and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, such as trauma or abuse in childhood, are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member with the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even when they realize their fears aren't rational. This can result in difficulties in social situations, at work or at school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a wide range of daily tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They may also feel exhausted or restless as well as having trouble concentrating. They frequently worry about the safety of themselves or others. There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms, and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with daily life routines. It can be present in early adulthood, but it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It is usually manifested as a fear of certain social situations, like speaking in class or going out on a date, or it may be more generalized and include avoiding any situation that might result in being perceived as a failure by other people. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact. In addition to the psychological treatments, a few people with SAD benefit from medication. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. The condition can be debilitating if left untreated and can cause other mental health problems, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK to 741741 to speak to an experienced crisis counselor. One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or use an online screening tool. Specific phobias A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects or situations, animals, or other people. These fears are often not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance creates, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt daily functioning. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorder s due to the fact that they cause anxiety around a single stimulus, not multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and areas that are crowded. The condition is found worldwide and is more common among women than men and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are unfounded, but this knowledge doesn't diminish the severity of their symptoms. Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of DSM, adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults. There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on educating people about healthier ways of coping and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and consistent exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with an object, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then taking a ride in a crowded elevator. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it could reduce the intensity. Other treatment options for specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently have better results.