Be On The Lookout For: How Types Of Anxiety Disorders Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Types of Anxiety Disorders People with anxiety disorders often struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid problems. A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking an exam or moving to the new location. If anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming you may need treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with 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. When you see a car speeding towards you your fear or anxiety response can protect you. It activates the “fight-or-flight” response, which means your heart will beat faster, blood will pump to your muscles, you'll breathe more heavily, and your body will become tense to prepare for a fight or a run. Some people are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This kind of anxiety could be harmful if it keeps you from engaging in your normal routine and hinders relationships at work, school or. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD can be an issue for people of all ages but it is more common in children and adolescents. It can continue throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques. Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about these medications prior to starting treatment. Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, causes intense anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to speak in front of others, or that people are judging you or looking down at you. Some people with this condition are so anxious that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder. It is a condition where people are afraid of certain situations, such as eating in public or speaking in front of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive disorder Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that recur in your mind and cause you stress or anxiety. Compulsions may be behaviors like washing or counting. They can also be actions that you feel compelled to perform to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and can disrupt relationships as well as work activities. Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all different ages. It can start in childhood, but the symptoms tend to manifest during puberty or young adulthood. The specific cause of OCD isn't known, but it's believed that the activity in certain parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be related to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which affects your mood. There is also a strong genetic component; if you or your family members have OCD there's a 25% chance you'll be affected. People with OCD usually think that their obsessions and compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are unable to stop them. They don't enjoy doing their compulsions, and they know they are wrong, but they believe they have to act to stop terrible things from happening, or to alleviate or escape the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts. There are many treatments that can help. The majority of people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves an therapist gradually exposing you to the things and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession such as touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as hand-washing) so that your anxiety diminishes over time. Some people with OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. resources of psychological therapy include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and removes the power they exert over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling, nausea and chest discomfort, breathlessness and a sense of imminent death, and the feeling that one is experiencing a heart attack. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they can be sudden and unexpected. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possible occurrence of future panic attacks and avoid situations where they believe they could trigger an episode. PD, like other anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and affect negatively everyday life. Women and men are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent in those who have experienced a traumatic event. It is also more likely to occur in those with an ancestral history of depression or anxiety. About 1 in 4 people who need treatment receive it, despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder are often similar to those of other illnesses, including heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is important to see a physician in order to get an evaluation and diagnosis. After determining the physical cause, a certified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment options. While the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully recognized, it is well-known that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed through families and typically develop at a younger age for those who have an anxiety history. Additionally, there are a variety of factors that could trigger an anxiety disorder such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety, especially benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants are able to relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart conditions. You can treat your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatments. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and persistent fear of being in the public eye or in the company of others. They fear that they will be ridiculed or rejected and be thought to be a negative person. They might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, such as rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations could cause problems in the workplace or in relationships. The disorder could result in other mental disorders, like addiction or depression. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps the person learn different ways of thinking and acting to lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and that they can control how they behave and react. Another effective approach is exposure therapy or cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing a person to the situations that trigger anxiety with the help of a therapist in a safe environment. The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all part of. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy. Research is ongoing to discover the causes and identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute. Certain studies have also demonstrated that people suffering from this condition react more strongly than normal to certain hormones. It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have a severe impact on the lives of people. A general practitioner or mental health professional can identify the disorder and recommend treatments. It isn't easy to seek assistance, so it might be helpful to involve a friend or family member in scheduling an appointment, or attend the support group or a peer. Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative effect on your life, and can increase your risk for depression, substance use eating disorders, suicide. Contact the suicide prevention helpline in the event that you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.