anxiety-disorders

Types of Anxiety DisordersAnxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are chronic, persistent, and affecting daily life. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective treatments.First, see your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that might be causing your symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.Generalized anxiety disorderEvery person experiences anxiety at times and there are good reasons to be concerned about issues like work responsibilities, health or money. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that affect their whole lives and can be difficult to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst and assume that minor problems will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be experienced by anyone, and usually begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as males.GAD can trigger physical symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can affect work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help to manage both conditions.Although the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes in brain structures that alter the body’s response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role as well.Although there isn’t a cure for GAD it is manageable by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, includes different treatments that teach you to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by engaging them. Medications can help relieve some of the physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.GAD is difficult to recognize however, you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is much easier to treat when you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms take over your life.Panic disorderThis kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated episodes of intense terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They often worry that their symptoms could be a sign of heart attacks. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be caused by brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety problems have a first-degree family member who suffers from the condition.People with anxiety disorders can be anxious all the time, even when they know that their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations, at work or school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in the muscles, irritability and difficulty concentrating.A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by numerous worries regarding routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They might also feel anxious and fatigued, or have trouble in concentrating. They might also worry about their own security or that of others.There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health methods. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.Social anxiety disorderSocial anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It usually starts in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It often shows up as a fear of certain social situations, like speaking in class or going on dates, or it could be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by others.While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They might also develop “safety behavior” to lessen their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. 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 has social anxiety disorder, it’s essential to get treatment. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor.One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are the lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider knows the various forms of anxiety disorders so that you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool.Specific fearsA person with specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals, or other people. The fear may be out of proportion to the threat of the object or circumstance, but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they are triggered by a single stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared could be anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or even crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more prevalent among women than men and usually begins in adolescence or childhood. Certain phobias aren’t unreasonable fears however, the fear remains real.Children with phobias that are specific to them usually overcome them. However, if the phobia persists as an adult it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In earlier editions of the DSM adults were required to acknowledge their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.There are two kinds of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people react to their fears and teaches them better coping strategies. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or situation and then move to looking at pictures of the subject, then taking steps towards it (such as walking past an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. anxiety counseling of therapy might not cure a fear, but it could decrease the intensity.Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific phobias. These therapies are often considered to be effective by people with phobias specific to them.