anxiety-disorders

Types of Anxiety DisordersAnxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are constant, chronic and affecting daily life. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that could be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from.Generalized anxiety disorderEveryone is anxious every from time to time There are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job responsibilities, health or money. But when the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by dread and anxiety that can affect a person’s entire life. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor issues will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any point. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female.GAD can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can hinder work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed However, treatment can aid in managing both disorders.While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved in the cause.GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you manage your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by confronting them. Medications can help relieve some physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and certain medications used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.GAD isn’t easy to identify however it is crucial to seek help if you are experiencing anxiety and other symptoms of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to manage your anxiety and physical symptoms before they begin to take over your life.Panic disorderThis type of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, intense terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attacks. People who have panic disorder are at risk for developing other anxiety disorders and may be more susceptible to depression or other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.The cause of anxiety disorders isn’t well understood however, researchers believe they develop from a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to the malfunctioning of circuits in our brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as traumatizing events in childhood, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the disorder.People suffering from anxiety disorders may be worried constantly, even when they know that their fears are irrational. This can create problems in social situations at work, at home or in school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also suffer from tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentration.A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a myriad of everyday activities, including job responsibilities and family issues. They might also feel anxious and fatigued, or have trouble in concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that causes your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen anxiety attacks. There are several types of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.Social anxiety disorderAlthough many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder causes such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with normal life activities. It typically begins in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in specific social situations such as speaking in class or going out on a date. Or it may be more widespread, and include avoidance of all situations that could result in being judged.generalised anxiety disorder with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded however, they feel powerless. They attempt to control their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long run. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to lessen their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, avoid talking to others or avoid eye contact.Some people with SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters in 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 important to seek treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues such as depression or substance abuse. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.Only 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by the lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low funding for mental health services and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the different types anxiety disorders, so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health when you’re unsure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen.Specific fearsA person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or even other people. These fears are often in contrast to the dangers that the object or event creates, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders because they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything, from dogs to heights, flying to injections and the crowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world most often in men than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are unfounded however this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.Children who have specific fears typically get over them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and how they affect the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In past DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says it is no longer necessary for adults.There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior 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 therapy is the gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation. The patient might begin by imagining the object or event. They can then proceed to seeing pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding a toy, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and finally experiencing a busy lift. Although this kind of therapy cannot alleviate phobias, it can significantly decrease the severity of its symptoms.Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific phobias. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective by those with phobias specific to them.