anxiety-disorders

Types of Anxiety DisordersAnxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety is constant, chronic and interfere with daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments.First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that could be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will diagnose the type anxiety disorder that you have.Generalized anxiety disorderEvery person experiences anxiety from time to time and there are good reasons to be concerned about issues like work obligations, health or financial. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by fear and anxiety that can alter a person’s entire life. They tend to anticipate the worst, or believe that minor problems will 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 deemed to females at birth as males.GAD can lead to physical discomforts like headaches and stomachaches. It can cause difficulty to fall asleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a higher chance of developing depression. However treatment can help manage both conditions.While the root of anxiety disorders is unclear, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that alter how your body responds to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is involved as well.GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, encompasses various treatments that teach you to identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your fear by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations can be alleviated by medication. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and some medicines that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.GAD can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is easier to treat when you seek assistance early, before anxiety and physical symptoms begin to affect your life.Panic disorderThis kind of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated episodes of sudden feelings of extreme terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs 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 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 emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the disorder.Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly stressed, even when they realize their fears are irrational. This can lead to problems in social situations, at work or in school. People with anxiety disorders may are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have tension in the muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating.A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have a variety of worries about routine tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They’re also likely to be tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others.The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine, psychotherapy, and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can assist you in identifying the condition that causes your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to deal with your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis.Social anxiety disorderWhile many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme 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 can manifest itself as anxiety in certain social situations such as speaking in class or going out for dates. It could also be more widespread, and include avoiding all situations that could result in being assessed.While the person with SAD realizes that their anxiety is unfounded, they are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them more anxious. They might also develop “safety behavior” to help reduce their anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and avoiding eye contact.In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients with SAD can benefit from medication. These medications, known as antidepressants, can help to regulate the levels of 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. The disorder can be life-threatening if not treated and may cause mental health issues like addiction and depression. If you or someone else you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to speak with a crisis counselor.One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider is aware of the various forms of anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to a mental health professional in case you’re not sure if you have an anxiety disorder. You can also use an online screening tool.Specific phobiasA person with specific fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals, or other people. These fears are usually in contrast to the danger that the object or event poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders because they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The object or event that is feared may range from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or even overcrowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and tends to start in adolescence or childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are unfounded however this doesn’t diminish the intensity of their symptoms.Children with specific phobias usually get over them, but if the phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and how they affect the way they function in their daily lives. They rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing a fear. In past DSM editions, adult patients needed to recognize their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that it is no longer necessary for adults.Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way people react to their fears and teaches them healthier strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or situation before moving on to looking at pictures of the subject, taking an action towards it (such as walking through an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias but it can dramatically decrease the severity of its symptoms.social anxiety disorder symptoms for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often have better results.