15 Startling Facts About Type Of Anxiety Disorder You've Never Known

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but when the feelings are intense or ongoing and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical conditions out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are many good reasons to be worried about things like work responsibility or money, or health. When the worry becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as  generalized anxiety disorder  . People with GAD have anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to expect the worst, or believe that minor problems will develop into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in childhood or adolescence however it can happen at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed to females at birth as men.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can hinder social and work activities. People with severe, chronic GAD are at a greater risk of depression. However, treatment can help manage both conditions.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, they appear to be caused by genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play an important role.

Although there is no cure for GAD, the condition is manageable with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is different treatments that teach you to identify and modify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will help you to understand and control your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by challenging them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants and some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD is difficult to recognize and treat, but you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is easier to treat by seeking assistance early, before anxiety and physical symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that are intense within minutes. The sufferers may also suffer from chest discomfort, shortness of breath or feeling like their heart is beating or flaring ("heart palpitations"). They may be concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are signs of heart attack. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems like hyperthyroidism or asthma.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some studies suggest that they may be due to brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, such as trauma or abuse in childhood are the most 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 with anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations, at work or at school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also experience tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.

A person with generalized anxious disorder might be concerned about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family problems. They may also be irritable and tired, or have difficulty in concentrating. They might also worry about their security or that of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to deal with your anxieties and decrease the amount of panic attacks you experience. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

While many people are shy or nervous in certain situations, a social anxiety disorders cause such extreme fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It usually starts in childhood, but may also manifest in the early years of adulthood. It is usually manifested as a fear of certain social situations, such as having a conversation in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized and involve avoiding any situation that might cause being judged by other people.

The person suffering from SAD might realize that their anxiety is unfounded but feel helpless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them even more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to to reduce their anxiety, like drinking alcohol, being quiet and avoiding eye contact.

Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters inside 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's essential to get treatment. The condition can be debilitating if not treated and may cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders can be treated, but only about 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to make sure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor to refer to a mental health professional if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen.

Specific fears

A person with a specific phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears are usually out of proportion with the risk that the object or event poses, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt everyday functioning. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by anxiety over a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from heights to dogs, flying to injections and areas that are crowded. The condition is widespread and occurs more often among women than men and tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't just unfounded fears but the fear is real.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, but if a phobia persists in adults, it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based upon the reported symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. They are able to rule out other conditions that may be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing a phobia. In the past DSM editions, adult patients had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer required for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the way that people react to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the object or situation. A patient may start with thinking about the object or circumstance before moving on to looking at images of the subject, taking a step toward it (such as walking through an elevator), holding a toy snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes, and finally taking a ride in an elevator that is crowded. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it could reduce the intensity.

Other options for treating specific fears include medication, such as antidepressants and anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often experience better outcomes.