Is Type Of Anxiety Disorder The Same As Everyone Says?
Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when the feelings are intense or ongoing and interfere with everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy. First, consult your doctor to rule any physical conditions out which could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Every person experiences anxiety from time to time, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, health, or financial. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD sufferers experience fears that affect their whole lives and can be difficult to manage. They tend to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those born female. GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can interfere with social and work activities. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can aid in managing both disorders. While the exact cause is unknown, it appears that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role in the cause. GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes various treatments that help you identify and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of therapy that can assist you in overcoming your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and decrease your fear by confronting them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be relieved by medications. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD isn't easy to identify, but it is important to get help if you notice worrying or other signs of the disorder. It is easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and emotional symptoms begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. People with this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart is pounding or fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are symptoms of a heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be at increased risk of depression and other health issues, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism. The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't known however, researchers believe they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests they may be due to brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a first-degree family member who suffers from the condition. People with anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly, even when they know that their fears are unfounded. This can lead to issues in social settings, at work or in school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder might be concerned about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family problems. They may also feel restless and tired, or have trouble in concentrating. They might also be concerned about their own safety or that of others. There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine, psychotherapy, and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and decrease panic attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with normal life activities. It can manifest in early adulthood, but it typically starts in childhood. It often shows up as anxiety about specific social situations, like talking in class or going on date, but it may be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could cause being perceived as a failure by others. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them more anxious. They may also develop “safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For instance they may drink alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact. Some people with SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. These 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's important to seek treatment. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, but only about 1 out of four people who require treatment receive it. Treatment is hindered by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, a lack of investment in mental services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider understands the different types anxiety disorders to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you're not sure if you suffer from an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or make use of an online tool to screen. Specific fears A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals or other people. These fears are usually not proportional to the risk that the object or event creates, but they can cause anxiety and disrupt the daily activities of. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may include anything from dogs to heights to flying to injections to overcrowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and tends to begin in childhood or early adolescence. Specific phobias are not unfounded fears however, the fear remains real. Children who have phobias that are specific usually outgrow them, however if a anxiety persists in adults it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but 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 altering the way people respond to their fears and teaches them healthier ways to cope. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure to the object or situation that is feared. The patient may begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, holding toys, going to the zoo, and looking at real snakes, before experiencing a busy lift. Although this kind of therapy is not able to alleviate phobias, it can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms. Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific phobias. These therapies are often proven to be effective by people who suffer from specific phobias.