How Type Of Anxiety Disorder Has Changed My Life The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can be identified when fear or anxiety is constant, chronic and interfere with your daily routine. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments. First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you have. Generalized anxiety disorder Every person experiences anxiety at times and there are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job responsibilities, health or money. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder . GAD is characterised by feelings of dread and anxiety that can affect the whole life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it typically begins in the adolescent years or early childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in men. GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with work and social activities, causing people to isolate themselves from families or friends and cause an eroding of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can aid in managing both disorders. The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown, they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body responds to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may also play an important role. While there is no cure for GAD it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is various treatments that teach you to identify and modify unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medicines that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD isn't easy to identify however it is crucial to seek help if you are experiencing anxiety or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, because it helps you reduce the physical and emotional symptoms before they begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This type of anxiety disorder is marked by repeated, extreme terror and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they're experiencing are symptoms of a heart attacks. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, experts believe that they are caused by a combination of factors. Some research suggests they may be caused by brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative who has the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know their fears aren't rational. This can lead to issues in social settings at work, or at school. Some people with anxiety disorders also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a wide range of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family problems. They may also feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves or others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you cope with your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. There are several types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These treatments can be carried out in groups or individually. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with everyday life activities. It can manifest in early adulthood, but it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out on dates. It could also be more widespread and include avoiding all situations that could result in being assessed. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still feel powerless to overcome it. They try to control their symptoms by avoiding the stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long in the long run. They may also develop “safety behaviours” to try to reduce anxiety, for example, drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact. In addition to the psychological treatments, a few patients who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. Antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could cause other mental health problems, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor. One in four sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the lack of funding for mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various forms of anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder Ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or make use of an online tool to screen. Specific fears A person with specific fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations, animals or even other people. The fear may be unrelated to the risk posed by the object or situation, but they cause marked anxiety and can hinder functioning in everyday life. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could range from dogs to heights to flying to injections to crowded spaces. This condition occurs worldwide and is more common in males than women, and tends to start in adolescence or childhood. Specific phobias are not unreasonable fears, but the fear remains real. Children who have specific fears typically get over them. However when the fear persists into adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of the DSM adult patients were required to recognize their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults. Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event. The patient may begin by thinking about the object or event. They can then proceed to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding an object, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, and then taking a ride in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy is not able to alleviate phobias but it can dramatically decrease the severity of its symptoms. Psychotherapy and medicines such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific phobias. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.