How Type Of Anxiety Disorder Has Changed My Life The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times, but if the feelings are intense or persistent and disrupt everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy. First, you should consult your physician 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 Everyone feels anxious now and then and there are good reasons to be concerned about things such as job responsibilities, health or financial. But if your worries become constant and overtake your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD sufferers experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and can be difficult to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst or assume that minor problems will turn into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as common in women and those deemed to be female at birth, as it is in men. GAD can lead to physical discomforts, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also affect work and social activities, leading people to isolate themselves from family or friends and cause the loss of self-esteem. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to suffer from depression However, treatment can help manage both disorders. Although the exact cause of anxiety isn't known, it appears that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that alter the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may also play a part. While there is no cure for GAD however, it is manageable by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes different methods that help you recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by confronting them. The use of medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. 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 seek out help if you notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, because it helps you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they take over your life. Panic disorder This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by repeated, sudden feelings of intense fear and terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They may be concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be at a higher risk of depression and other health issues like hyperthyroidism or asthma. The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but researchers believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty circuits in the brain that regulate fear and emotions. panic anxiety disorder suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorder. Many people who have an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the disorder. People who have anxiety disorders can be anxious constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can result in difficulties in social situations, at work or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties in getting their attention. A person with generalized anxious disorder may worry about a myriad of everyday activities that include work-related responsibilities as well as family issues. They're also likely to be tired or irritable as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about their safety or that of others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you determine the problem that is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen anxiety attacks. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out in groups or individually. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, a social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it can interfere with normal life activities. It usually begins in childhood, but can also appear in early adulthood. It can manifest as anxiety in specific social situations such as speaking in class or going out on a date. It can also be more widespread and involve 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 cause anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They may also adopt “safety behaviours” to try to reduce anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoid eye contact. Some people with SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychological treatment. 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). It is crucial that you or someone you love receives treatment when they have social anxiety disorder. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues such as addiction or depression. If you or someone else you know has suicidal feelings call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to consult with a crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable but only one in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Barriers to getting treatment include ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the different kinds of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. 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 Phobias A person with specific phobia experiences persistent and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals, or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the threat of the object or situation, but they cause marked distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. Specific phobias are different from other anxiety disorders in that they are triggered by only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared could be anything from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and areas that are crowded. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and occurs more often among women than men and usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood. Certain phobias aren't unreasonable fears but the fear is still very real. Children who suffer from specific phobias typically get over them, however if a phobia persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before determining a phobia, doctors rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as 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 this is no longer necessary for adults. There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their reactions to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure to the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient may begin by imagining the object or event. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. This type of therapy may not be able to eliminate a fear, but it can reduce the intensity. Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating certain phobias. People with specific phobias who take these treatments often experience better outcomes.