Types Of Anxiety Disorders It's Not As Expensive As You Think
Types of Anxiety Disorders People with anxiety disorders have difficulty concentrating and can be anxious. They also are at an increased risk of developing depression and certain health issues like thyroid issues. It is normal to be anxious from time to time like before a test or when moving into a new home. But if it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point. This is a normal reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For instance, if you see a car speeding toward you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the “fight or flight” response. Your heart beats faster, blood flows into your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes tense in case you have to run away from danger or fight an attack. Some people are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to control. This kind of anxiety could be harmful when it prevents you from doing your usual daily activities and if it affects relationships, work or school. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD can affect people from all ages, but it usually begins in adolescence or childhood and persists into adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, especially dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs. Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can aid in managing your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It teaches you how to challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques. Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically treated with medications. There are a variety of antidepressants that are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications before beginning treatment. Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming anxiety and discomfort in social situations. You may feel like you can't talk to others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or judging you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Some people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, which is when they are terrified of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessions are a set of uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your mind and cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are behaviors like washing, counting or examining that you are compelled to do in order to lessen the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and can disrupt relationships as well as work activities. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect women, men and children of all ages. It can begin in the earliest years of life, however, symptoms tend to manifest in the early years of puberty or young adulthood. The specific cause of OCD is not known however, it is believed that some regions of the brain isn't normal. It could be related to an imbalance in serotonin, the chemical that controls your moods. There's also a strong genetic component; if you or your family members suffer from OCD There's 25% chance that you'll be affected. People suffering from OCD typically feel that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they are unable to stop them. They are aware that they're wrong and don't like their compulsions but feel compelled to act to avoid negative events occurring or to alleviate the anxiety that obsessive thought generates. While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of treatment options available to help. Most people will benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves an therapy therapist gradually exposing you the situations and objects that trigger your obsessional thoughts such as touching objects that are dirty. They also assist you to avoid the compulsive behavior (such as hand-washing) so that anxiety levels decrease with time. Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and removes their power over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea, chest pains, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is having a heart attack. These episodes can occur following terrifying experiences, or they can be sudden and unexpected. People with PD also experience constant anxiety about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations in which they think they might trigger an episode. PD as with other anxiety disorders, can cause extreme distress and affect negatively daily life. It affects men and women equally however it is more prevalent for those who have been through a traumatic or stressful event. People with a history of family or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it. About 1 in 4 people who need treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help. The symptoms of an anxiety disorder often mimic the symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's important to see an expert for an evaluation and an assessment. After determining if there is a physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options. Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage for those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are many risk factors that can cause anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse or smoking. Some medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium are also known to cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart conditions can reduce anxiety. Learning about the various kinds of anxiety disorders and understanding treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and lessen stress in your daily life. Social Anxiety Disorder People with social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public or around other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and may be smacked of or rejected. They usually experience a variety of physical and emotional signs like a rapid heartbeat and sweating, trembling nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations can cause problems in the workplace or relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and substance abuse. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential treatment for this condition. This teaches the person alternative ways of thinking and acting that can reduce the anxiety. iampsychiatry.com helps the person realize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they can control how they behave and react. Another method that works is exposure therapy, or cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger their anxiety with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment. Social anxiety disorder may be treated using medications but they aren't considered as a cure. They include antianxiety medication such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy. The research is ongoing to determine the causes behind this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain environmental and genetic factors are believed to be responsible for. Certain studies have also demonstrated that people with this disorder respond more than normal to certain hormones. It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have serious effects on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to ask for help, so it is helpful to include a friend or family member in the appointment making process, or to join other people in the same group. Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They may increase your risk of depression and substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.