How Type Of Anxiety Disorder Altered My Life For The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety are constant, chronic and affecting daily life. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy. First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical ailments out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are a variety of good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility or money, or health. However, if the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you may be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by feelings of dread and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to assume the worst, and that small issues can become major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any age. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to be female at birth, as it is in males. GAD can cause physical problems, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can also affect social and work activities, cause people to avoid family or friends and lead to the loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to experience depression However, treatment can aid in managing both disorders. The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unclear but they appear to be linked to genetics and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role in the cause. Although there is no cure for GAD however, it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is various treatments that teach you to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and some medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD is a difficult condition to diagnose, but you should seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. 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 anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. The sufferers may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or the sensation that their heart is beating or fluttering (“heart palpitations”). They are concerned that the symptoms they're experiencing are symptoms of a heart attacks. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems such asthma or hyperthyroidism. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as 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. disorders anxiety can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know that their fears aren't rational. This can result in difficulties when it comes to social situations, work or school. In addition, many sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by many worries about routine tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about their safety or that of others. There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy 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 treatments can be carried out individually or in group. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a severe disorder that can affect daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear, and aversion to social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as anxiety over specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date, but it could be more generalized and involve the avoidance of situations that could result in being judged by others. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still are unable to overcome it. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them even more anxious. They may also adopt “safety behavior” to ease their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact. Certain people suffering from SAD may benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help balance certain neurotransmitters in 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 has social anxiety disorder, it's crucial to get treatment. panic anxiety disorder can be debilitating if left untreated and can cause other mental health problems, such as addiction and depression. If you or someone you know is having 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 extremely treatable however, only 1 of 4 people who require treatment receive it. Treatment is hindered by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of investment in mental 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 properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool. Specific fears A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear for one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears may be insignificant to the danger of the object or situation however they can cause significant distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias are characterized by fear of one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from dogs to heights to flying to injections to crowds. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and tends to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational but this does not lessen the severity of their symptoms. Children who have phobias that are specific usually overcome them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on everyday functioning. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age were required to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults. There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on educating people about healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure of the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient may begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They can then proceed to see images of it, walking near an elevator, holding a toy, visiting the zoo, and looking at real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. Although this kind of therapy cannot solve phobias but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of its symptoms. Other options for treating specific fears include medications such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. These treatments are frequently proven to be effective for people with phobias specific to them.