10 Best Books On Type Of Anxiety Disorder

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are excessive, persistent and interfere with your daily routine. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medications are effective treatments.

First, consult your physician to rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional will diagnose the type anxiety disorder you suffer from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious at times and there are many valid reasons to worry about things like job responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. But when the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you may be suffering from a more serious disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People suffering from GAD experience fears that affect their whole lives and can be difficult to control. They are prone to believe that everything is worst and that minor problems can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually starts in adolescence or childhood however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as common in women and those deemed to females at birth as males.

GAD can cause physical issues like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with work and social activities. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to suffer from depression however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.

The specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are related to genes and changes in brain structure, which affect the way your body reacts to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role too.

While there is no cure for GAD, the condition is manageable by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises a range of treatments that help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that will help you learn to control your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness can be cured by taking medications. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medicines to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD isn't easy to identify and is therefore important to seek help if you notice worrying and other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to control the anxiety and physical symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of terror and fear (panic attacks) that are intense within minutes. People with this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or feeling like their heart beats or is flaring ("heart palpitations"). They may be concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, and may be more susceptible to depression and other health issues, such as asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative with the condition.

People who have  anxiety disorder s may be worried all the time, even when they know that their fears are unfounded. This can lead to issues in social settings, at work or in school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have tension in the muscles, irritability and difficulties concentrating.

A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by a variety of worries about routine tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless and fatigued, or have trouble concentrating. They might also be concerned about their safety or that of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health practices. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the most effective treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you discover how to cope with your worries and reduce the amount of panic attacks you experience. There are a variety 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

While many people are anxious or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It usually begins in childhood, but can also appear in early adulthood. It may manifest as anxiety in specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. It can also be more widespread and involve avoidance of all situations that could result in being judged.

The person suffering from SAD may realize that their fear is irrational but feel helpless. They try to manage their symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them more anxious. They might also develop "safety behavior" to lessen their anxiety. For example, they might drink alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

Certain people with SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychological treatment. These medications, known as antidepressants, help balance the levels of 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 essential to seek treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings call 911, your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to talk to a crisis counselor.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable however, only 1 of 4 people who require care receive it. The main barriers to treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also important to make sure that your healthcare provider is aware of the different types of anxiety disorders so that you can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or utilize an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who is afflicted with a particular phobia experiences persistent and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the threat of the object or situation, but they can cause severe anxiety and can hinder functioning in daily life. Particular phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation could include anything from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or even overcrowded spaces. The condition is widespread and occurs more often for women than men, and tends to begin in the adolescent years or early childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational however this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually outgrow them, but if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors identify the disorder by examining symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Before determining  disorders anxiety , doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous DSM editions, patients of adult age needed to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that this is no longer required for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on educating people about healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding toys, going to a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally riding a crowded lift. Although this type of therapy cannot alleviate phobias but it can dramatically decrease the severity of the symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are also options for treating specific phobias. People with specific phobias that test these therapies often experience better outcomes.