5 Types Of Anxiety Disorders Myths You Should Stay Clear Of

Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulty concentrating and can be angry. They also have a higher chance of depression and some medical conditions, including thyroid problems.

It is normal to experience anxiety at times, for example before taking an exam or moving to an unfamiliar home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, and this is usually an normal response to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a vehicle speeding towards you and you are anxious or scared, your response can protect you. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response which means that your heart beats faster blood flow will increase to your muscles, you'll breathe more deeply, and your body will get tense to prepare for a possible fight or a run. Some people suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to control. This type of worry can be detrimental in the event that it hinders you from engaging in your normal routine and affects relationships, work or school. People with this problem are known as having  generalized anxiety disorder  (GAD).

GAD can affect people of any age however it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue into adulthood. It is more common in women than in men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.

Medications to treat anxiety are generally used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram all can be effective antidepressants. Before beginning treatment, discuss the medications with your physician.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming anxiety and apprehension in social situations. You may feel like you aren't able to speak in front of others, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, in which people are afraid of certain situations like eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that keep popping up in your head and can cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions are behaviors such as washing, counting or even checking that you are compelled to perform in order to ease the stress or anxiety caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among those suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and interfere with relationships or work activities.

Obsessive compulsive disorder affects men, women and children of any age. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood, but the symptoms are more likely to appear during puberty or young adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown however some brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if you or your family members suffer from OCD There's 25% chance that you will experience it.

People suffering from OCD generally feel that their obsessions or compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they are powerless to stop them. They realize they're not right and don't enjoy their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to prevent bad things from occurring or to alleviate the anxiety their obsessive thinking causes.

There are many treatments that can aid. The majority of people can benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the objects or situations that trigger your obsessive thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying on your compulsive actions (for instance, washing your hands) to ensure that anxiety decreases over time.

Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are drugs that boost serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach the peak in just minutes and include symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating, trembling, nausea, chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending death, and the feeling that one is suffering from an attack on the heart. These episodes may occur due to traumatizing experiences or simply. People who suffer from PD are also constantly concerned about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack.

PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and can affect negatively daily life. It affects both genders equally but it is more common for people who have had an event that was stressful or traumatizing. It is also more likely to occur in those with an extended family history of anxiety or depression.

About 1 of 4 people who require 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 healthcare services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all barriers to care.

The symptoms of an anxiety disorder often mimic symptoms of other diseases such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely recognized, it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are typically passed through families and are more likely to develop at a younger age for those with an history of anxiety disorders. There are many risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse or smoking. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can reduce anxiety, as can beta-blockers prescribed to treat heart conditions. You can control your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders. You can reduce the distress in your everyday life by learning about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People with social anxiety disorder have intense and persistent fears of being in public, or with other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs that include heartbeats that are rapid, sweating and trembling. Their fear of social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder may cause a range of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.

This condition can be treated using psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn different ways of thinking and behaving, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren't proportional to the actual threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Another method that works is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger anxiety, with the assistance of a therapist in a safe environment.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated using medications but they aren't considered as a cure. These include antianxiety medications including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually utilized 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 known to contribute. In addition, some studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones in the body.

It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders because they can have a serious impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or a mental health specialist can identify anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It isn't easy to seek assistance, so it could be helpful to involve your family member or friend in scheduling an appointment, or attend the support group or a peer.

Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They can increase the risk of depression or substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline to get help.