(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/psychology-today-logo.png)Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be irritable. They also are at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain health issues like thyroid issues.
It's normal to be anxious from time to time, such as before a test or when moving into a new home. However, if it becomes persistent and overwhelming, you might need treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences chronic anxiety disorder at some point and this is an normal response to stress, whether physical or psychological. When you see a car coming at you fast your fear or anxiety response can protect you. It activates the “fight-or-flight” response which means that your heart rate will increase blood will flow to your muscles, you'll breath more deeply, and your body is anxious to prepare for a possible fight or run. Some people are plagued by anxiety that is difficult to manage. This type of anxiety is harmful if you are unable to perform your daily routine or if it causes disruption with your relationships, work, or education. This is referred to as generalized anxiety disorder.
GAD can affect people of any age however it is most prevalent in adolescents and children. It can persist throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that is skilled in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most efficient for GAD. It teaches you to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.
Anxiety medications are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. There what are the 6 types of anxiety disorders a variety of antidepressants that can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before beginning treatment, discuss these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming anxiety and discomfort in social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to talk to others, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Some people suffering from this condition have such extreme anxiety disorder treatment without medication that they avoid all social interactions. The condition is also known as selective mutism. of this disorder, in which people are scared of certain situations, such as speaking in public or eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts, images, or urges that recur in your mind and can cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions can be behaviours such as washing, checking or counting that you feel compelled to perform to alleviate anxiety or distress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among people with OCD. They can take up a lot of time and disrupt relationships, work, and daily activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men and children of all age groups. It can be diagnosed as early as childhood, but symptoms are most likely to develop in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD is not known however certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin, which regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If any members of your family have OCD you're about 25% more likely to develop it.
People suffering from OCD usually feel that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they are powerless to stop them. They know they're not right and don't enjoy their compulsions, yet are compelled to take action to prevent bad things from happening or to avoid the anxiety their obsessive thinking creates.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatments available that can aid. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce ocd and anxiety disorder symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and assists you in restraining yourself from acting in your compulsive behaviors (for example, washing your hands) to ensure that anxiety decreases over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people with OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your thoughts that are obsessive and eliminates the power they exert over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) which is also known as anxiety or panic attacks is characterized by repeated episodes that reach their peak in a matter of minutes. The symptoms include trembling, nausea and sweating chest pains, as well as breathing problems. These episodes can occur due to traumatizing experiences or simply. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks occurring in the future and are cautious about situations they believe could trigger one.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect daily life. Women and men are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent in those who have experienced trauma. It is also more likely to occur in those with an ancestral history of anxiety or depression.
Around 1 in 4 people who need treatment get it, despite the fact that there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all barriers to seeking help.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder are often similar to those of other illnesses, including hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore important to see a doctor to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't fully understood, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders can run in families and tend to be diagnosed earlier in people with a family history of them. Furthermore, there are numerous risk factors that can lead to the development of anxiety disorders, such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications can cause anxiety, including benzodiazepines, like diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders and understanding treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and decrease stress in daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense fear of being in the public eye or around others. They fear that they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear of and aversion to social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder can lead to other mental disorders, like substance abuse or depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for anxiety disorders). It teaches the patient new ways of thinking and acting, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren't in proportion to the real threat, and that they have control over how they react and act. Another effective approach is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger anxiety, with the assistance of the therapist in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorder but they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants and beta-blockers. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)Research is ongoing to discover the causes of this condition and identify risk factors. It is believed that certain genes and environmental factors can contribute. Additionally, studies have shown that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is crucial to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people. A general practitioner or a mental health specialist can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it is helpful to include a friend or family member in the appointment-making process or to attend with other peers or a support group.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression or eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline to get assistance.