5 Laws Anyone Working In Types Of Anxiety Disorders Should Know
Types of Anxiety Disorders People with anxiety disorders frequently struggle to concentrate and are stressed. They are also at a higher-risk of depression and certain health issues like thyroid problems. It is normal to experience anxiety at times such as before taking an exam or moving to the new location. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant you may need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times and this is a normal part of responding to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, when you notice a car speeding towards you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps to keep you safe by activating the “fight or flight” response. Your heart beats faster, blood pumps into your muscles and you breathe harder; and your body becomes anxious in the event that you need to flee from danger or fight an attack. However, some people are troubled by anxiety that is impossible to control. This type of worry could be harmful if it keeps you from engaging in your normal daily activities and if it affects relationships, work or school. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is a problem for people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence or early childhood and continues into adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. People suffering from GAD often have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression (less severe forms of depression). They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves psychotherapy and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms. It is beneficial to find a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you to challenge distorted thoughts and use relaxation techniques. Short-term anxiety treatments are usually treated with medications. Effexor Duloxetine, XR (Cymbalta) and escitalopram are all effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, discuss the medications with your physician. 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 speak in front of others, or feel that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Some people with this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid any social interaction. Others who suffer from this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are afraid of specific situations, such as eating or speaking in the presence of strangers. Obsessive Compulsive disorder Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images or urges that recur in your mind and cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are actions, such as washing, counting or examining, that you feel driven to do in order to ease the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. People suffering from OCD frequently have both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy the majority of their time and affect their everyday activities such as relationships, work and family. Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect men, women, and children of all ages. It can start in childhood, but the symptoms tend to manifest during puberty or young adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown however certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance of the chemical serotonin, which affects your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family suffer from OCD, you are about 25 percent more likely to suffer from it. OCD patients often feel in a position of powerlessness to stop their obsessions and compulsions. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they're not right, but they believe they have to act to prevent negative events from happening or to escape or relieve the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts. While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of solutions available to aid. Psychological treatment, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP, your therapist gradually exposes to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessive thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you resist acting on your compulsive actions (for instance, washing your hands), so that anxiety decreases over time. SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people with OCD. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based therapy like acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your obsessive and negative thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also beneficial in managing stress. Panic Disorder Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach an extreme within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent death, and the feeling that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen due to traumatizing events or happen spontaneously. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they think they may trigger an episode. Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant stress and can affect your everyday life. It affects both genders equally however it is more prevalent in people who have experienced trauma or a stressful experience. It is also more likely to occur in people who have an extended family history of depression or anxiety. Although there is highly effective treatment available however, only 1 in 4 people who need treatment receive it. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help. The symptoms of anxiety disorders are often similar to symptoms of other diseases such as hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. This is why it's important to see the doctor for an assessment and the diagnosis. After determining the physical cause, a qualified mental health professional can suggest specific treatment options. Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't yet fully identified, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders can run in families and tend to manifest earlier in people who have a history of anxiety in their family. Furthermore, there are numerous risk factors that can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder such as childhood abuse and smoking. Some medications can also cause anxiety, especially benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate anxiety, as do beta-blockers that are used to treat heart conditions. Becoming aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders and learning about treatment can aid in managing your symptoms and reduce distress in your daily life. Social Anxiety Disorder People suffering from social anxiety disorders are constantly afraid of being in public or around other people. They fear they will be snubbed or rejected and be judged negatively. They typically experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder may cause a variety of psychological disorders such as addiction and depression. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a key treatment for this condition. panic anxiety disorder teaches alternative ways of thinking and can reduce anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they can control how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing a person to situations that create anxiety, with the help of professionals in a secure environment. Social anxiety disorder can also be treated using medications, but they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy. Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and to understand the root cause of this condition. It is known that certain genes and environmental factors could be responsible for. In addition, some studies have revealed that those with this disorder have a greater than normal response to certain hormones in the body. It is crucial to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, because they can have a severe impact on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It can be difficult to seek help, so it may be helpful to involve your family member or friend in arranging an appointment or to attend with the support group or a peer. Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They may increase your risk of suffering from depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline to get help.