Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Types of Anxiety Disorders

People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulty concentrating and can be irritable. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems.

It's normal to be anxious occasionally for instance, prior to an exam or when moving into a new home. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant, you may require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is an normal response to stress, whether physical or psychological. For instance, if 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; you breathe more heavily and your body is nervous in the event you have to run away from danger or fight an attack. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worry that is impossible to control. This kind of anxiety can be detrimental if it keeps you from doing your usual routine activities and interferes with relationships at work, school or. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can be an issue for people of all ages but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. It can continue into adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like dysthymia or depression. They also are more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs.

Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat  anxiety disorders . Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage your symptoms. It can be helpful to find a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to confront distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.

Treatments for short-term anxiety are typically treated with medication. Different types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak to people around you or that they are looking at you from afar. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, which is when they are only scared of certain situations, such as public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive disorder

Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that keep popping up in your mind, causing anxiety or stress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing or counting. They can also be actions that you feel compelled to perform to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common among those suffering from OCD. They can take up a lot of time and interfere with relationships or work activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects women, men, and children of all age groups. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life but the symptoms are most likely to manifest during puberty or early adulthood. The specific cause of OCD is not known however, it is believed that activity in some parts of the brain isn't as normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which regulates your mood. There's also a significant genetic component. If you have a family member or more who have OCD There's 25% chance that you will experience it.

People suffering from OCD usually believe that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they have no power to stop them. They realize that they're wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions, but are forced to act to avoid negative events happening or to avoid the stress that their obsessive thinking causes.


There are many treatments that can aid. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for a majority of people. ERP involves the counselor gradually exposing you to the things and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession like touching objects that are dirty. They also aid you in learning to resist your compulsive behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that anxiety levels decrease with time.

SSRIs are also prescribed to certain patients suffering from OCD. These are drugs that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you accept your obsessive and negative thoughts and reduces their influence over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are beneficial in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach the peak in just minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, trembling and chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent doom, and the belief that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur as a result of traumatic experiences or spontaneously. People with 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, like other anxiety disorders can cause severe distress and can have a negative impact on everyday life. It affects both genders equally however it is more prevalent in people who have experienced a traumatic or stressful event. It is also more likely to happen in people who have a family history of depression or anxiety.

About 1 out of four people who require treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all barriers to seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It is therefore essential to see a doctor for an assessment and diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after determining the physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely understood, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a role. Anxiety disorders are often passed on through families, and they tend to be diagnosed at a younger age those with a history of anxiety in their family. Additionally, there are a variety of factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can help you manage your symptoms and decrease stress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in public eye or around other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and may be smacked of or rejected. They may experience a variety of physical and psychological signs like rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations could cause issues at work or in relationships. The disorder may cause other mental disorders, including substance abuse or depression.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is an essential treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient new ways of thinking and behaving, which can lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual threat in the situation and they can control how they behave and react. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to the situations which cause anxiety, with the assistance of professionals in a secure environment.

They also use medications to treat social anxiety disorders but they aren't considered a cure. These include antianxiety drugs such as antidepressants, beta-blockers and antidepressants. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and determine what causes this condition. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. Additionally, studies have revealed that those who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones in the body.

It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on the lives of people. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It isn't easy to seek assistance, so it could be beneficial to include a family member or friend in arranging an appointment or attend the support group or a peer.

Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life, and can increase your risk for depression, substance use or eating disorders, as well as suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention in the event that you or someone you love is thinking about suicide.