Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders have difficulties concentrating and may be anxious. They also have a higher chance of depression and some illnesses, such as thyroid issues.
It's normal to be anxious from time to time, such as before the test or when you move into a new residence. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant you may need treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times and this is a normal part of responding to physical or psychological stress. If you see a car approaching you quickly, your anxiety or fear response can protect you. It activates the "fight-or-flight" response, which means your heart beats faster blood will flow to your muscles, you'll breathe more deeply and your body will become nervous to prepare for a potential fight or run. However certain people are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This kind of anxiety can be harmful when it prevents you from completing your routine and interferes with relationships such as work or school. People who suffer from this condition are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can be an issue for people of all ages but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. It can last into adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective kind 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 medications. Effexor XR, duloxetine (Cymbalta) and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Consult your physician about these medications prior to starting treatment.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to be able to speak to others, or that people are judging you or looking down on you. Some people with this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder, where people are scared of certain situations like eating or talking in public, or even eating in front strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that keep popping up in your head and can cause anxiety or stress. Compulsions may be behaviors such as washing or counting. They can also be actions that you feel compelled to perform to alleviate anxiety or distress brought on by an obsession. People suffering from OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions which can occupy hours of their day and interfere with daily activities such as relationships, work and family.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for men, women and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years but the symptoms are most likely to manifest when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is not known, but it's believed that some regions of the brain isn't normal. It could be due to an imbalance in serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood. There is also a strong genetic component. If you have a family member or more who suffer from OCD, there's about 25% chance that you'll experience it.
People with OCD generally think that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable and they are powerless to stop them. They don't enjoy following their compulsions and are aware that they're wrong, yet they believe they have to act to prevent bad things from happening or to alleviate or escape the stress that their obsessions cause.
While compulsions and obsessions are difficult to overcome, there are a variety of treatments available that can aid. panic anxiety disorder , like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), can improve OCD symptoms for most people. ERP involves a therapist gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession like touching objects that are dirty. They also aid you in learning to overcome your obsessional behaviors (such as washing your hands) so that anxiety levels decrease with 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 mindfulness-based and behavioural therapy such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT assists you in accepting your negative and obsessive thoughts and removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also helpful in managing stress.
Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that can reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as a pounding heart and sweating, trembling chest discomfort, breathlessness or a feeling of imminent danger, and the conviction that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can occur as a result of traumatic events or happen spontaneously. People with PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of future panic attacks and avoid situations in which they fear they could trigger an episode.
PD like other anxiety disorders, can cause severe distress and can affect negatively everyday life. Both genders are affected, however the condition is more prevalent among those who have been through trauma. It is also more likely to happen in people with a family history of anxiety or depression.
Around 1 out of four people who require treatment are able to receive it despite the fact that there are many highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the limited access to mental healthcare services, and the stigma that surrounds seeking help are all obstacles to treatment.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it is important to see an expert for an evaluation and the diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.
Although the causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood it is clear that environmental and genetic factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed down through families and typically manifest at a younger stage in those with an history of anxiety disorders. Additionally, there are a variety of factors that could trigger an anxiety disorder such as abuse in childhood and smoking. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers used to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can reduce the distress in your daily life by learning about treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined by a constant and intense anxiety about being in the public eye or in the company of other people. They fear that they will be snubbed or rejected and be considered a negative judge. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their anxiety about social situations can cause problems at work or relationships. The disorder may cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and substance abuse.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for this condition. This helps to teach alternative ways of thinking, and reduces anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual danger in the situation and that they can control the way they react and behave. Another approach that is effective 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 an experienced therapist in a secure environment.
Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medications however they aren't considered as a cure. They include antianxiety medication including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.
Research is ongoing to discover the causes behind this condition and to identify risk factors. Certain genes and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for. Additionally, studies have shown that people affected by this condition have a higher than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is essential to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have a significant 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 beneficial to include a family member or friend in making an appointment or attending with an organization or peer.
Certain anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They can increase your risk of depression or substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, you can call the suicide prevention hotline for help.