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Types of Anxiety Disorders

Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are extreme or ongoing and interfere with your daily routine, they could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health professional can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are many good reasons for worrying about things like job responsibility, money, or health. When the worry becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is defined by dread and anxiety that can impact the whole life of a person. They tend to anticipate the worst and assume that minor problems will develop into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any time. It is twice as common in women and those deemed to be female at birth, as it is in men.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomachaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with social and work activities, leading people to isolate themselves from friends or family, and contribute to the loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.





Although the exact cause of anxiety isn't known, it appears that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes to brain structures that alter the body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays an important role.

Although there is no cure for GAD it can be managed with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of therapy that can help you manage your thoughts that are distorted and decrease your anxiety by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms like heart palpitations or dizziness could be alleviated by medication. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants along with medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, but you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are evident. It is easier to treat by seeking help early, before the physical and mental symptoms begin to affect your life.

Panic disorder

This anxiety disorder is characterised by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within a matter of minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or beating (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they're experiencing could be signs of a heart attacks. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be related to faulty brain circuits that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with an anxiety disorder have a parent with the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know their fears are irrational. This can cause problems in social situations at work, or at school. In addition, many people with anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eat well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by a variety of worries about everyday tasks, such as work responsibilities or family issues. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentration. They might also be concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can assist you to determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you learn how to cope with your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can be present in early adulthood, but it usually starts in childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations like speaking in class or going out for dates. Or it may be more widespread, and include the need to avoid situations that could result in being considered a failure.

Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is irrational, they still feel powerless to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behaviors" to try to lessen their anxiety, like drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and not making eye contact.

Some people with SAD might benefit from taking medication along with psychological therapy. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, can help to regulate the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder, it's crucial to seek treatment. The condition can be debilitating if not treated and may cause mental health issues like depression and substance misuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to talk with an experienced crisis counselor.

One in four patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by a lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider knows the various types of anxiety disorders, to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you suffer from anxiety disorders or use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who is afflicted with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals or even other people. The fear may be out of proportion to the threat posed by the object or circumstance, however they can cause significant anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could range from heights to dogs to flying to injections to crowds. The condition is found worldwide and is more common for women than men, and tends to begin in childhood or adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are irrational however this doesn't diminish the intensity of their symptoms.

Children who have phobias that are specific usually outgrow them, but if the fear persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. They exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder prior to diagnosing the phobia. In earlier editions of DSM adults were required to recognize their fears that were irrational in the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier coping mechanisms and changing their reaction to fear. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object or event before moving on to looking at images of the subject. They may then take a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator), holding the toy snake, taking it to a zoo to look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. While this type of therapy cannot cure a phobia, it can significantly decrease the severity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medicines like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options to treat specific fears. People with specific phobias that try these therapies frequently report improved outcomes.