10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Types Of Anxiety Disorders
Types of Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety disorders often struggle to concentrate and are irritable. They also have a higher chance of developing depression and other illnesses, such as thyroid issues.
It is normal to experience anxiety at times, for example before taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. But if it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point and this is an normal response to physical or psychological stress. For instance, if you notice a car speeding towards you, your natural fear or anxiety response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood flows into your muscles and you breathe more deeply; and your body becomes 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 difficult to manage. This type of anxiety can be harmful when you are unable carry out your normal activities, or if it interferes with your relationships, work, or education. People who suffer from this condition have what is called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can be an issue for people of all ages, but it is most common in children and adolescents. It can persist into adulthood. It is more common in women than men. GAD is often linked to other psychiatric disorders such as dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Psychotherapy and medication are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist with expertise in anxiety disorders may prove beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for GAD. It teaches you to combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.
Treatments for anxiety that are short-term are typically addressed with medications. Several types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Discuss with your doctor about these medications prior to beginning treatment.
Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a cause of extreme fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. You might feel like you're not able to speak in front of others or that they stare down at you. Certain people suffering from this disorder are so nervous that they avoid social situations. The condition is also known as selective mutism. of this disorder, where people are afraid of certain situations like eating or talking in public, or even eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that recur in your mind and cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are actions, such as washing, counting or even checking, that you feel driven to do in order to lessen the anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among people suffering from OCD. They can consume a lot of time and disrupt relationships or work activities.
Obsessive compulsive disorder can affect men, women, and children of any age. It can start in the early years of life, but symptoms are most likely to manifest during puberty or early adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown, but certain brain activity is thought to be abnormal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If one or more members of your family suffer from OCD You are approximately 25 percent more likely to develop it.
OCD patients are often left powerless to stop their compulsions and obsessions. They realize that they are wrong and don't appreciate their compulsions but are compelled to take action to avoid negative events occurring or to alleviate the anxiety their obsessive thinking generates.
There are many treatments that can aid. Many people will benefit from psychological treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. ERP involves a therapist gradually exposing you to the things and situations that trigger your thoughts of obsession, such touching dirty objects. They also help you resist your compulsive behaviors (such as hand-washing) to ensure that your anxiety diminishes over time.
SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people suffering from OCD. These are medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological therapy include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and 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 a peak within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea, chest pains, shortness of breath or a feeling of imminent danger, and the conviction that one is experiencing an attack on the heart. These episodes can happen in response to trauma experiences or simply. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety over the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations in which they think they might trigger an episode.
PD like other anxiety disorders, can create significant distress and have a negative impact on the daily routine. Women and men are equally affected, however the condition is more common among people who have experienced trauma. It is also more likely to happen in those with an extended family history of depression or anxiety.
Although highly effective treatment exists but only one in 4 of those who need treatment receive it. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the poor access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all barriers to care.
The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to symptoms of other diseases like heart disease or hyperthyroidism. This is why it's important to see the doctor for an assessment and the diagnosis. After determining if there is a physical cause, a certified mental health professional can suggest specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully identified, it is clear that environmental and genetic factors play a part. Anxiety disorders are often passed down through families and tend to manifest at a younger stage in those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are a variety of risk factors that can trigger anxiety disorders, such as smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, such as diazepam and Valium, can also cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers that are used to treat heart problems. Educating yourself about the different types of anxiety disorders and learning about treatments can help you manage your symptoms and decrease stress in your daily life.
social anxiety disorder treatment is characterized by a constant and intense fear of being in the public eye or in the company of other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and be smacked of or rejected. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their fear of social situations can cause problems at work or relationships. The disorder may lead to other mental disorders, like substance abuse or depression.
The treatment for this condition is psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn new ways of thinking and behavior to lessen the anxiety. It can also help the person understand that their fears are in proportion to the actual danger in the situation and they can control how they react and behave. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is another effective approach. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their anxiety, with the help of a professional in a safe environment.
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication but they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers are all included. They are often utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are trying to determine the risk factors and determine the causes of this condition. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes can contribute. In addition, some studies have shown that people who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal response to certain hormones within the body.
It is important to seek help for anxiety disorders because they can have serious effects on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the disorder and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance, so it is helpful to include a friend or family member during the appointment process, or to join others in a peer group or support group.
Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and increase the risk of depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.