5 Laws Everyone Working In Types Of Anxiety Disorders Should Be Aware Of Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are anxious. They also have a higher risk of developing depression and other health conditions, like thyroid issues.

A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking an exam or moving into the new location. When anxiety becomes constant and overwhelming, you may require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point and this is an expected response to psychological or physical stress. For instance, if you see a car speeding toward you, your natural anxiety or fear response helps to keep you safe by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster, blood flows to your muscles and you breathe harder and your body gets anxious in the event that you need to escape danger or defend yourself against an attack. Some people are plagued by excessive worry that is difficult to manage. This type of worry could be harmful if it keeps you from engaging in your normal routine and interferes with relationships, work or school. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder .

GAD can affect people from all ages, but it most often starts in adolescence or early childhood and persists until adulthood. Women are more likely to suffer from GAD than men. People suffering from GAD frequently suffer from other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or dysthymia (less severe forms of depression). They also are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Psychotherapy and medications are typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy may aid in managing your symptoms. It can be helpful to find a therapist that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It helps you challenge distorted thinking and to use relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Several types of antidepressants can be effective, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Consult your physician about these medications prior to beginning treatment.

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) causes overwhelming fear and discomfort in everyday social situations. You may feel that you are unable to speak in front of others, or that they look at you from afar. Certain people suffering from this disorder have such extreme anxiety that they avoid social interactions in all forms. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they are afraid of specific situations, such as public speaking or eating in the presence of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable and unwelcome thoughts, images, or urges which keep returning to your mind and cause you anxiety or distress. Compulsions are behaviors like washing, counting or checking, that you feel driven to do to ease the anxiety or stress caused by an obsession. People with OCD typically suffer from both obsessions and compulsions which can occupy many hours of their lives and disrupt everyday activities like relationships, work and social activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for men, women and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life however, symptoms are more likely to appear when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. OCD's exact cause is unknown, but some brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance of serotonin, the chemical that affects your mood. A strong genetic component may also be present. If you have one or more members of your family has 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're wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions, yet are forced to act to avoid negative events occurring or to alleviate the stress that their obsessive thinking generates.

There are a variety of treatments that can aid. Most people are able to benefit from psychological treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP therapy, a therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your obsessive thoughts, such as touching dirty objects, and helps you resist acting in your compulsive behaviors (for example, washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases over time.

Some people with OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatment include behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based treatments, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive thoughts and eliminates the power they exert over you, while meditation and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD), also known as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that peak in minutes. The symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea, chest pains and breathing problems. These episodes can happen after terrifying experiences, or they may be spontaneous and unexpected. People suffering from PD also experience constant anxiety about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They avoid situations in which they fear they could trigger an episode.

PD as with other anxiety disorders can cause significant distress and affect negatively the daily routine. It affects both genders equally however it is more prevalent for those who have been through trauma or a stressful experience. People with a history of family or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.

While there is a highly effective treatment available however, only 1 in 4 people who require treatment receive it. The lack of awareness of anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental healthcare services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all barriers to seeking help.


The symptoms of anxiety disorders could be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor to obtain an evaluation and diagnosis. After determining the physical cause, a certified mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.

Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and typically manifest at a younger stage for those with an history of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger anxiety disorders such as childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety, especially benzodiazepines such as diazepam or Valium. Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers used to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. Educating yourself about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatment can help you manage your symptoms and lessen stress in your daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorders have persistent and intense fears of being in public or with other people. They fear they will be judged negatively and may experience humiliation or rejection. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats, sweating and trembling. Their fear of and aversion to social situations can cause problems at work or in relationships. The disorder could cause a range of psychological disorders such as depression and addiction to substances.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a key treatment for this condition. This teaches the person new ways of thinking and behavior, which can lessen the anxiety. It helps the person understand that their fears are not in proportion to the real threat, and that they have control over the way they behave and react. Another method that works is exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure. It involves gradually exposing a person to the situations that trigger anxiety, with the assistance of a therapist in a safe environment.

The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Researchers are working to discover the risk factors and understand the root cause of this condition. Certain genes and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people affected by this condition have a greater than normal response to certain hormones in the body.

It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have a serious impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or mental health specialist can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It isn't easy to ask for assistance, so it could be beneficial to include a family member or friend in making an appointment or to attend with a support group or peer.

Certain kinds of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and can increase your risk for depression, substance abuse or eating disorders, as well as suicide. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, you can call a suicide prevention hotline to get help.