How To Outsmart Your Boss On Types Of Anxiety Disorders Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders often have trouble concentrating and are irritable. They are also at higher risk of developing depression as well as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems.

It is normal to experience anxiety at times for instance, prior to taking an exam or moving into an unfamiliar home. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and constant it is possible to require treatment. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with medications are effective in treating most anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at times, and this is usually an expected response to physical or psychological stress. For instance, when you observe a car speeding towards you your natural fear or anxiety response helps 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 tense in case you have to flee from danger or defend yourself against an attack. However there are those who are plagued by excessive worrying that seems impossible to control. This kind of worry can be harmful if you are unable to carry out your normal activities, or if it interferes in your relationships, work, or education. This condition is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can affect people of any age however it is most common in children and adolescents. It can last into adulthood. It is more prevalent among women than in men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They also are more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective for GAD. It teaches you to overcome negative thoughts and employ relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are typically employed as short-term remedies for anxiety. Effexor duloxetine (Cymbalta), and escitalopram can all be effective antidepressants. Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It is possible that you're not able to speak to others or that they look at you. Some people suffering from this condition are so anxious that they avoid any social interaction. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, which is when they are only afraid of specific situations, such as public speaking or eating in front of strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back to your mind and cause you anxiety or stress. Compulsions could be actions like washing or counting. They can also be actions that you feel compelled to perform to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. People with OCD typically have both compulsions and obsessions, which can take up hours of their day and interfere with everyday activities, relationships and work.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem for women, men and children of all ages. It can begin in the early years of life however, symptoms are more likely to develop when you reach puberty or in the early years of adulthood. The exact cause of OCD is unclear, but certain brain activity is believed to be abnormal. It may be linked to an imbalance of serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood. A strong genetic component is also present. If you have one or more members of your family has OCD you're about 25 percent more likely to develop it.

People with OCD usually think that their obsessions and obsessions are unjust and that they are powerless to stop them. They don't enjoy performing their compulsions and know they're not right, but they feel they must act in order to prevent terrible things from happening, or to get rid of or ease the anxiety that their obsessions cause.

There are many treatment options that can help. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for most people. ERP involves the counselor gradually exposing you to the objects and situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts, such touching dirty objects. They also help you avoid the compulsive behavior (such as washing your hands) to ensure that anxiety levels decrease with time.

SSRIs are also prescribed to certain people with OCD. These are drugs that boost 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 removes their power over you. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be useful in managing stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is also referred to as panic attacks or anxiety is characterized by frequent episodes that peak in minutes. Symptoms include trembling, sweating and nausea chest pains, as well as breathlessness. These episodes can occur due to traumatizing experiences or spontaneously. People who suffer from PD are also constantly worried about the possibility of panic attacks in the future, and avoid situations that they fear could trigger a panic attack.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant distress and impact everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, but the condition is more prevalent among those who have experienced trauma. People with a history of family or depression or anxiety are more susceptible to it.


While there is a highly effective treatment available, only about 1 in 4 of those who require treatment are treated. The barriers to treatment include a lack awareness that anxiety disorders are treatable, poor access to mental health care services, and the stigma that comes with seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to symptoms of other ailments like hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it is crucial to visit a doctor for an evaluation and a diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional will recommend specific treatment after ruling out physical causes.

Although the causes of anxiety disorder aren't completely understood, it is known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are typically passed down through families and tend to appear earlier for those who have a history of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that could trigger anxiety disorders like childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications, like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers that treat heart diseases can help reduce anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by learning about anxiety disorders, and you can ease the anxiety in your daily life by gaining knowledge about treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent and heightened fear of being in public eye or in the company of others. They fear they will be ridiculed or rejected and thought to be a negative person. They might experience a range of physical and psychological signs, such as rapid heartbeats sweating, trembling and sweating. Their fear and avoidance of social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder may lead to other mental disorders, including substance abuse or depression.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a key treatment for this condition. This helps the person learn different ways of thinking and behaving to lessen the anxiety. It also helps the person recognize that their fears are out of proportion to the actual danger in the scenario and that they can control how they behave and react. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to the situations that trigger anxiety with the help of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.

Social anxiety disorder may be treated with medications however they aren't considered to be a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all part of. They are typically employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The research is ongoing to determine the causes of this condition and identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain genetic and environmental factors may contribute. In addition, some studies have shown that people who suffer from this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.

It is essential to seek out help for anxiety disorders since they can have serious effects on people's daily lives. A general practitioner or a mental health specialist can diagnose anxiety disorders and suggest treatment. It can be difficult to ask for assistance and so it's recommended to include a trusted family member or friend during the appointment process, or to join other peers or a support group.

Some anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression or substance abuse, eating disorders and suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact a suicide prevention hotline for assistance.