Types of Anxiety Disorders

People with anxiety disorders frequently have difficulty concentrating and can be stressed. They also have a higher chance of depression as well as some health conditions, like thyroid issues.

It is normal to feel anxious from time to time for instance, prior to a test or when moving into a new residence. But if it becomes constant and overwhelming, you may need treatment. Most anxiety disorders respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at one moment in time. It's an expected reaction to stress, no matter how physical or psychological. For instance, when you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps to ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response: your heart beats faster, blood flows into your muscles; you breathe more heavily; and your body becomes tense in case you have to escape danger or fight an attack. Some people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is difficult to control. This kind of worry can be harmful if it keeps you from engaging in your normal routine and interferes with relationships at work, school or. This problem is known as generalized anxiety disorder.

GAD can be an issue for people of all ages however it is most frequent in adolescents and children. disorders anxiety can last throughout adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. GAD is often associated with other psychiatric disorders like dysthymia or depression. They are also more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol.

Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It teaches you to challenge mental distortions and also to employ relaxation techniques.

Anxiety medications are generally employed as short-term treatments for anxiety. Different 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 fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when it comes to social situations. It can be a feeling that you're not able to be able to speak to others, or that people are judging your behavior or looking down on you. Some people with this condition suffer from such anxiety that they avoid all social interactions. Selective mutism is another symptom of this disorder. It is a condition where people are scared of certain situations, such as speaking in public or eating in front strangers.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or desires that recur in your head and can cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions are behaviours, such as washing, counting or examining that you are driven to do to ease the anxiety or distress caused by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are typical among people with OCD. They can take up a lot of time and interfere with relationships or work activities.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect women, men, and children of all age groups. It can start in the early years of life, but symptoms are most likely to develop during puberty or early adulthood. The specific cause of OCD is not known however, it is believed that some parts of the brain isn't normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. There is also a strong genetic component; if one or more family members suffer from OCD There's a 25% chance you'll experience it.

People with OCD usually believe that their obsessions or compulsions are unreasonable and they have no power to stop them. They know that they are wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions but are compelled to take action to avoid bad things happening or to escape the stress that their obsessive thinking generates.

While obsessions and compulsions are difficult to overcome, there are numerous treatments available that can help. Psychological treatment, like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can help to reduce OCD symptoms for the majority of people. In ERP therapy, the therapist gradually exposes you to the situations or objects that trigger your thoughts, like touching objects that are dirty, and helps you resist acting in your compulsive behaviors (for example, hand-washing), so that your anxiety decreases over time.


Some people suffering from OCD may also be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Other types of psychological treatment include mindfulness-based and behavioural treatments, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and meditation. ACT helps you learn to accept your obsessive thoughts and removes their influence over you, whereas meditative and relaxation techniques can help manage stress.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder (PD) is often characterized by repeated episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach a peak within minutes and include symptoms such as a pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea chest pains, shortness of breath and a sense of imminent doom, and the belief that one is having a heart attack. These episodes may occur after terrifying experiences, or they may be sudden and unexpected. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possibility of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they could trigger an episode.

Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect everyday life. Men and women are equally affected, however the condition is more prevalent in those who have been through an event that was traumatic. It is also more likely to occur in people who have an extended family history of depression or anxiety.

Although highly effective treatment exists but only one in 4 people who require treatment receive it. The lack of understanding about anxiety disorders, the lack of access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders frequently resemble those of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. This is why it's essential to consult the doctor for an assessment and a diagnosis. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional will recommend specific treatments.

While the causes of anxiety disorders aren't completely recognized, it is well-known that genetic and environmental factors are involved. Anxiety disorders are often passed down through families and tend to develop at a younger age in those with a history of anxiety disorders. There are many risk factors that could trigger anxiety disorders, including smoking or abusing children. Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam and Valium can cause anxiety. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can relieve anxiety, as can beta-blockers that are used to treat heart issues. Becoming aware of the different kinds of anxiety disorders and gaining knowledge about treatments can aid in managing your symptoms and decrease stress in daily life.

Social Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public or around other people. They fear they will be ridiculed or rejected and be considered a negative judge. They often develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking. Their aversion to and fear of social situations may cause problems at work or with relationships. The disorder may cause a variety of psychological disorders like depression and addiction to substances.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a key treatment for this condition. It teaches the patient new ways of thinking and acting that can reduce the anxiety. It also helps the person realize that their fears are not in proportion to the actual threat in the scenario and that they can control how they react and behave. Exposure therapy, also known as cognitive delivered exposure is a different method of treatment. It involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of an expert in a secure environment.

Medications are also used to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered a cure. Antianxiety medication, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are all included. They are typically utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The research is ongoing to determine the causes and to identify risk factors. It is well-known that certain environmental factors and genes could be responsible for. Furthermore, some studies have shown that people with this disorder have a greater than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.

It is important to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, since they can have a serious impact on people's lives. A general practitioner or a mental health specialist can diagnose anxiety disorders and recommend treatment. It can be hard to ask for help, so it is recommended to include a trusted friend or family member in the appointment-making procedure or to meet with others in a peer group or support group.

Certain types of anxiety disorders can have a very negative impact on your life and increase your risk of developing depression, substance abuse eating disorders, suicide. Contact an emergency helpline for suicide prevention for help if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.