10 Books To Read On Type Of Anxiety Disorder
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when fear or anxiety are chronic, persistent, and interfere with daily life. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments.
First, visit your doctor to rule out any physical conditions that might be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder that you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and there are many good reasons for worrying about things such as job responsibility and financial obligations, as well as health. However, if the anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD have anxiety-like feelings that can have a profound effect on their lives and are often difficult to manage. They tend to assume the worst and believe that minor issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can affect anyone, and it usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common in women and those deemed to be female at birth, as it is in males.
GAD can cause physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, as well as make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can interfere with social and work activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help to manage both disorders.
Although the exact cause is unknown however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that alter the body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain also plays an important role.
While there is no cure for GAD however, it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of talk therapy which can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. Medicines can ease some physical symptoms, like heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medicines used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD is a difficult condition to diagnose however, you should seek help when you are worried or if other symptoms of the condition are apparent. It is much easier to treat if you seek help early, before the physical and mental symptoms begin to affect your life.
Panic disorder
This kind of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of intense fear and terror that can reach their peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). People who have this disorder may also feel chest discomfort, breathlessness or the sensation that their heart beats or is fluttering ("heart palpitations"). They often worry that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
Researchers believe that anxiety disorder s are caused by a combination factors. Some studies suggest that they may be related to faulty brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences like childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorder. A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.
People who have anxiety disorder s can be anxious constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can lead to difficulty when it comes to social situations, work or school. People with anxiety disorders may also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They may also have muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentration.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by a variety of worries about daily tasks, like job responsibilities or family problems. They may also feel restless and tired, or have difficulty concentration. They might also worry about their own safety or the safety of others.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with anxiety and lessen panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy that include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure reaction preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in groups.
Social anxiety disorder
While many people are nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with everyday life activities. It can appear in early adulthood, but it typically begins in childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. It could also be more widespread and include the need to avoid situations that could lead to being considered a failure.
When someone with SAD realizes that their fear is irrational, they still are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding stressful situations, but this increases their anxiety in the long run. They might also develop "safety behavior" to try to lessen their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and avoiding eye contact.
In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients with SAD benefit from medications. These drugs, also referred to as antidepressants, help to regulate the levels of 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. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues, such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak with an experienced crisis counselor.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable but only one in 4 people who need care receive it. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider is aware of the various forms of anxiety disorders to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you're not sure whether you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool.
Specific phobias
A person with a particular fear has a consistent and intense fear of one or more objects or situations like animals, animals, or people. These fears are often out of proportion with the dangers that the object or event creates, but they can cause distress and hinder daily functioning. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders in that they cause anxiety around only one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may be anything from heights, dogs, flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. This is a common occurrence and is more common in males than women, and can begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are unfounded but this does not lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Children who have specific fears typically outgrow them. However, if the phobia persists in adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. They are able to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing a phobia. In the past DSM editions, adults had to acknowledge their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition states that this is no longer necessary for adults.
Treatment options for certain phobias include cognitive behavior therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on altering the way people react to their fears and teaches them better strategies for coping. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and consistent exposure to the object or circumstance. The patient may begin by thinking about the object or event. They can then proceed to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, holding a toy, visiting a zoo and looking at real snakes, and finally riding a crowded lift. Although this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of its symptoms.
Psychotherapy and medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat certain phobias. These therapies are often considered to be effective for people who suffer from specific phobias.