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Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are extreme or continue to reoccur and interfere with daily life, they could indicate an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety. First, visit your physician to rule out any physical ailments that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can diagnose the type anxiety disorder you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone is anxious every at times, and there can be good reasons to worry about things such as job responsibility, health, or financial. But when the anxieties become constant and take over your life, you could be suffering from a more serious anxiety disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by feelings of dread and anxiety that can impact the entire life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can escalate into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually starts in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as prevalent in women and those deemed to be female at birth, as it is in males. GAD can cause physical problems such as headaches or stomachaches. It can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also affect social and work activities, leading people to withdraw from families or friends, and contribute to a loss of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a greater risk of developing depression. However treatment can help manage both conditions. While the exact cause of anxiety isn't known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that alter your body's response to stress. Some experts believe that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain may play a role in the cause. While there is no cure for GAD, the condition is manageable with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes several therapies that help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help you to understand and control your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and reduce your fears by confronting them. The use of medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including heart palpitations and dizziness. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD is a difficult condition to identify, but you should seek treatment in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat when you seek help early, before the anxiety and physical symptoms take over your life. Panic disorder This type of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of extreme terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms could be a sign of a heart attack. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such asthma or hyperthyroidism. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some research suggests they may be due to brain circuits that control emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics as well as life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large number of people with anxiety problems have a first-degree relative who has the disorder. People who have anxiety disorders can feel worried constantly even when they realize that their fears are not rational. This can cause issues in social settings at work, or at school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulties sleeping or eating well. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and trouble concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a variety of everyday tasks such as work responsibilities and family problems. They're also likely to feel exhausted or restless and have difficulty concentrating. They also frequently worry about the safety of themselves and others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medication psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the right treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn how to manage your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks that you suffer from. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be performed either in a group or on an individual basis. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it typically begins in childhood. It is usually manifested as a fear of certain social situations, like talking in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized and include avoiding any situation that might result in being considered unpopular by others. When someone with SAD recognizes that their fear is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They may also develop “safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For instance, they might drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact. In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients who suffer from SAD benefit from medications. Antidepressants can help balance certain 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 suffers from social anxiety disorder, it's crucial to seek treatment. If not treated, the condition could be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal feelings contact 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to talk to an emergency counselor. One in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, a lack of investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your healthcare provider recognizes the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure if you have an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to an expert in mental health or use an online screening tool. Specific fears A person who is afflicted with a particular fear has a constant and intense fear of one or more things, situations, animals or other people. These fears are often out of proportion with the danger that the object or situation poses, but they can cause distress and interfere in everyday functioning. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from heights to dogs, flying to injections and the crowded spaces. The condition is found worldwide and is more common for women than men, and usually begins in childhood or adolescence. Certain phobias aren't just unreasonable fears, but the fear is real. Children who suffer from specific phobias typically overcome them, however if a phobia persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on everyday functioning. They exclude other conditions that could be similar like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorder before diagnosing a phobia. In the past DSM editions, adults were required to recognize their irrational fear as part of the diagnosis, but the 2013 edition says this is no longer necessary for adults. There are two types of treatment for particular phobias: cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people react to their fears and teaches them better strategies for coping. The treatment is based on exposure, which involves gradual and systematic exposure of the subject or event that you are afraid of. The patient might begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then move on to seeing pictures of it, stepping into an elevator, playing with a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. While this type of therapy does not solve phobias, it can significantly decrease the severity of its symptoms. Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific phobias. These therapies are often proven to be effective by those with phobias specific to them.