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Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times, but if these feelings are severe or persistent and disrupt everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy. First, consult your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or mental health specialist will be able to diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everybody feels anxious at times and there are a variety of good reasons to be worried about things like work responsibilities and financial obligations, as well as health. If the worry is constant and takes over your life, it may be a more severe anxiety disorder, also known as generalized anxiety disorder . People with GAD have anxiety-like feelings that can influence their lives for the rest of their lives and are often hard to control. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone, and it typically begins in childhood or adolescence however, it can also occur at any age. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned female at birth as in men. GAD can cause physical issues like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can interfere with work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at greater risk of depression. However treatment can help manage both disorders. While the exact cause is not known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes in brain structures that impact the body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters inside the brain also plays in. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled with psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy includes several treatments that help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your distorted thoughts and reduce your anxiety by challenging them. The use of medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations and dizziness. They include benzodiazepines and antidepressants, as well as some medications that treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine. GAD is a difficult condition to identify however, you should seek help if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. Early treatment is more effective because it helps you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they begin to take over your life. Panic disorder The anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They worry that the symptoms they are experiencing could be signs of a heart attack. People suffering from panic disorder could also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, as well as depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from a mix of factors. Some research suggests that they could be linked to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse, or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorder. Many people with anxiety disorders have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition. People suffering from anxiety disorders may be worried all the time even though they know that their fears are unfounded. This can lead to difficulty in social situations, work or school. Certain people suffering from anxiety disorders also have trouble sleeping or eating well. They might also suffer from tension in their muscles, irritability and difficulties in concentrating. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience numerous worries regarding everyday tasks, such as the demands of their job or family issues. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have difficulty concentrating. They may also worry about their security or that of others. There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medicine psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health techniques. A mental health professional will assist you in identifying the condition that is causing your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can help you discover how to cope with your anxieties and decrease the amount of panic attacks you have. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations, the social anxiety disorder can cause such intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, such as having a conversation in class or going out on dates, or it may be more generalized, and include avoiding any situation that might cause being judged by other people. When someone with SAD realizes that their fear is not rational, they are unable to overcome it. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this can make them feel even more anxious. They might also develop “safety behavior” to help reduce their anxiety, such as drinking alcohol, staying silent and not making eye contact. Some people with SAD might benefit from taking medication in addition to psychotherapy. These antidepressants can help regulate some neurotransmitters within the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is essential that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues, such as addiction or depression. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, dial 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK to 741741 to speak with an experienced crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable but only one of 4 people who require care receive it. The main barriers to treatment are ignorance that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential that your healthcare provider understands the different types anxiety disorders so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health if you are unsure whether you have an anxiety disorder. You can also utilize an online tool to screen. Specific phobias A person who has a specific phobia has a persistent and a heightened fear of one or more of the following: objects, situations animals or even other people. These fears are often in contrast to the dangers that the object or event poses, but they can cause distress and hinder daily functioning. Contrary to other forms of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia could be anything from dogs to heights as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence, more often in men than women, and tends to begin in childhood or early adolescence. People who have phobias specific to them know their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not diminish the severity of their symptoms. Children with specific phobias usually overcome them, but if the anxiety persists in adults it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating symptoms and their impact on the way they function in their daily lives. Before diagnosing a phobia, doctors exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms such as agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. In earlier editions of the DSM, adult patients were required to recognize their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnosis process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer required for adults. Treatment options for specific phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching people better ways of coping and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based treatment involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by imagining the object or event. They can then proceed to see images of it, walking in front of an elevator, holding a toy, visiting an animal park and viewing real snakes, before experiencing a busy lift. This type of therapy may not eliminate fear, but it could reduce the intensity. Other options for treating specific phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anxiety psychotherapy, as well as other medications. People with specific phobias who take these treatments often have better results.