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Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety.

First, you should consult your physician 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 are suffering from.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone is anxious from time to time, and there are many valid reasons to worry about things like work obligations, money, or health. But if your anxiety becomes constant and consumes your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by dread and anxiety that can alter the whole life of a person. They tend to think that they are the worst, and that small issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can affect anyone. It usually begins in the adolescent years or early childhood but can occur at any time. It is twice as common for women and those who are assigned to females at birth as men.

GAD can cause physical symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to feel depressed and self-esteem erode. It can affect the activities of work and social life. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to be depressed however treatment can aid in managing both disorders.

Although the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes to brain structures that impact the body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain plays an important role.

GAD is not curable, but it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Psychotherapy or talk therapy comprises various treatments that help you identify and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can assist you in overcoming your distorted thinking patterns and lessen your anxiety by engaging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.

GAD can be difficult to recognize and is therefore important to seek assistance if you begin to notice worrying and other symptoms of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective, because it helps you reduce the anxiety and physical symptoms before they become a major part of your life.

Panic disorder

The anxiety disorder is characterized by intense, sudden feelings of terror and fear (panic attacks) that are intense within a matter of minutes. This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the sensation that your heart is fluttering or pounding (heart palpitations). They are concerned that the symptoms they are experiencing are signs of heart attacks. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders , such as depression and other health issues like hyperthyroidism or asthma.

The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't known, but researchers believe that they develop from a combination of factors. Certain studies suggest that they may be linked to faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions. Other studies suggest that life experiences, genetics such as childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorder. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a first-degree relative who suffers from the condition.

People with anxiety disorders may be worried constantly even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can cause difficulties in social situations, at work or in school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulties sleeping or eating well. They might also have muscle tension, irritability and trouble concentration.





A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a wide range of daily tasks that include work-related responsibilities as well as family issues. They may also feel restless, easily fatigued or have difficulty in concentrating. They might also worry about their own safety or the safety of others.

There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health techniques. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help you cope with anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. Several types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in groups.

Social anxiety disorder

Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, social anxiety disorder causes such intense fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions that it interferes with everyday life activities. It can manifest in the early years of adulthood, however it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It can manifest as anxiety in particular social situations such as speaking in class or going out for date. It could also be more widespread, and include avoiding all situations that could lead to being assessed.

Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is not rational, they feel helpless to overcome it. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop "safety behavior" to reduce their anxiety. For instance drinking alcohol, avoid talking to others, or avoid eye contact.

In addition to the psychotherapy, some sufferers who suffer from SAD can benefit from medication. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters inside 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 essential to get treatment. The condition can be fatal when left untreated, and could result in other mental health issues, such as depression and addiction to substances. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact 911 or your local crisis line, or text TALK (TALK) to 741741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 sufferers of anxiety disorders receive treatment. Barriers to getting treatment include ignorance that anxiety disorders are real, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types anxiety disorders to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're unsure if you have an anxiety disorder consult your physician to refer you to an expert in mental health or make use of an online tool to screen.

Specific fears

A person with a particular phobia has a persistent and intense fear for one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears are usually not proportional to the danger that the object or circumstance creates, but they can cause distress and interfere in daily functioning. Unlike the other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve fear of a single stimulus rather than multiple stimuli. The object or situation that is feared can be anything, from heights to dogs as well as injections, flying, and crowded spaces. This is a common occurrence most often in men than women, and can start in adolescence or childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are unfounded but this does not diminish the severity of their symptoms.

Children who have specific fears typically overcome them. However when the fear persists into adulthood it may be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by evaluating the symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. They are able to rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing a phobia. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to recognize their fears that were irrational as part of the diagnostic process. However, the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer required for adults.

Treatment options for specific phobias are cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure of the feared object or circumstance. The patient may begin by imagining the object, or situation. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, before taking a ride in a crowded elevator. Although this kind of therapy cannot cure a phobia but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of its symptoms.

Other options for treating certain fears include medication, like antidepressants, anti-anxiety psychotherapy and other drugs. People suffering from specific phobias who take these treatments often report improved outcomes.