10 Type Of Anxiety Disorder Related Projects That Can Stretch Your Creativity
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when fear or anxiety is excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy.
First, talk to your doctor to rule any physical issues out that might be causing symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health professional can diagnose the type of anxiety disorder you have.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Everyone feels anxious now and then and there are legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job responsibilities, health or money. If the anxiety becomes constant and takes over your life, it could be a more serious anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder. People suffering from GAD experience feelings of dread that influence their lives for the rest of their lives and can be difficult to manage. They are prone to anticipate the worst and assume that minor problems will turn into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any time. It is twice as common for women and in those who are born female.
GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also cause people to withdraw and lose self-esteem. It can hinder social and work activities. People with severe and chronic GAD are more likely to be depressed, but treatment can aid in managing both disorders.
While the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are connected to genetics and changes to brain structures that alter the body's response to stress. Some experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain plays a role as well.
While there is no cure for GAD, the condition can be managed by psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, includes different therapies that help you recognize and alter negative 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 lessen your anxiety by confronting them. Some physical symptoms such as dizziness or heart palpitations can be alleviated by medication. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as certain medications used to treat seizures, such as hydroxyzine.
GAD isn't easy to identify however it is crucial to seek out help if you are experiencing anxiety or other signs of the disorder. Early treatment is more effective because it helps you reduce the physical and emotional symptoms before they take over your life.
Panic disorder
This type of anxiety disorder is defined by frequent episodes of sudden feelings of intense 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 fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They frequently worry that their symptoms may be signs of an attack on their heart. People with panic disorder may be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health problems such as hyperthyroidism or asthma.
The reason behind anxiety disorders isn't well understood however, experts believe that they arise from a mix of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events are common causes of anxiety disorders . A large number of people with anxiety issues have a first degree relative with the condition.
Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel anxious all the time even though they know their fears are not rational. This can result in difficulties when it comes to social situations, work or at school. Additionally, some sufferers of anxiety disorders have difficulty sleeping or eating properly. They might also experience muscle tension, irritability, and difficulties in getting their attention.
A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to experience many worries about daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They're also likely to feel tired or irritable and have difficulty concentrating. They also often worry about their safety or that of others.
There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include medicine, psychotherapy and complementary health practices. A mental health professional can help you identify the disorder that is causing your symptoms, and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you manage anxiety and decrease panic attacks. There are a variety of psychotherapy options available, including cognitive behavior therapy and exposure response prevention. These treatments can be carried out individually or in group.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a serious condition that can interfere with daily life. It can cause intense anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It typically begins in childhood, but may be present in the early years of adulthood. It can manifest itself as anxiety in specific social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on date. Or it may be more widespread, and include the need to avoid situations that could lead to being judged.
The person with SAD may realize that their anxiety is unfounded but still feel powerless. They attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this makes them feel even more anxious. They may also adopt "safety behaviors" to to reduce anxiety, like drinking alcohol, avoiding conversation and avoid eye contact.
In addition to the psychotherapy, some patients who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. 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 left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating and cause other mental health issues like depression or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts call 911 or your local crisis hotline or text TALK (741741) to consult with an emergency counselor.
Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded due to an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also essential to ensure that your doctor is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or use an online screening tool.
Specific Phobias
A person who suffers from a particular phobia experiences a constant and intense fear of one or more objects, situations such as animals, objects, or people. These fears are often out of proportion with the danger that the object or event poses, but they can cause distress and interfere in everyday functioning. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they involve anxiety about only one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from heights to dogs, flying to injections and the crowded spaces. The condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common for women than men, and usually begins in adolescence or childhood. People with specific phobias know their fears are not rational, but this knowledge does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms.
Children who suffer from specific phobias typically get over them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be extremely difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. They exclude other conditions that can be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder before diagnosing a phobia. In earlier editions of DSM adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears as part of the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition says that this requirement is no longer necessary for adults.
There are two types of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people better coping mechanisms and changing their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and consistent exposure to the feared object or situation. A patient may start with thinking about the object or circumstance, then move on to looking at photos of the subject, then taking a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding a toy snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. This kind of therapy might not eliminate fear, but it can reduce the intensity.
Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating certain phobias. These therapies are often reported to be effective for people with phobias specific to them.