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Types of Anxiety Disorders Everyone feels anxiety and fear at times, but when these feelings are severe or persistent and disrupt everyday life they may indicate an anxiety disorder. Treatments include medication and psychotherapy or talk therapy. First, you should consult your physician to rule any physical conditions out that might be causing symptoms. Then, a psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you are suffering from. Generalized anxiety disorder Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, and there are many valid reasons for worrying about things like job obligations or money, or health. When the worry becomes continuous and engulfs your life, it could be a more severe anxiety disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder . People with GAD have feelings of dread that have a profound effect on their lives and can be difficult to control. They are prone to believe that everything is worst, and that small issues can turn into major catastrophes. GAD can be a problem for anyone. It typically begins in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any point. It is twice as common among women and the newly born female. GAD can trigger physical symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can cause people to withdraw and lose confidence in themselves. It can affect work and social activities. People who suffer from chronic, severe GAD are at a higher risk of depression. However, treatment can help to manage both disorders. Although the exact cause is not known but it is clear that anxiety disorders are linked to genetics and changes to brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain may also play in. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of therapies that help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that will help you learn to control your thinking patterns that are unbalanced and lessen your anxiety by confronting them. The use of medicines can ease some physical symptoms, including dizziness and heart palpitations. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD is a difficult condition to identify, but it is important to seek help in the event that your anxiety or other symptoms of the disorder are noticeable. It is easier to treat if you seek assistance early, before physical and mental symptoms begin to take over your life. Panic disorder This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and terror (panic attacks) which peak within minutes. The disorder can also trigger chest pain, shortness breath or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of a heart attack. People who have panic disorder are at risk of developing other anxiety disorders and could be more susceptible to depression or other health issues, such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some studies suggest that they may be due to brain circuits that regulate fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics, life experiences such as childhood abuse or traumatizing events are typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety disorders have a first degree relative who has the disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even when they realize their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations at work, at home or in school. Some people with anxiety disorders are also unable to sleep or eating well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is likely to have a variety of worries about daily tasks, like work responsibilities or family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued, have trouble concentrating and frequently worry about their safety or that of others. There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The treatments include medications psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help you identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you learn how to manage your worries and reduce the number of panic attacks you have. Different types of psychotherapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. These therapies can be done individually or in groups. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can hinder daily life. It causes extreme anxiety, anxiety and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, but it typically begins in the early years of childhood. It usually manifests as a fear of certain social situations, like speaking in class or going 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 attempt to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that cause anxiety, but this can make them more anxious. They may also develop “safety behavior” to ease their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, remain silent or avoid eye contact. Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking medication along with psychological therapy. These antidepressants can help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It's important that you or someone you love receives treatment when they suffer from social anxiety disorder. 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 to 741741 and speak with an experienced crisis counselor. Anxiety disorders are extremely treatable but only one in 4 people who need treatment receive it. Some of the barriers to seeking treatment are lack of awareness that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services and stigma. It's also crucial to ensure that your doctor is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders to ensure that you will be treated and diagnosed appropriately. If you're not sure whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional or make use of 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 things, situations, animals, or other people. These fears could be out of proportion to the danger that the object or situation, but they can cause severe distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias involve anxiety over one stimulus, rather than multiple stimuli. The feared object or situation may be anything from dogs to heights to flying, injections, or overcrowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world, more often in men than women, and is more likely to start in adolescence or childhood. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fears are not rational but this does not diminish the intensity of their symptoms. Children with phobias that are specific to them usually get over them. However when the fear persists as an adult, it can be difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder based on reported symptoms and their impact on daily function. Before diagnosing a phobia doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms like agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In past DSM editions, adults had to acknowledge their irrational fear as a part of the diagnosis. However, the 2013 edition says this 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 healthier coping mechanisms and changing their reactions to fear. Exposure-based therapy is the gradual and constant exposure to the feared object or situation. Patients may begin by thinking about the object or circumstance before moving on to looking at photos of the subject, taking a step toward it (such as walking by an elevator), holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo to look at real snakes, and then riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not cure a phobia however it can greatly reduce the severity of its symptoms. Other options for treating certain phobias include medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and psychotherapy. People with specific phobias that take these treatments often experience better outcomes.