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Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can be diagnosed when anxiety or fear are chronic, persistent, and interfere with your daily routine. Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are effective ways to treat anxiety. First, visit your physician to rule out any physical conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms. A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist can diagnose the kind of anxiety disorder you suffer from. Generalized anxiety disorder Every person experiences anxiety at times, and there can be legitimate reasons to worry about things such as job obligations, health or money. When the worry becomes constant and takes over your life, it may be a more serious anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder . GAD sufferers experience fears that affect their whole lives and are often hard to control. They are prone to anticipate the worst, or believe that minor problems will turn into major disasters. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually begins in adolescence or childhood however it can happen at any time. It is twice as common in women and those born female. GAD can cause physical problems like headaches and stomachaches. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also interfere with social and work activities, leading people to avoid friends or family and cause an eroding of self-esteem. People suffering from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to experience depression, but treatment can aid in managing both disorders. Although the exact cause of anxiety isn't known however, it is believed that anxiety disorders are related to genetics and changes in brain structures that affect your body's response to stress. Some experts believe an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain may also play a part. GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes a range of treatments that help you identify and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of therapy that can help you control your thoughts that are untrue and lessen your anxiety by challenging them. Certain physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be relieved by medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and some medicines used to treat seizures, like hydroxyzine. GAD can be difficult to recognize however, you should seek treatment when you are worried or if other symptoms of the disorder are evident. Early treatment is more effective as it allows you to reduce the physical and mental symptoms before they become a major part of your life. Panic disorder This anxiety disorder is characterized by sudden, intense sensations of fear and terror (panic attacks) that peak within minutes. The sufferers may also experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath or a feeling that their heart is pounding or flaring (“heart palpitations”). They are often concerned that their symptoms are signs of an attack on their heart. People suffering from panic disorder could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as depression and other health issues such as hyperthyroidism or asthma. Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a variety of factors. Certain studies suggest that they could be due to brain circuits that control fear and emotion. Other studies suggest that genetics and other life experiences, like childhood abuse or traumatic events, are the most common causes of anxiety disorders. A large majority of people suffering from an anxiety disorder have a parent who suffers from the condition. Anxiety disorders can cause people to be constantly anxious, even when they realize their fears aren't rational. This can create difficulties in social situations at work, or at school. In addition, some sufferers of anxiety disorders experience difficulties sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in the muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder is likely to be plagued by many worries about routine tasks, like the demands of their job or family issues. They're also likely to feel restless or easily fatigued as well as having trouble concentrating. They often worry about the safety of themselves and others. The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medicine and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help identify which disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the best treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help you deal with your anxiety and reduce 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 group. Social anxiety disorder Although many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations, the social anxiety disorders cause such extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social interactions that it causes problems with normal life activities. It usually starts in childhood, but can be present in the early years of adulthood. It is usually manifested as anxiety over specific social situations, such as talking in class or going out on a date, or it may be more generalized and include the avoidance of situations that could cause being judged by others. Although the person suffering from SAD realizes that their anxiety is unfounded, they feel helpless to overcome it. They attempt to manage their symptoms by avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, but this makes them more anxious in the long run. They might also develop “safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For example they may drink alcohol, stay silent or avoid eye contact. In addition to the psychological treatments, some people who suffer from SAD benefit from medication. Antidepressants can help balance 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 if they suffer from social anxiety disorder. If left untreated, the disorder can be debilitating, and can lead to other mental health issues like depression or 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 an experienced crisis counselor. Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. The main barriers to treatment are ignorance that anxiety conditions are real, inadequate investment in mental health services and stigma. It is essential that your healthcare provider knows the different types 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 an expert in mental health or utilize an online screening tool. Specific phobias A person with specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals or even other people. These fears could be unrelated to the threat that the object or situation but they can cause severe anxiety and hinder the ability to function in everyday life. Specific phobias differ from other anxiety disorders due to the fact that they cause anxiety around one stimulus, instead of multiple stimuli. The feared situation or object can be anything, from dogs to heights or flying, injections to flying and the crowded spaces. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and is more likely to start in adolescence or childhood. Specific phobias are not irrational fears but the fear is still very real. Children who have phobias that are specific usually get over them, however if a fear persists in adults, it can be very difficult to treat. Doctors diagnose the disorder by looking at symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. They exclude other conditions that could be similar, such as agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, before diagnosing the phobia. In earlier editions of the DSM adult patients were required to recognize their irrational fears in 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 focuses on teaching people healthier strategies for coping and altering their response to fear. Exposure-based therapy is a gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. A patient may start with thinking about the object or circumstance and then move to looking at images of the subject. They may then take steps towards it (such as walking by an elevator) or holding an imaginary snake, going to a zoo for a look at real snakes and finally riding in a crowded elevator. Although this type of therapy does not solve phobias but it can dramatically reduce the intensity of the symptoms. Psychotherapy and medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are also options for treating specific phobias. These treatments are frequently considered to be effective by those with phobias specific to them.