Different Types Of Anxiety Disorder
66What Is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety?
Do you feel anxious before a dental visit or starting something new? Have you gotten the jitters before speaking in front of a large group or sweaty palms when thinking about the future?
These are common reactions when faced with something that’s scary or unfamiliar and it doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong.
However, some people suffer from a more severe form of anxiety that causes more serious physical symptoms.
To better understand if your anxious feelings could be a sign of an anxiety or panic disorder, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms:
1. If you feel your heart is racing and you can’t breathe correctly, this can be a symptom of anxiety that is severe enough for you to get professional help.
2. Some people have uncontrollable fears of things like crowded places, driving, or germs that cause complete avoidance of places or situations.
3. The consistent inability to concentrate can be a symptom of anxiety. This must be consistent behavior, and not just on those occasions when you lack sleep or are hungry, for instance.
4. Nervous behaviors, such as walking around the same area over and over again or twitching your fingers or toes repetitively, can be a symptom.
5. A feeling a doom or that something will happen to you, such as an accident, heart attack, or even death, can be symptoms of an anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
6. Numbness in your hands, fingers, toes, and legs or feeling like you can’t stand are also common symptoms.
7. If you find you have trouble swallowing or unusual dry mouth episodes, these may be indications of anxiety.
8. Fear of people around you and the desire to be alone are feelings that many anxiety sufferers face.
9. The inability to leave your home can be a symptom of a severe anxiety or panic disorder.
10. If your normal activities become overwhelming to you, you could be suffering from anxiety or a panic disorder.
The good news is these symptoms and conditions are no longer thought of as being something people shouldn’t reveal or talk about.
There’s help for you if you suffer from anxiety. Many mental health clinics and hospitals offer affordable help if you’re on a lower or fixed income. Your health insurance may help you get treatment, and they cannot reveal your medical treatment to your employer.
As scientists and the medical world become more informed about these disorders, more medications and other forms of relief are found to be effective in treating them. Relaxation techniques are very effective, and can even be done at home or in the workplace.
Understanding your condition can help alleviate the stress and fear these panic attacks cause and will also help you find a solution to stopping the attacks altogether. Living life in fear of another panic attack will hold you hostage and prevent you from doing the things you love.
If you suffer from some of the symptoms above, seek help from a professional. Get the treatment that can put you back on the
Anxiety
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone feels anxious once in a while. We may feel anxious about taking a test, going to the doctor or any other situation in which we feel uncomfortable. For some people, however, they are unable to control their anxiety, and they wind up having a full blown anxiety attack. This can often land someone in the ER of the hospital because they feel as though they are having a heart attack.
When you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you have to have several anxiety attacks over at least 6 months. This is chronic anxiety and most doctors will then evaluate you for these conditions. While anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin can help take the edge off of an anxiety attack, they are not the cure. Most doctors will refer you to a counselor or a psychiatrist who will then diagnose you with one of the types of anxiety disorders that are common and treatable. General Anxiety DisorderThis is an anxiety disorder in which no known cause for the anxiety exists. A person who suffers from this type of anxiety disorder will often have anxiety attacks, triggered by an unknown source. It can be something in their head that sets them off. Doctors will give anti-depressant medication coupled with anti-anxiety medication so that it balances the chemicals in the brain and allows the person to function regularly. Panic DisorderSomeone who suffers from panic disorder gets frequent anxiety attacks and often winds up in the ER of the hospital thinking that they are having a heart attack. This can be a very disabling anxiety disorder and is the one that is the most pronounced. Like general anxiety disorder, this has no known cause. Again, it is treated with anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-depressants. Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderThose who suffer from this anxiety disorder have undergone some sort of life threatening stress in their lives that keeps them from functioning at full capacity. While is it often associated with veterans who come home from war, anyone can suffer from this disorder who has been through a great deal of stress or life threatening situation. In this case, the source of anxiety is well known and therapy is often used to alleviate this type of anxiety disorder.Social Anxiety DisorderSocial anxiety disorder is one where you may have an anxiety attack when you are around crowds of people. The person who experiences this type of social anxiety disorder will feel cold and clammy, may feel heart palpitations and even fainting when they are around crowds of people. Anti-Anxiety medications can help someone overcome social anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are best diagnosed by a professional. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regarding anxiety, you should seek out a medical opinion and not suffer in silence. There are many types of anxiety disorders and only a medical professional can give you the proper diagnosis.Anxiety Disorders
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Anxiety Disorders. Concise Blueprint To Overcome Panic Attacks, Phobia & Anxiety. Plus Information On Medication.
Learn what Anxiety disorders are. ?Find out what can factors could put you at risk for developing anxiety and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Find out why doctors are so quick to diagnose chemical imbalances.Decide for yourself what treatment is right for you. Find out if medication is the right route for you, or if something else is. Known what to consider when taking medications.
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Different Types of Therapy To Look For In Treating Anxiety Attacks
If you suffer from anxiety attacks, you may be tempted to just take medication as a way to alleviate the attack. While medications for treating anxiety have come a long way in recent years, you might want to consider some sort of therapy to help you overcome this somewhat disabling condition.
Many people today are still hesitant about going into therapy. The stigma of “seeing someone” about a mental disorder has not left society, although this is getting better. An estimated 30 percent of people in the United States have sought counseling at one time or another. It is nothing to be ashamed of - in fact, you should welcome the opportunity to be proactive about your mental health. You have a choice today when it comes to choosing the type of therapy to treat your anxiety attacks. Here are a few choices that you have:CounselingCounselors will treat those with mild to moderate anxiety attacks. They usually work with the person by giving them exercises as well as allowing them to talk about their feelings. At the end of the session, the counselor will normally reiterate everything that the patient said so that they can understand what they can do to make things better for themselves. Counseling is usually available in a number of different avenues, include some free counselors who work with townships and other municipalities. Even if you do not have insurance or are below poverty level, you can find a counselor who can help you with your problems. TherapistsTherapists usually follow a treatment plan. They will give you exercises that you should do and will teach you how you can cope with your anxiety or depression. They are a good choice when you are suffering from severe anxiety or depression. Your problems will not be alleviated in one session, but will usually take more time to solve. Expect to see a therapist for a while so that they can get to the bottom of your problems. PsychologistsThe psychologist is usually what you think of when you are considering counseling. They have the reputation of making you lay on the couch while they listen to you and take notes. They will want to get to the bottom of the problem that you are having, including things that happened in your childhood. They usually have more extensive training than counselors and therapists, but also come at a higher price tag. Your sessions with the psychologist will last longer than with a therapist or a counselor, but you can get some pretty good results. PsychiatristsA psychiatrist is a medical doctor. Most psychiatrists work for hospitals and with those who are seriously mentally ill. You might be referred to a psychiatrist for medication, but chances are that you will see a therapist or psychologist for your therapy. For anxiety and depression, unless you are hospitalized for this condition, you will most likely not be referred to a psychiatrist. However, this doctor has the most experience and can make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.Because a lot of people today do not like taking medications for their disorders, they often opt for alternate medication for their anxiety. This includes aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal supplements and meditation. These will work well if the anxiety is not severe and there is no severe underlying depression that is causing the anxiety.
We all get anxious once in a while - we wouldn’t be human if we did not have some anxiety in our lives. But some people have extreme anxiety while others have mild anxiety. The difference would be someone who suffered frequent anxiety attacks caused by an underlying condition such as obsessive compulsive disorder or panic disorder. These conditions cannot be mixed with those who suffer from anxiety over taking a math test. In cases where the anxiety is not as severe to the point where it is stopping someone from doing their every day business, they may try alternate means of treatment before they resort to medications. Some of the alternate means of treatment include:Herbal supplementsKava , St. John’s Wort, Valerian and Sam-e are all herbal remedies that have been known to quell minor anxiety and depression. Kava has a very calming effect and can be taken a few days a week to help with minor anxiety. St. John’s Wort is better in treating depression, that often accompanies anxiety. Valerian and Sam-e of the newest herbal supplements that have shown promise in helping with anxiety attacks. However, you should not take these supplements along with prescription remedies and if you find that they are not helping you, you should talk to your doctor about another option. These herbal supplements are made for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression and not for those with severe disorders. AromatherapyAromatherapy is the anxiety healing art of inhaling infused oils that will get into your bloodstream and cure whatever ails you. Aromatherapy can also be used when mixed with other oils as a massage oil. Many people swear by this type of treatment in that it does them wonders. Again, this type of alternative therapy is made for those who have mild to moderate forms of anxiety or depression. AcupunctureAcupuncture is a way that some people use to rid themselves of all sorts of problems, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can help heal aches, pains and even headaches. Some people who suffer from depression or anxiety swear by this healing method which has its roots in ancient China. MeditationMeditation is yet another way that you can help yourself overcome your anxiety attacks. Meditation is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often associated with Hinduism or Buddhism. But it is also very good for finding peace of mind when you are trying to relax. You can take a class in meditation or you can watch a DVD to learn how to master this ancient eastern practice.Harmful Habits For Anxiety Treatment
If you are having an anxiety attack, you may be so desperate for a quick fix that you are willing to do anything to get rid of the anxious feeling. Some of the most harmful habits that will only aid on depression and anxiety are as follows:
Cigarette SmokingMany people say that they smoke because it “calms their nerves.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Cigarette smoking will not calm your nerves. In fact, it will make your nerves worse than they were before you started smoking in the first place. Cigarette smoking constricts the blood vessels and makes your heart even beat faster. It does not calm the nerves, but merely exacerbates the anxiety attack. Quitting cigarette smoking is very difficult to do. In fact, it is said that cigarette smoking is akin to heroin addiction. Some say that quitting heroin is easier than cigarette smoking. Many people try to quit smoking to no avail. They try patches and other types of gimmicks so that they can be smoke free. The truth of the matter is that you have to make up your mind to quit smoking and stick with it. Once you go for three days without a cigarette, the nicotine has left your body and the physical addiction is past. You can then move forward to quitting the psychological addiction. Alcohol Many people, when they have a problem with anxiety, will start drinking alcohol. Alcohol numbs the mind and makes things seem a bit brighter. But it is a false cure. It may make you feel better temporarily, but in the long run it will end up making you feel worse. And alcohol is a depressant. If you are not depressed by the time you start drinking, you will be after you are finished. And alcohol is a drug. Just like any other drug, it builds up a tolerance in your system. The more you drink, the less it affects you. Pretty soon, you are drinking more an more to get the same effect and to drown your sorrows. Do not drown your sorrows in booze. Look for another way out. While some people contend that alcoholism is a disease unto itself, others disagree and see it as merely a symptom of a disease. A disease that stems from depression and anxiety. This is why Alcoholics Anonymous encourages people to control what they can control and recognize the fact that they cannot control everything. As anxiety and depression all stem from control (or lack of control), one of the reasons that AA works is that it gives this valuable insight to members who feel that most of life is out of their control. Street DrugsStreet drugs like marijuana are often used to stop anxiety and make a person feel better. It has the opposite effect. While marijuana may not be as addictive and harmful as alcohol, it is still illegal. And inhaling hot smoke into your lungs is not going to do you any good. There is also evidence that marijuana kills off brain cells. Street drugs are not the answer for depression. While some may say that this drug has medicinal purposes, one of them is not to alleviate depression or anxiety - it merely masks them and doesn’t allow the person taking it to face their own demons. If you have a problem with depression or anxiety, do not try to self medicate. Look for healthier ways to try to get your body and brain chemicals in balance rather than resorting to nicotine, alcohol and street drugs.Anxiety & Panic Attacks
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Comments
Thanks for the feedback soni2006
Great job with this Hub on anxiety disorders. Remember there are the Bipolar Disorders too which cause so much mental illness and human suffering. Please check out my new Hubs on emotional recovery. Keep up your great work. Gary Eby, author and therapist.
Gary, you are right. Bipolar disorders can cause a lot of suffering too. And can be equally challenging to deal with. I'll check out your new hubs!
Hi Raymond great Hub with great information. I actually just wrote an article on my Hub about Generalized Anxiety Disorder. We could exchange links perhaps?
http://hubpages.com/hub/General-Anxiety-Disorder
Take care,
Deb Legge
soni2006 says:
14 months ago
You have explained each and every aspect of anxiety related disorders and its signs and symptoms and treatment, etc. Kudos to your hub. Thanks for sharing this useful info with the hub community.