Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders, however, they are often misunderstood. There are numerous types of anxieties and each has its characteristics, causes, and cures. Generally, anxiety affects daily life and makes it difficult to do “normal” activities. We'll explore the main types of anxiety, their causes, and potential treatments.
Firstly, the most known anxiety: is generalized. The generalized anxiety disorder has to do with this ongoing worry that centers on everyday things. The causes of this type of anxiety are open-ended with the suggestion of genetics and family history (like most mental health disorders). Some symptoms are feeling dread or this sense of being on the edge, restlessness, and sleeping issues. There are ways to prevent this type of anxiety: There's no way to predict for certain what will cause someone to develop generalized anxiety disorder, but you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you experience anxiety: get help early, journaling/keeping a diary, and avoiding drugs/unhealthy substances.
Panic disorders are these sudden surges of discomfort with common physical symptoms of sweating, chest pain, feeling dizzy, numbness, chills or hot flashes, and fear of losing control or dying. Many people say that they feel like they feel like “heart attacks.” Panic attacks can last from 5-20 minutes, factors all depend on the person. These can be caused by family history (genetics), other mental conditions like depression, and any traumatic or stressful events.
Now what's the difference between panic and anxiety attacks? Well, the difference is that certain signs, marks, and hints can trigger anxiety attacks which build up gradually. However, panic attacks happen unexpectedly and suddenly. Psychotherapy and medication are the combo to help deal with and manage panic disorders. The medications involved are anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam (Xanax®) and lorazepam (Ativan®). These medications pretty much calm down your nervous system. However, it is important to remember that these medicines are temporary solutions, not permanent; and can cause addictions.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is the feeling of intense humiliation, embarrassment, and discomfort in social interactions. Many who suffer from social anxiety will have this negative self-image and avoid any type of these situations. Some common examples are the fear of meeting new people, eating in public, public speaking, and any type of group activities. Some causes of this could be genetics, stress, or just how that person’s brain works. However, a very common cause is isolation or the frequent recruitment of panic attacks. For example, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston College researchers found reports of anxiety increased to 50 percent by November of 2020, which was 6 times greater than in 2019. Social anxiety disorder can be treated very easily. With just small lifestyle changes, social anxiety (just like many other anxiety disorders) can be treated. Typically, psychotherapy and medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs ) are used for social anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are antidepressant drugs that suppress the reabsorption of serotonin by neurons that regulate mood. This makes more serotonin available to improve the transmission of messages between neurons, making the messages more accurate.
Separation Anxiety Disorder is loosely what it sounds like. Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is caused by the persistent worry about being separated from loved ones, people who have a significant effect on your life, home, and similar places and faces you find comfort in. Naturally, it is found in children and many young adults as it's naturally part of growing up. It is the most common anxiety disorder in children under age 12. affecting, 4 in 100 children under the age of 12. Talk therapy and family therapy are most commonly used to treat this disorder, but if needed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) like Fluoxetine (Prozac®), Sertraline (Zoloft®), and Paroxetine (Paxil®, Pexeva®) can be used (for 6 years and older only). Unfortunately, as this disorder often is centered around children, there are a few severe side effects of these medications: fatigue, vomiting, and suicidal thoughts. Although this disorder is entangled with children, no matter the age, separation anxiety disorder can affect a life significantly!
Many people don’t even consider this a type of anxiety disorder. However, phobias and specific phobias are considered anxiety as they often lead to panic attacks. The cause of phobias solely depends on the person. They can be caused by many things like objects, places that have values, similar situations, animals, and bugs. Basically anything that evokes fear. Lastly, we have agoraphobia, which is kind of a specific phobia. Agoraphobia is where you have an intense fear of situations where getting help is very difficult or embarrassing. Naturally, people who suffer from agoraphobia will avoid being in these types of situations. Agoraphobia treatment can be really challenging because you must confront the cause of your disorder- your fears. Many antidepressants are used as treatment such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. Cognitive behavior therapy is also used as it can be very effective.
Anxiety disorders are complex, affecting millions of people in different ways. Each type of anxiety presents challenges, different treatments, and effects on life. Understanding these disorders helps not only you but also is crucial for recognizing others and their battles. If you see one slightly disturbed continuously, especially with patterns, it doesn’t hurt to ask and make sure they’re ok. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from anxiety don’t seek professional help, and brush it off as a simple issue. Anxiety is a common emotion and is a natural response to dangers our bodies sense. But, they can get very serious and overwhelming.
Don't ever hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional—help is available:
NAMI Helpline: (866) 615-646
Anxiety Hotline: (866) 903-3787
References:
HealthMatch staff and HealthMatch Pty Ltd. “What Causes Anxiety in the Brain?” HealthMatch, 3 May 2022, healthmatch.io/anxiety/anxiety-in-the-brain#evidence-based-tips-for-managing-anxiety%20https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder.
Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Panic Attacks &Amp; Panic Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder.
“Separation Anxiety Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/separation-anxiety-disorder.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
Written by Pooja Gopinathrao from MEDILOQUY