How many different anxiety disorders are there

Your symptoms may not go away on their own and if left untreated, they can start to take over your life.

A person feels anxious on most days, worrying about lots of different things, for a period of six months or more. A person has an intense fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated, even in everyday situations, such as speaking publicly, eating in public, being assertive at work or making small talk.

Learn more about social anxiety. A person feels very fearful about a particular object or situation and may go to great lengths to avoid it, for example, having an injection or travelling on a plane. There are many different types of phobias. Learn more about specific phobias.

A person has panic attacks, which are intense, overwhelming and often uncontrollable feelings of anxiety combined with a range of physical symptoms. Someone having a panic attack may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and excessive perspiration. Sometimes, people experiencing a panic attack think they are having a heart attack or are about to die. If a person has recurrent panic attacks or persistently fears having one for more than a month, they're said to have panic disorder.

Learn more about panic disorder. Mental health professionals have several types of psychotherapy to choose from, but some are better suited for specific issues like anxiety. While each professional uses their own treatment methods, here are some that are recommended to treat anxiety:.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are both first-line pharmacological treatments for anxiety. Examples include:. Read this for more information about treatment options for anxiety.

Rather, with the right treatment and interventions, you can learn to manage anxiety symptoms. Treatment may require a combination of approaches. The most common forms of treatment include psychotherapy such as CBT, medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines, and lifestyle modifications like deep breathing, exercise, and meditation.

Is anxiety genetic? Yes and no. Anxiety may occur at night when you're trying fall asleep. You may experience racing thoughts as well as physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal….

Anxiety disorder is a medical condition that a variety of professionals can treat. Early treatment usually leads to the most favorable outcome. Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear in social settings.

It is different from…. Does worrying put a damper on your day? Try these techniques to free yourself. Though autism and social anxiety have similarities, the two conditions are very different. Learn why. Check out our picks for the best anxiety products and gift ideas, from books to herbal supplements.

People who have generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, worry uncontrollably about common situations. GAD is different from normal anxiousness. What are the benefits of running for anxiety? Well, there are many. Here's how going for a jog can clear your head. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The symptoms might include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and dizziness. Some people use the terms anxiety attack and panic attack interchangeably.

Panic attacks can last as long as anywhere from 5—30 minutes. Having a panic attack is frightening, and people who experience them are usually fearful of triggering another.

Some people go to great lengths to avoid certain situations that might produce another episode. Symptoms of a panic attack are not life threatening despite their intensity. They include:. Some people experience these kinds of symptoms with their regular anxiety. What makes a panic attack different is how intense and sudden the physical sensations are.

Females are also more likely than males to develop an anxiety disorder. There are effective treatment options for anxiety disorders. The type of treatment will vary depending on the anxiety disorder.

Talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , are a standard treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT teaches individuals with anxiety to approach their anxious feelings and thoughts differently. CBT can also involve exposure therapy for treating phobias, which means a person gradually and intentionally exposing themselves to their fear. In some cases, medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, may help reduce the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.

These are helpful for people who have severe symptoms. A doctor may prescribe beta-blockers to someone with panic disorder. Beta-blockers can help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shaking. Some self-care strategies can help a person manage anxiety in their daily life. People with severe anxiety should not use these methods to replace help from a mental health professional.

Support groups can provide people with anxiety a place to talk about their experiences with others who understand their condition. Additionally, being involved in spiritual groups that focus on compassion and forgiveness may help some people with anxiety. Activities that calm the nervous system can help ease anxiety, such as :.

Substances such as caffeine and some nutritional deficiencies can make anxiety worse. Additionally, getting enough exercise and eating a nutrient-rich diet can help to reduce it. A person with an anxiety disorder may feel some benefits from:. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and change, but anxiety disorders are highly disruptive conditions. Treatment for an anxiety disorder might include a combination of therapy and medication.

People should seek help for anxiety that regularly affects their normal life.