Just over 19% of United States citizens are living with an anxiety disorder diagnosis. So, it’s important that people living with anxiety disorders get the help they need to live out their lives to the fullest. But, what many people don’t realize is that there are a number of different types of anxiety disorders. And, identifying which anxiety disorder you may be living with is imperative to determine the best types of available treatment that may help in reducing the severity of symptoms.
The different types of anxiety disorders include:
When most people think of anxiety disorders, GED, or generalized anxiety disorder, is what likely comes to mind. This condition is characterized by overwhelming and debilitating feelings of stress and anxiety. Individuals diagnosed with this type of anxiety may experience symptoms of anxiety without any cause or reason. Specific feelings of anxiety individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder may experience include feelings of doom, sleeplessness, mood swings, trouble focusing on tasks, and trouble eating.
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety condition that’s characterized by experiencing panic attacks. These episodes are bouts of extreme anxiety that are describablel as intense moments of fear. Sometimes, people with panic disorder identify panic attacks as resembling heart attacks. So, since panic attacks are so frightening and intense, people with panic disorder are always in fear of their next panic attack. Some symptoms of panic disorder include panic attacks that can stimulate chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing issues, confusion, and nausea.
PTSD, or post-traumatic disorder, is a specific anxiety disorder that develops as the result of an experience or experiences of trauma. Traumatic experiences can vary from person to person including war combat, car accidents, the sudden and unexpected passing of a loved one, being the victim of an assault or other crime, surviving a natural disaster, and more. Symptoms of PTSD can include mood swings (especially anger), avoidance behaviors, a decrease in interest in past hobbies or passions, trouble sleeping or staying asleep, and feelings of shame and guilt.
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by specific and overwhelming fears (or phobias). When a person with phobia disorder faces their phobia, they can experience overwhelmning fear. Phobias can be about or of anything, so they can be objects, situations, or specific triggers. This leaves people living with phobia disorder to avoid situations or places in which the phobia may come into play. Therefore, they can become debilitating to daily life.
Think you or a loved one is dealing with an anxiety disorder? Living with an anxiety disorder can interfere with daily life including family life, careers, and personal responsibilities. Fortunately, people living with anxiety disorders can get help through treatment that works to relieve symptoms.
Finally, Delray Center for Healing in South Florida offers outpatient therapy and treatment for individuals living with anxiety. So, if you’re ready to start getting the help you need to live out your life in the best way possible, check out our website to learn more about our services. And, contact us today to speak with us confidentially about your needs.