There is More Than One Kind of Anxiety Disorder
Do You Have A Problem With Panic Attacks?I. There Is More Than One Kind of Anxiety Disorder?
Recognizing that you face a problem is just the first step in treating an anxiety disorder. However, as you speak to your therapist you will realize that he or she is trying to identify the specific disorder that may be afflicting you so that your condition may be treated effectively. So now you may wonder if there is more than one kind of anxiety disorder and if so, what are the different kinds or types?
Health experts have identified six major types of anxiety disorders:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
3. Panic Disorder
4. Phobia
5. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
6. Social Anxiety Disorder.
Each one of these has their own distinct symptoms, as we will get to know in the following sections. Today we will discuss number 1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
If you are always worried about a few different things without any apparent reason or your fears are so intense that they are proving to be a serious distraction in your life or you have this persistent feeling that something bad is going to happen to you, it is possible that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Typically, people with GAD worry constantly, even in perfectly normal situations and without knowing why, so much so that it starts to affect their job, their daily activities and their social life. They also exhibit physical symptoms like excess fatigue, insomnia, stomach upsets and restlessness, quite regularly.
It is human nature to worry. Everyone gets worried about something or other, from time to time. However, if you have a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), you may find yourself worrying and fearing everything so much that it starts to interfere with your ability to be able to function normally. In fact, you find it almost impossible to relax, constantly and excessively worrying about different things. You may find yourself spending day after day, feeling very tense and anxious the whole day long.
All of us worry about our finances, our health, the well-being and security of our family and friends. When we face difficulties at home or at work, we are anxious to sort them out and move on. However, with generalized anxiety disorder, this worrying becomes excessive and unrelenting.
A casual remark from the boss about the state of the economy may get you worried about your job, a phone call from a close friend which is not returned during the day causes you anxiety about the relationship being in trouble. At times, just starting the day and getting through it becomes an ordeal.
You may even know that there is no obvious reason or cause for you to feel so disturbed and anxious. You may also realize that your anxiety is far more intense than what the situation may indicate. However, all this may only end up making you feel worse. You find it impossible to switch off the negative thoughts and fears and the anxieties keep running through your head, again and again.
This anxiety also takes a physical toll on you. You may feel physically and mentally exhausted all the time. Your body may ache and yet you are unable to sleep or sleep peacefully for long.
It is possible for some people with GAD to go to work or public places or be in social situations – but they will go about feeling extremely anxious and worried almost all the time even though they may be in the most normal of situations. For some, GAD does take on a very chronic form with the symptoms, especially the physical ones, occurring more frequently and with more intensity making it almost impossible for them to carry on with their everyday functioning.
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