Types and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders - Term Paper Example

Running Head: Anxiety Disorders Types and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders A Discussion Paper Outline Introduction Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring, or the most prevalent, mental illness. They involve a set of symptoms that share pathological or severe anxiety as the major disorder of emotional character (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Anxiety, which could be interpreted as the pathological equivalent of common fear, is shown by mood disorders, as well as of physiological, behavioral, and psychological activity (Stein & Hollander, 2002). This essay will discuss the types and treatments of anxiety disorders. The anxiety disorders consist of post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder (Soggie, 2008). Furthermore, there are adjustment disorders with attributes of anxiety, anxiety disorders because of substance-induced anxiety disorders, residual form of anxiety disorder, and common medical conditions (Soggie, 2008). Anxiety disorders are ever-present across different societies. Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In general, the indications of an acute stress disorder manifest during or soon after the trauma. These severe traumatic episodes include brutal physical attack or rape, fatal accidents, and witnessing violence (Stein & Hollander, 2002). The indication of dissociation, which manifests an evident disconnection of the mind from the body or emotional form, is a vital issue (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Moreover, dissociation is distinguished by a perception of the world as an illusory or surreal place and may come along with poor recollection of the particular episodes, which is extreme form is recognized as dissociative amnesia (Soggie, 2008). If the behavioral disorders and symptoms of the acute stress disorder continue for more than a month, and if these characteristics are accompanied by severe trauma or functional injury to the victim, the diagnosis is transformed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Soggie, 2008). Due to the more chronic feature of post-traumatic stress disorder, several changes, such as hopelessness, decreased self-worth, difficulties in professional and/or personal relationships, and a sense of being irreversibly damaged, are commonly discerned (Soggie, 2008). Substance abuse usually arises, particularly involving sedative-hypnotic drugs, marijuana, and alcohol (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Women who are crime victims, particularly rape, torture, and others, are the most prone to PTSD. In general, among those exposed to severe distress, roughly 9% experience the disorder (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessions are periodic, disturbing images, desires, or thoughts that are distinguished as prohibited, bizarre, or improper (Soggie, 2008). The obsessions, which draw out severe trauma and anxiety, are called ‘ego-dystonic’ or ‘ego-alien’ because their substance is somehow different from the thoughts that the individual normally has (Craske, 1999). Obsessions are believed to be unmanageable, and the victim usually fears that s/he will get carried away and act upon such urges or thoughts. Frequent issues involve contamination with worries, body fluids, or bacteria, symmetry, or loss of sexual or violent urges (Craske, 1999). Compulsions are “repetitive behaviors or mental acts that reduce the anxiety that accompanies an obsession or ‘prevent’ some dreaded event from happening” (Soggie, 2008, 64). Compulsions involve explicit behaviors, like checking, counting, or hand washing. Not surprisingly, compulsive practices occupy extended periods of time to complete (Soggie, 2008). Frequent hand washing, for instance, planned to cure apprehension about contamination, is a usual source of contact dermatitis (Soggie, 2008). Obsessive-compulsive disorder also has an apparent genetic pattern and fairly greater genetic specificity than other anxiety disorder (Soggie, 2008). Moreover, there is a heightened vulnerability to obsessive-compulsive disorder among close bloodlines with Tourette’s disorder (Craske, 1999). Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a prolonged period of distress and anxiety, accompanied by several related symptoms (Stein & Hollander, 2002). These indications involve bad temper, restlessness, poor attention, weariness, muscle strain (Stein & Hollander, 2002). In DSM-IV, a critical characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder is that the uneasiness and anxiety cannot be caused by the more central trauma of obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, or other conditions (Soggie, 2008). Instead, as suggested by the name, the severe anxieties usually refer to several areas, such as finances, professional and personal relationships, the security of one’s family, approaching deadlines, and possible calamities. Somatic anxiety symptoms are widespread (Soggie, 2008), as are erratic panic attacks Social Phobia Social phobia, or also recognized as social anxiety disorder, characterizes individuals with chronic and evident anxiety in social circumstances, such as public speaking and performances (Stein & Hollander, 2002). The crucial component of the anxiety is the risk of mockery or humiliation. Similar to specific phobias, the anxiety is understood by adults as irrational or extreme, but the feared social situation is evaded or is endured with great distress (Craske, 1999). Numerous individuals with social phobia are obsessed with matters that others will notice their anxiety symptoms, such as blushing, or sweating; or see their quick or stuttering speech; or perceive them as ‘insane’, dim-witted, or weak (Craske, 1999). Fears of blacking out or of fainting are also common. Social phobias in general are related with major anticipatory anxiety for a period of time prior to the feared episode (Stein & Hollander, 2002), which consequently may worsen impaired performance and increase humiliation. Panic Disorder Panic disorder is discerned when an individual has suffered at least two sudden panic attacks and experiences chronic distress or fear about having more attacks or modifies his/her behavior to prevent or lessen these attacks (Stein & Hollander, 2002). While the severity and frequency of the attacks differs broadly, the avoidance behavior and anxiety are critical characteristics. The diagnosis is inappropriate if the attacks are thought to be brought about by a drug or a common medical illness (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Panic disorder is prevalent among men and women. There is developmental link between adolescents’ anxiety disorders, like separation anxiety disorder (Soggie, 2008). Panic disorder is a genetic syndrome and can be differentiated from depressive syndromes by family research (Soggie, 2008). Treatment of Anxiety Disorders Generally, anxiety disorders are remedied with prescriptions, and particular forms of psychotherapy. Choices of treatment hinge on the individual’s inclination and the problem (Craske, 1999). Prior to the start of the treatment, a physician should perform a thorough diagnostic assessment to discern whether an individual’s symptoms are brought about by a physical difficulty or an anxiety disorder (Craske, 1999). Once an anxiety disorder is determined, the kind of syndrome or the combination of syndromes that are existent should be recognized, as well as any overlapping disorders, such as substance abuse or depression (Craske, 1999). At times depression, substance abuse, or other overlapping disorders have such a significant impact on the person that curing the anxiety disorder should linger until the overlapping disorders are properly managed (Stein & Hollander, 2002). Individuals with anxiety disorders who have previously been treated should inform their present physician about that treatment thoroughly (Soggie, 2008). If they were already treated before, they should inform their physician what medicine was prescribed, what the prescribed amount was at the initial phase of the treatment, whether the quantity was raised or reduced while they were undertaking treatment, and whether the medication lessened their anxiety (Soggie, 2008). If they were treated with psychotherapy, they must explain the form of therapy and whether the treatment was effective. Commonly individuals think that the treatment was ineffective or that they were the reasons the treatment failed when, in truth, the treatment was not administered for a sufficient period of time or was given improperly (Craske, 1999). At times individuals should undertake different treatments in order for them to find the suitable treatment for them. Medication will not remedy anxiety disorders; however, it can manage them while the individual is being treated with psychotherapy (Craske, 1999). Medication should be given by doctors, normally psychiatric specialist, who can administer psychotherapy or offer the treatment in collaboration with counselors, social workers, and psychologists who administer psychotherapy themselves (Craske, 1999). The primary prescriptions used for anxiety disorders are beta-blockers, anti-anxiety drugs, and anti-depressants to manage several of the physical indications (Soggie, 2008). With appropriate treatment, numerous individuals with anxiety disorders can return to their normal lives. Psychotherapy includes conversing with a skilled or qualified mental practitioner, such as a counselor, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist, to determine what brought about an anxiety disorder and how to manage its symptoms (Craske, 1999). Prescription can be mixed with psychotherapy for particular anxiety disorders, and this is the most effective treatment method (Soggie, 2008) for numerous individuals. Conclusions Every individual experiences fear. We feel our heart beat faster whenever we are about to face a large crowd or go into a very important job interview. We feel very anxious every time we are confronted with critical financial problems. These feelings are all normal. But, if anxieties and worries are keeping you from living a satisfying and active life, you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. Still, there are numerous treatments and self-help methods for preventing, reducing, or curing anxiety disorders. It is normal to feel anxious or worried when under pressure or confronting a difficult situation. Distress is the natural reaction of the body to threat, an involuntary bomb that explode when we feel pressured. Even though it may be disagreeable, anxiety is not constantly a negative condition. In truth, anxiety can keep us fully attentive and vigilant, motivate us to action, and empower us to work out difficulties. However, when anxiety is chronic or overpowering, when it meddles with your professional and/or personal activities and relationships, that is when the threshold of anxiety disorder has been breached. References Craske, M.G. (1999). Anxiety Disorders: Psychological Approaches to Theory and Treatment. Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Soggie, N. (2008). Professional Handbook for Mood and Anxiety Disorders. University Press of America. Stein, D.J. & Hollander, E. (2002). Anxiety Disorders Comorbid with Depression: Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. London: Martin Dunitz. Read More