Steps Recovery Centers

The Four Types of Anxiety

Here are the four different types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic worry and tension, even when there is nothing to provoke it.
• Panic Disorder: This anxiety disorder is characterized by unexpected and frequent episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, racing heart, dizziness, and abdominal problems.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This anxiety disorder is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors include excessive hand washing, checking, counting, and cleaning. An individual develops these obsessions as a coping mechanism to prevent overthinking. Performing these rituals, however, merely provides temporary relief. Furthermore, it can worsen a person’s anxiety because not performing these rituals can result in increased stress.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Phobia): This anxiety disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in social situations. This phobia can be limited to one type of situation, such as a person having a fear of public speaking or eating in front of others. In its most severe form, it can be so broad that a person displays symptoms every time they’re with people.

Anxiety and Addiction

People with anxiety disorders are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief. Individuals with this disorder are two times more likely to develop an addiction compared to the general population, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Excessive drug and alcohol use typically worsen a person’s symptoms, leading to dependence on self-medication. It can result in a dangerous cycle that’s difficult to break, and it can also harm a person’s loved ones. Moreover, those with an anxiety disorder usually experience stronger withdrawal symptoms than those without anxiety when trying to quit using substances.

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety disorders and addiction are treatable, and many people experience symptom relief and improvement in their quality of life with professional treatment. However, treatment success is relative. Some people complete treatment within weeks, while others may take months. For instance, those with multiple anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions may need more time to recover. A compassionate provider from an inpatient treatment center can conduct a comprehensive assessment before tailoring an individualized treatment plan.

A person with an anxiety disorder can receive the following types of treatment:

Medication: Medication treatment for anxiety disorders is usually safe and effective when enforced in conjunction with therapy. Medication can be a short or long-term treatment option depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms. However, a patient will need time and patience to discover the medication that works best for them.

Integrative Behavioral Health: Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular as mental health professionals are searching for additional ways to treat anxiety. This type of method combines the use of complementary treatment with conventional medicine and includes:

• Stress and relaxation techniques
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• There are several more methods to treat anxiety disorders, and an inpatient treatment center can help a person reclaim their life. Getting help from a treatment center can help an individual manage their symptoms, and a professional will provide them with tools so that they can achieve a better quality of life.

Treatment Center

Residential treatment centers are known for their success rate, so it’s important to research local ones that fit yours or that of the needs of your loved one. Ensure they are accredited and licensed, have access to emergency care services, offer aftercare planning, and have a credentialed staff