Anxiety is a mental health condition that can manifest in many different ways. For some people, anxiety may present as general worry or stress. Others may experience panic attacks or feel paralyzed by their fears. Still, others may struggle with specific phobias or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. However, several less well-known forms of anxiety can be just as debilitating. Here are five different forms of anxiety you may not know about.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety regarding separation from attachment figures, such as parents or caregivers. This form of anxiety often manifests in childhood but can persist into adulthood. People with separation anxiety disorder may feel constant fearfulness or sadness, have difficulty sleeping away from home or avoid leaving home altogether out of fear of separation.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is marked by intense fear or nervousness regarding social situations. This anxiety can interfere with work, school, and social functioning. People with social anxiety disorder may worry excessively about being judged by others, feel extremely self-conscious in social settings, or avoid social situations altogether.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a type of phobia characterized by fear of places or situations from which escape might be difficult or impossible in a panic attack or other debilitating event. For example, people with agoraphobia often avoid public transportation, enclosed spaces such as movie theaters, or places where they might feel trapped. In severe cases, agoraphobia can confine people to their homes altogether.
Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is an extreme form of social anxiety in which a person cannot speak in specific settings, such as school or work, even though they can speak perfectly fine in other locations, such as at home with family. This anxiety typically begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood if left untreated. People with selective mutism may appear withdrawn, unresponsive, or even angry in situations where they are expected to speak but cannot do so due to their anxiety.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by being obsessed with a specific physical deformity that many people don’t even notice. For example, people with body dysmorphic disorder may obsess over minor flaws such as acne, wrinkles, or body shape and go to great lengths to hide the perceived imperfection through camouflage strategies such as clothing choices or make-up application. In extreme cases, people with body dysmorphic disorder may undergo unnecessary plastic surgery procedures to correct the perceived defect(s).
Anxiety disorders come in many shapes and sizes—some more well-known than others. So if you find yourself struggling with it, consider getting some of these treatment options.
Ketamine
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment for anxiety that has shown promising results. Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been found to have powerful antidepressant effects. It has been used to treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. However, its use for treating anxiety has been growing in recent years.
There are several ways that ketamine can be administered for the treatment of anxiety.
The most common way is through an intravenous infusion, which can also be administered through a nasal spray or sublingual tablet. Some people may find that they respond better to one method than another. For example, one of the benefits of ketamine therapy for anxiety is that it can provide relief within minutes or hours after administration. This is in contrast to many other antidepressants, which may take weeks or even months. Additionally, ketamine therapy is not associated with the same side effects as other medications, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and dry mouth.
While ketamine therapy shows promise for treating anxiety, more research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety. However, for people who have not found relief from other treatments, ketamine therapy may be worth considering.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can be effective for treating anxiety. CBT focuses on helping people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety
One of the benefits of CBT is that it can be completed in a relatively short time, typically 12-20 weeks. CBT can also be effectively delivered in an individual or group format. Some people may respond better to one form than another, so choose the right one.
Medication
For some people, anxiety can be effectively treated with medication. Several different types of drugs can be used to treat anxiety, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make everyday activities difficult to impossible. Just remember that there is hope if you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety. There are many effective treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
