Having a mental disorder can be quite exhausting

Understanding mental disorders will help you understand your symptoms and how to treat them

“2ne in ¿ve women in the United States experiences some type of mental health condition each year,” according to the U.S. Department of Women’s Health and Services. Depression and anxiety are more common among women, and they affect them differently.

There are various types of anxiety disorders. The major ones are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, speci¿c phobia, obsessivecompulsive disorder (2CD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who gets anxiety disorders?

Although we might not always admit to suffering from a mental health disorder or we may not be aware of it, many of us suffer from a mental health issue like anxiety. In America, 0 million adults are diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Adults are not the only ones who can are diagnosed with the disorder. “About eight percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety, with symptoms starting around age six” (U.S. Department of Women’s Health and Services).

Surprisingly, however, anxiety disorders do not affect everyone the same way. GAD is most commonly known to affect American Indian/Alaskan 1ative more than women of other races and ethnicities. GAD affects more white women and Latina/Hispanic women than Asian or African-American women. “Social phobia and panic disorder affect more white women than women of other races and ethnicities” (U.S. Department of Women’s Health and Services).

Some of the symptoms women experience with anxiety disorders are a “combination of anxious thoughts or beliefs, physical symptoms, and changes in behavior, including avoiding everyday activities” (Women’s Health). Each disorder has distinctive symptoms, but they all involve fear and dread of present and future situations.

Treatments for anxiety disorders include counseling (psychotherapy), medicine, or a combination of both counseling and medicine. Everyone’s body reacts differently to medicine, so it is essential that women see a doctor for a proper diagnostic.

What types of medicine treat anxiety disorders?

Several types of medicine treat anxiety disorders. These include:

‡ Anti-anxiety (benzodiazepines). These medicines are usually prescribed for short periods of time because they are addictive. Stopping this medicine too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

‡ Beta-blockers. These medicines can help prevent the physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder, like trembling or sweating.

‡ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs change the level of serotonin in the brain. They increase the amount of serotonin available to help brain cells communicate with each other. Common side effects can include insomnia or sedation, stomach problems, and a lack of sexual desire.

‡ Tricyclics. Tricyclics work like SSRIs. However, sometimes they cause more side effects than SSRIs. They may cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, or weight gain.

‡ Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MA2Is). People who take MA2Is must avoid certain foods and drinks (like Parmesan or cheddar cheese and red wine) that contain an amino acid called tyramine. Taking an MA2I and eating these foods can cause blood pressure levels to spike dangerously. Women who take MA2Is must also avoid certain medicines, such as some types of birth control pills, pain relievers, and cold and allergy medicines. Talk to your doctor about any medicine you take.

Anxiety Disorders affect other health problems

2ther commonly known health problems in women may be affected by anxiety disorders. Depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, to name a few, could be affected by anxiety disorders.