Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety that is chronic and disrupts everyday life isn't normal. Doctors can prescribe medication and talk therapy to aid.
Therapy typically consists of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. There are also many medications that treat anxiety, including antidepressants.
Treatment
Stress can cause you to feel anxious or fearful at times. Anxiety disorders, however, can trigger persistent and excessive feelings of fear or anxiety that are often in contrast to the circumstances. They can also interfere with people's daily activities and relationships. Certain symptoms can be relieved by medications. To fully recover, patients must learn healthier ways of managing and dealing with their anxiety.
People with anxiety disorders can get treatment from a health care provider or psychiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes in mental health), psychologist, social worker or counselor. The health care professional will ask about the symptoms as well as medical history. They may even perform an exam. They can also request tests in the laboratory to rule out other illnesses that might be behind the symptoms.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are two treatments for anxiety disorders. The type of treatment and duration will be determined by the severity of the condition, and how long you have been suffering from it. The most commonly used form of talk therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT. This method assists people in recognizing negative thought patterns, and then change them. It can also help people learn relaxation techniques and exposure reactions to reduce anxiety.
Another form of talk therapy that is used to treat anxiety is called interpersonal therapy, also known as IPT. This approach is useful for those who suffer from anxiety about their relationships, including social anxiety disorder and phobias. Interpersonal therapy can help individuals learn healthy ways to express emotions and improve communication with others.
Beta blockers, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines are all effective in helping with anxiety symptoms. A doctor will prescribe the best medicine for a person's condition, and discuss the potential side effects. People should not stop taking prescribed medication unless directed to do so by their physician. In some instances, abrupt discontinuation of certain medications could trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which feel like shocks.
Yoga, meditation as well as stress reduction and healthy sleeping habits are alternative treatments for anxiety. People with anxiety can benefit from joining a group of support for people with the same condition that can offer compassion understanding, understanding, and shared experiences. A person should also avoid any other stimulants which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. It is also important to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. Regular exercise and spending time with friends can reduce stress.
Symptoms
Some people may be anxious at times, for example when they begin the new job or take an exam. When disorders anxiety is persistent and begins to disrupt everyday life, it's when help is needed. Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of fear and panic that are not proportional to the actual risk they are extremely difficult to control and last for a long period of time. People suffering from anxiety disorders may even start to avoid situations or places that could trigger their symptoms.
Patients suffering from anxiety disorders often take medication and go to therapy or counseling. The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to recognize and change their thoughts or behaviors that cause the symptoms.
Other medicines can also help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) can, for instance, reduce the rapid heartbeats and other physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Antidepressants, which are often prescribed to treat depression can also aid in reducing anxiety. Examples include SSRIs like Lexapro (escitalopram) and SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Benzodiazepines are also helpful for people suffering from anxiety. They can have severe adverse side effects and can lead to addiction. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.
Education is essential to recover. For instance, knowing about the physiology of the "flight-or-fight" response that is normal and assists us in dealing with perceived or actual threats, can help dispel myths that could be causing anxiety. It's important to be aware that certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and heart diseases can trigger anxiety symptoms. Patients with these conditions should get an extensive physical exam to rule out any problems.
Healthy eating, lots of sleep and exercise can all reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding drinking alcohol or recreational street drugs can also reduce anxiety symptoms. It's also best not to smoke because smoking can cause them to worsen. Talking to friends and family, both in person and online, can be helpful.
Diagnosis
Everybody feels anxiety and fear at times. These are normal human emotions that help us deal with danger. When these emotions become extreme, and prevent the person from enjoying life, it is time to seek professional assistance. A doctor or mental healthcare professional can determine whether you are suffering from anxiety disorder and can recommend treatment.
In order to diagnose anxiety disorders, a healthcare doctor will conduct an exam of your body and ask questions about your symptoms. They will want to know when the anxiety symptoms started and how long they've been in existence and how severe they are. Your healthcare provider might inquire if your symptoms have affected your daily routine. Many mental health issues, such as depression or post-traumatic disorder, occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders. A specialist may ask about any other mental health issues you've had to deal with.
There isn't one test that can identify anxiety. However, a doctor can determine the cause of your anxiety by conducting a blood or urine test and asking about your family history. A mental health professional may also use standardized tests and questionnaires to determine your anxiety level and determine if you are suffering from anxiety.
The majority of people with anxiety disorders benefit from a mix of treatment that incorporates psychotherapy, or "talk therapy", and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you a different way to react, think and act in order to feel less anxious. Beta-blockers, anxiety medications and some antidepressants can all be effective in managing your symptoms.
The signs of anxiety include a constant feeling worry, tense muscles and trouble concentrating. Some people also have symptoms like trembling, breathing problems and dizziness. A person who has an anxiety disorder may also avoid situations or activities that cause anxiety. This type of avoidance can be very frustrating for someone and could result in other problems like a poor performance at work and relationships.
Children's anxiety is normal, but they typically overcome it as they develop. People who continue to have anxiety symptoms as adults are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are treatable, but you have to be willing to seek treatment and be patient. It takes time to find the perfect combination of treatments that be effective for you. The reward is a satisfying, healthy life. Early treatment is important since anxiety can get worse over time if not addressed. With the proper care and treatment, you can beat this problem. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information about getting the right treatment.