Treating Anxiety Disorders
If anxiety is affecting your daily activities and is persistent seek out an expert in mental health. Psychologists are trained to provide psychotherapy and may be capable of prescribing medication, whereas psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health treatment.
Counseling, medication and other treatments can ease your symptoms and help manage your anxiety. You can also learn strategies for managing stress and join support groups (both in person and online).
Medication
Anxiety disorders are treated by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) or medication or a combination of both. Therapy for anxiety can help people cope better with their anxiety and lessen the symptoms. People can also improve their mood by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and practicing stress management techniques. The use of medication can reduce the severity of the anxiety and make other treatments more effective.
Anxiety disorders are at risk of developing other mental health issues, such as depression. Depression symptoms often overlap with symptoms of anxiety so it is important to treat both at the same time. A psychiatrist trained to treat mental disorders can diagnose anxiety, and prescribe medication to ease symptoms.
A person's chance of developing
Anxiety anxiety disorders disorders is enhanced by certain life experiences as well as inherited traits. Traumas, such as a war or car accident can trigger anxiety disorders in certain people. A chronic illness or caregiving can cause people to worry overly. An anxiety disorder can also be caused by addiction to drugs including alcohol and illicit drugs.
Antidepressants are a primary treatment option for many anxiety disorders. Modern antidepressants known as SNRIs and SSRIs such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), have been shown to be effective in many clinical studies. Benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Valium), are also frequently used to reduce anxiety. However, they shouldn't be prescribed for more than 4 weeks at a time because they can be addictive and stop working as well after that.
Other forms of medication that are used to treat anxiety are beta-blockers, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Toprol XL), which can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Anticonvulsants, such as the levothyroxine sodium (Levothyrix), can reduce trembling and shaking. A low dose of antipsychotic medication such as buspirone (BuSpar), can be beneficial for those who suffer from physical symptoms of anxiety such as a rapid heartbeat or sweating.
Certain sedatives, including clonazepam (Klonopin), are only available through prescription. Certain people who suffer from extreme anxiety may use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Anxair (moclobemide).
Psychotherapy
It is normal for children at times to feel anxiety or fear but these feelings shouldn't impact their lives in the present or cause them to withdraw or become isolated from their families, friends or school. Anxiety disorders may lead to severe depression or other mental health issues that may hinder a person's overall health. These disorders are usually treated with psychotherapy (counseling) as well as medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (
cbt for social anxiety disorder) is the most popular psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It assists you in changing the patterns of thinking that can trigger anxiety. Your therapist will guide you learn relaxation techniques and discover ways to manage when you experience negative emotions. They'll also employ exposure therapy to gradually expose you to situations that trigger your anxiety. This is done using systematic desensitization. This involves identifying triggers and grading them according to intensity.
Your therapist will show you how to challenge your irrational thoughts and predictions. They'll show you
how to cope with anxiety disorder without medication to test your beliefs about yourself through tests, weighing the pros and cons of worrying or avoiding and determining the real chances that something bad will occur.
Psychiatrists can prescribe shorter-term or long-term treatments to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as buspirone and SSRIs are able to help with various forms of anxiety by altering chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam, can be beneficial in promoting relaxation of muscles and calming the mind. SNRIs such as venlafaxine can help with anxiety as they boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine in the brain.
Psychiatrists can monitor your symptoms, address any questions, and make changes to your treatment plan as necessary. Based on the severity of your disorder it could take a while to heal. You may need to try various therapists and a range of different treatments before you find one that is effective for you. For the best results, it's important to stick to your treatment plan. The longer you delay seeking assistance the more severe your symptoms may become.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy is a type of short-term psychotherapy that is focused on resolving interpersonal problems. It usually requires 12-16 sessions to complete. It has been proven empirically to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of comorbid depression and PTSD. It can also be used to treat problems with occupational and social interactions for people suffering from PTSD.
The first sessions (1-3) focus on gathering information and identifying problem areas. For example, the therapist might help you create an inventory of your key relationships. The therapist will then assist you in determining the most problematic areas based on your requirements and the potential for improvement. In the middle sessions (4 between 14 and 4) you will collaborate with your therapist to come up with solutions for each of these areas of concern. You will then apply these new strategies to your daily life in between sessions.
The most important aspect of IPT is that it frames the patient's issues as a medical condition not as a character flaw. This helps patients to release their guilt and self-criticism. It also helps patients recognize that their ailments result from a combination of their current circumstances and medical conditions.
When choosing a therapist make sure you select a therapist that is certified by your state's association for psychology and specializes in your condition. Research the therapist's training and experience. You can also ask other doctors for referrals. Make sure you and your therapist are on same page regarding the goals of the sessions prior to starting therapy. For example, you might want to focus on improving your interpersonal skills or conquering your fear of intimacy.
Self-help
anxiety disorders what is it is a normal reaction to stressful events, but it becomes an illness when it becomes so intense that it
what causes anxiety disorders problems with your daily routine. People with anxiety disorders often require psychotherapy and medication to get well. But some self-help methods can ease symptoms and make them easier to live with. For instance, breathing exercises and relaxation can reduce your heart rate and calm you down. Try doing these exercises several times per day, paying attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out. Identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones can also reduce anxiety.
Changing your diet and getting regular exercise can help you feel better. You can reduce your intake of nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol that can cause or cause anxiety. Regular exercise releases tension and stimulates the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is believed to improve mood. Take 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week.
Self-help resources for anxiety include support groups, self help books, and online resources.