Treating Anxiety Disorders
Speak to a mental health professional in case your anxiety persists and is affecting your daily routine. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and may be able to prescribe medication, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health issues.
Medications, counseling and other treatments can ease your symptoms and help manage your anxiety. There are other ways to cope, like learning stress management techniques or joining support groups (in person or online).
Medication
Anxiety disorders are treated through psychotherapy (talk-therapy), medication, or a combination of both. Talk therapy can help people discover more effective ways to manage their anxieties and lessen the symptoms. Sleep, exercise and strategies for managing stress can aid in improving mood. The medications help to reduce anxiety levels and make the other treatments more effective.
Anxiety disorders are at risk of other mental health conditions, including depression. The symptoms of depression are often interspersed with symptoms of anxiety, which is why it is essential to treat both simultaneously. A specialist in treating mental illnesses (a psychiatrist) can diagnose anxiety and prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms.
The risk of developing an anxiety disorder is enhanced by certain life experiences and traits that are inherited. Traumas, like car accidents or war can trigger anxiety disorder in some people. Anxiety disorders can be caused by chronic illnesses or caring for others. Alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol and illegal drugs, can also contribute to development of an anxiety disorder.
The first treatment choice for the majority of anxiety disorders is an antidepressant. Modern antidepressants known as SNRIs and SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) have been proven efficient in a variety of clinical studies. Diazepam, or Valium is also used to ease anxiety swiftly. However, they shouldn't be prescribed for longer than 4 weeks at a time as they can become addictive and stop working in the same way after.
Beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol are used to treat anxiety. They lower blood pressure and heart rates. Anticonvulsants like levothyroxine (Levothyrix) can help to control the shaking. Buspirone (BuSpar) in low doses can help people with physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating or a rapid pulse.
anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy like Clonazepam (Klonopin), can only be obtained by prescription. Some people with severe anxiety take monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Anxair (moclobemide).
Psychotherapy
It is normal for children at times to experience anxiety or fear but these feelings shouldn't impact their lives in the present or cause them to withdraw or become isolated from their family, friends, or school. Anxiety disorders can cause severe depression or other mental health issues that can affect the quality of life of a person. These disorders are usually managed with psychotherapy (counseling), as well as medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common psychotherapy used for anxiety disorders. It assists you in changing patterns of thinking and beliefs that cause your anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you on relaxation techniques and help you discover ways to manage negative feelings. They'll also employ exposure therapy to gradually expose you to situations that cause anxiety. This is done using systematic desensitization. It involves creating a list of triggers and then grading them according to their intensity.
Your therapist will also teach you how to challenge your irrational predictions and unhelpful thoughts. They will help you test your beliefs with tests, weighing the pros and cons and determining realistic odds that something bad could happen.
Psychiatrists can prescribe either short-term or longer-term medications for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and buspirone can help with anxiety by altering chemicals in the brain which regulate mood. Benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam are helpful in promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Venlafaxine, a SNRI, can help with anxiety as they increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Psychiatrists monitor your symptoms and answer any questions. They also make the necessary changes to your treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition it could take some time for you to get better. It is possible to test various therapists or treatments before you discover the one that works best for you. It is crucial to stick to your treatment plan to get the results. The longer you wait to seek help, the more severe your symptoms can become.
Therapy with people
Interpersonal therapy is a brief-term kind of psychotherapy that focuses on resolving interpersonal problems. It usually requires 12-16 sessions to complete. It is supported by research and may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It has also been shown to be effective for treating depression that is comorbid with PTSD. It can also be used to tackle issues with work and social interaction for those suffering from PTSD.
The first three sessions are devoted to gathering information and identifying the root of the issue. The therapist can assist you in making a list of your most important relationships. The therapist can help you determine the most important issues to address based on the severity of the problem and its potential for improvement. In the middle of sessions (4-14) you and your therapist will work together to find solutions for these problematic areas. You will then apply these new strategies to your everyday life between sessions.
The most significant feature of IPT is that it frames a patient's issues as a medical condition not as a character flaw. This helps patients to release their self-doubt and guilt. It also helps patients realize that their symptoms result from an amalgamation of their current situation and medical conditions.
Select a therapist who's licensed and has a specialization in the condition you're dealing with. Find out about the therapist's education and background. You can even ask for referrals from other doctors. Be sure you and your therapist are on the same page regarding the goals of the sessions prior to beginning therapy. For instance, you might prefer to work on improving your interpersonal skills or conquering your fear of intimacy.
Self-help
Anxiety is a normal reaction to some stressful events, but it becomes an illness when it becomes so intense that it is a problem with your life. People suffering from anxiety disorders typically require medication and psychotherapy to recover. However, a few self-help strategies can reduce symptoms and make them easier to deal with. For example breathing exercises and relaxation can help lower the heart rate and calm you down. Try these exercises at least once a week, and pay attention to how your body feels when you breathe in and out. Identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones can reduce anxiety.
Changing your diet and getting regular exercise can help you feel better. You can lower your intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol which can worsen or trigger anxiety. Regular exercise relieves tension and stimulates the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is known to improve mood. Take 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every week.
There are a variety of ways to find self-help for anxiety, such as self-help groups, self-help books and online resources. Some of these resources offer several exercises that can be performed at home, for example, identifying the triggers for anxiety and figuring out how to overcome your anxiety. Some also involve face-to-face meetings with therapists as well as others who are suffering from the same issues.
Psychological interventions are essential treatments for anxiety disorders. they include cognitive behavioural therapy, which helps you change patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety; exposure therapy, in which you gradually confront the situations, objects or people which trigger anxiety and complementary health techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and a sense of relaxation. These strategies can be combined with medications.
Some people should see an expert to rule out any medical conditions that could be the cause of their anxiety. After that, they can start treatment. Anxiety disorders can be crippling, and they can interfere with school, work and social activities. They can also cause depression, which is associated with a higher risk of suicide. Patients who don't seek treatment for their issues have an increased chance of developing into a more severe mental health issue.
