Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
The occasional anxiety is normal however, persistent feelings of fear and worry that affect daily life warrant treatment. Doctors may prescribe medication and talk therapy to help.
Therapy typically includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. There are also many medications that treat anxiety, such as antidepressants.
Treatment
Being anxious or scared occasionally is a normal response to stress. Anxiety disorders can trigger persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety or fear that are usually in contrast to the circumstances. They can also affect the daily activities of a person and relationships. Medications can help relieve some of the symptoms. To fully recover, people need to learn better methods of managing and dealing with their anxiety.
People with anxiety disorders can get treatment from a health care provider or psychiatrist (a medical professional who specializes in mental health) psychologist, social worker or counselor. Health care professionals will inquire about medical history and symptoms and may also conduct a physical exam. They may also request lab tests to rule out other illnesses that may be causing symptoms.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and medications. The type of therapy and length of treatment will be determined by the specific disorder, its severity, and how long the patient has been suffering from it. The most common form of talk therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This method helps people identify negative thought patterns, and change them. It also teaches people relaxation techniques and exposure reactions that help reduce anxiety.
Another form of talk therapy to treat anxiety is interpersonal therapy, or IPT. This therapy can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety that is related to their relationships, such as social anxiety disorder or anxiety disorders. Interpersonal therapy helps people find healthy ways to communicate and express their feelings.
Medications that can help relieve some anxiety symptoms include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and beta blockers. A medical professional will prescribe the best medication to treat a patient's condition and will also talk about any possible side effects. People should not stop taking prescribed medication unless instructed to take them off by their doctor. In some cases, sudden stopping of certain medications may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which feel like shocks.
Meditation, yoga stress reduction, healthy sleeping habits are alternatives to treating anxiety. In addition, people with anxiety may benefit from joining a support group for people with the same issue, which can provide compassion, understanding and shared experiences. It is also recommended to stay away from the use of caffeine and other substances which can make anxiety symptoms worse. Finally, it is important to get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. Engaging in regular exercise and spending time with friends can help reduce stress.
Symptoms
Some people may be anxious at times, like when they start the new job or take a test. When anxiety is persistent and begins to interfere with the daily routine, then help is needed. Anxiety disorders include feelings of panic and fear that are not proportional to the actual threat and are difficult to manage and last a long time. People suffering from anxiety disorders might also begin to avoid situations or places that may trigger their symptoms.
Patients suffering from anxiety disorders usually require medication and attend therapy or counseling. Psychotherapy is a type of therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps patients to recognize and change their behavior or thoughts that are contributing to their symptoms.
Other medications can also help ease anxiety symptoms. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood tension) can, for instance, reduce the rapid heartbeats and other physical signs associated with anxiety. Antidepressants, often prescribed to treat depression, can also aid in reducing anxiety. Examples include SSRIs, like escitalopram (Lexapro), and SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Certain people suffering from anxiety might also benefit from benzodiazepines. However, they can cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.
Education is essential for recovery. Knowing about the "flight or fight" response which is normal, and assists us deal with real or perceived threat and help dispel any myths that could be fueling anxiety. It's also helpful to realize that some medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism and heart disease can trigger anxiety symptoms. For those with these conditions, it is recommended to undergo a thorough physical exam to rule out any problems.
Healthy eating, lots of sleep and exercise can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and recreational street drugs can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. It is also recommended not to smoke because smoking can worsen the symptoms. Talking to family and friends in person and online, can help.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times - they are normal human emotions that help us cope with danger. When these feelings become intense, and prevent the person from enjoying life it is the right the time to seek professional help. A doctor or mental health expert can determine if suffer from an anxiety disorder and suggest treatment.
A doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and perform an examination to identify anxiety disorders . The doctor will want to know when your anxiety symptoms started, how long they have been present and how severe. A medical professional will be interested in knowing whether the symptoms have impacted with your daily activities. Other mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder typically occur alongside anxiety disorders. A specialist may ask you about any other issues with your mental health you've had.
There is no one test that can diagnose an anxiety disorder. A medical professional can exclude other causes of symptoms by performing a urine or blood test and asking about your family history. A mental health professional may also use standard tests and questionnaires to assess your anxiety and determine if you are suffering from anxiety.
The majority of people with anxiety issues benefit from a combination treatment that includes psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" as well as medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn a different way to think, react and behave so you feel less stressed. The use of medications like antianxiety beta-blockers, antidepressants and certain beta-blockers can ease your symptoms.
An anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant anxiety, tight muscles and a difficult time concentration. Certain people might also experience symptoms such as breathing problems, trembling, or dizziness. Someone with anxiety disorders may avoid activities or situations that make them feel anxious. This type of avoidance can be very frustrating for the person suffering from anxiety and can lead to other problems like a poor performance at work and relationships.
Anxiety is normal in children however, they usually get over their anxieties and worries as they grow older. People who continue to have anxiety symptoms into adulthood are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders can be treated however, you must be patient and willing to seek help. It takes time to find the perfect combination of treatments that will work for you. However, the reward is a healthier, happy life. It is crucial to begin treatment early since anxiety can get worse as time passes if not treated. With the proper care and treatment, you can overcome this condition. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information about getting the right treatment.