Treating Anxiety Disorders
If your anxiety has a negative impact on daily activities and is persistent, talk to an expert in mental health. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and are able to prescribe medication, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental illness.
Medications, counseling and other treatments can help ease your symptoms and help manage your anxiety. You can also learn stress management techniques and join support groups (both in person and online).
Medication
Anxiety disorders are treated by psychotherapy (talk-therapy) or medication or a combination. Talk generalized anxiety disorder assists people in finding more effective ways to manage their anxieties and decrease the symptoms. People can also improve their mood by exercising regularly and getting enough rest. They can also improve their mood by using techniques to manage stress. Medications help reduce the severity of anxiety and aid in the effectiveness of other treatments.
People with an anxiety disorder are at risk of developing other mental health conditions, including depression. Depression and anxiety symptoms often coexist, so it is important to treat simultaneously. A specialist in treating mental illnesses (a psychiatrist) can diagnose anxiety and prescribe medication to treat the symptoms.
A person's risk of having anxiety disorder s is enhanced by certain life experiences as well as inherited traits. Traumas, such as car accidents or war can trigger anxiety disorders in certain people. Chronic illness or caring for can cause people to worry overly. An anxiety disorder can be caused by addiction to drugs, particularly alcohol and illegal substances.
Antidepressants are the first option for treatment for the majority of anxiety disorders. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that modern antidepressants, called SSRIs or SNRIs such as duloxetine and escitalopram, (Cymbalta) and escitalopram and (Lexapro) are effective. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) are often used to help ease anxiety. They aren't typically prescribed for more than four weeks due to the possibility of becoming addictive and stop working as well.
Beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol can be used in order to treat anxiety. They reduce blood pressure and heart rates. Anticonvulsants, such as levothyroxine (Levothyrix) can help control the shaking. Buspirone (BuSpar) in low doses can help those suffering from physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating and rapid pulse.
Certain sedatives, such as Clonazepam (Klonopin) are only able to be obtained by prescription. Certain people suffering from extreme anxiety may use monoamine oxidase inhibits, such as Anxair (moclobemide).
Psychotherapy
It's normal for children to experience some anxiety or fear at times, their experiences shouldn't hinder their lives or cause them to avoid school, friends or family. Anxiety disorders can lead to severe depression or other mental health issues that may affect a person's life quality. These conditions are often treated through psychotherapy (counseling) as well as medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most frequently used psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It helps you alter the patterns of thinking and beliefs that cause your anxiety. Your therapist will help you learn relaxation techniques and discover ways to manage when you experience negative emotions. Exposure therapy can also be utilized to gradually expose you situations that cause anxiety. This is accomplished through systematic desensitization, which involves creating a list of triggers and ranking them by intensity.
Your therapist will teach you how to confront irrational beliefs and preconceptions. They'll teach you how to test your beliefs about yourself by conducting experiments, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of avoiding or worrying about, and determining the realistic chances that something bad will occur.
Psychiatrists can prescribe either shorter-term or long-term treatments for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like SSRIs and buspirone can assist in reducing anxiety by altering chemicals in the brain which regulate mood. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam can help in promoting relaxation of muscles and in calming the brain. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, are able to help reduce anxiety by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels inside the brain.
Psychiatrists can monitor your symptoms, answer any questions, and make changes to your treatment plan as necessary. It could take a while to heal from your disorder according to the severity. You may have to try different therapists and a variety of methods before you discover one that is effective for you. It is essential to stick to the treatment plan you have chosen to see outcomes. The longer you put off seeking assistance, the more severe your symptoms could become.
Therapy for interpersonal relationships
Interpersonal therapy is a form of short-term psychotherapy that is focused on solving interpersonal problems. It usually takes 12-16 sessions. It is scientifically proven and can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression that is comorbid with PTSD. It is also useful in addressing social and work-related issues for people suffering from PTSD.
The initial sessions (1-3) concentrate on gathering information and identifying problematic areas. For instance, the counselor might assist you in creating an inventory of your most important relationships. The therapist will assist you to identify your issues according to the severity of the issue and the possibility of improvement. In the middle sessions (4 - 14) you will collaborate with your therapist to find solutions to each of these areas of concern. You will then apply the new strategies in your daily life between sessions.
One of the most significant features of IPT is that it frames the patient's problems as a medical illness rather than a character flaw or personal failure. This can help ease patients feeling of guilt and self-criticism. It also helps them recognize that their symptoms are a result of an amalgamation of their current situation and medical conditions.
Choose a therapist who is licensed and has a specialization in the condition you are dealing with. You should also research the background of the therapist as well as their education. You can also ask for referrals from other doctors. Before starting therapy, ensure that you and your therapist are both in agreement on the goals of the sessions. For instance, you might prefer to work on improving your interpersonal skills or conquering your fears of intimacy.
Self-help
Anxiety is normal in response to certain stressful events. However, it can become a problem when it becomes so intense that it interferes your life. Many people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy and medication to recover. Self-help techniques are an excellent method to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and help you cope with anxiety symptoms. Breathing exercises and relaxation for instance, can lower your heartbeat and help you relax. Try to do these exercises a few times per week, and pay attention to how your body feels when you breathe in and out. Identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones can help reduce anxiety.
Changing your diet and getting regular exercise can help you feel better. You can reduce your intake of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol which can worsen or cause anxiety. Regular exercise releases tension and stimulates the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is thought to boost mood. Make sure you do at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week.
Self-help for anxiety resources include support groups, self help books, and online resources. Some of these resources provide various exercises
