Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
Occasional anxiety is normal However, chronic anxieties and fears that affect daily life should be addressed. Doctors may prescribe medication and talk therapy to ease the burden.
Therapy typically consists of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques and exposure therapy. There are a range of medications that can treat anxiety-related symptoms, including modern antidepressants.
Treatment
Being anxious or scared at times is a normal response to stress. Anxiety disorders, however can trigger persistent and excessive feelings of fear or anxiety that are often in contrast to the circumstances. They can also impact a person's everyday activities and relationships. Some of the symptoms can be alleviated with medications. However, to fully recover individuals must develop healthier ways to cope with and manage their anxiety.
A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health) or psychologist, a social worker or counselor may be able to help patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The health care provider will inquire about the symptoms and medical history, and may also conduct a physical exam. They can also request tests in the laboratory to rule out any other illnesses that might be behind the symptoms.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and medications. The kind of therapy and duration of treatment will be determined by the particular disorder the severity of the disorder, as well as how long a person has been suffering from it. The most common kind of therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT. This approach assists people in identifying negative patterns of thinking and alter them. It also teaches people to employ relaxation techniques and exposure reactions to reduce anxiety.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another form of therapy that can be used to treat anxiety. This therapy can be helpful for those suffering from anxiety that is connected to their relationships, for example, social anxiety disorder or phobias. Interpersonal therapy can help people find healthy ways to communicate and express their feelings.
Medications that can help relieve certain anxiety symptoms include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. A doctor will prescribe the right medication for a person's condition, and also discuss the potential the side effects. People should not stop taking prescribed medicines unless directed to take them off by their doctor. In some instances, abrupt discontinuation of certain medications could trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which can feel like shocks.
Alternative solutions to anxiety include meditation, yoga and self-management techniques such as relaxation and healthy sleep habits. Additionally, those suffering from anxiety might benefit from joining a group of support for others with similar issues, which can provide compassion, understanding and shared experiences. A person should also avoid the use of caffeine and other substances that can worsen anxiety symptoms. Finally, it is important to rest enough and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise and time spent with friends can help reduce stress.
Signs and symptoms
Certain people might feel anxious at times, for example when they begin an entirely new job or take a test. However, if anxiety persists and becomes a problem in daily life it's a sign assistance is needed. Anxiety disorders can cause feelings of fear and panic that are insignificant to the actual risk they are extremely difficult to control and last a long time. People suffering from anxiety disorders might also begin to avoid places or situations that may trigger their symptoms.
People suffering from anxiety disorders typically require medication and attend therapy or counseling. A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps people to identify and change their habits or thoughts that contribute to the symptoms.
Other medications can also help ease anxiety-related symptoms. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood tension) can, for example reduce heartbeats that are rapid and other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Antidepressants, which are often prescribed to treat depression can also aid in reducing anxiety. Examples include SSRIs such as Lexapro (escitalopram) and SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Benzodiazepines can also be helpful for those suffering from anxiety. However, they can also cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.
Education is also crucial to promote recovery. For instance, understanding the physiology behind the "flight-or-fight" response which is normal and can help us cope with perceived or real threats, can help to dispel myths that could be causing anxiety. It is important to understand that certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and heart disease can trigger anxiety symptoms. Patients with these conditions should undergo a complete physical examination to rule out any issues.
A healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and remaining active can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding drinking and taking recreational street drugs is also an excellent idea, as they can trigger them. It is also recommended not to smoke, because that can make them worse. Talking to friends and family in person and online, can be helpful.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears from time to time. These are normal human emotions that help us deal with danger. However, when these feelings become constant and intense that they stop the person from living a fulfilling life and living a full life, it's time to seek professional help. A psychiatrist or a medical specialist can determine if you have anxiety disorders and suggest treatment.
In order to diagnose anxiety disorders, a medical doctor will conduct an exam of your body and ask questions about your symptoms. He or she wants to know when the anxiety symptoms started, and how severe they were. A medical professional will be interested in knowing if the symptoms have interfered with your daily activities. Other mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are often seen alongside anxiety disorders, so a doctor may inquire about any other psychological problems you've experienced.
There isn't a single test that can identify an anxiety disorder. A medical professional can rule out other causes of anxiety by performing the test of blood or urine and asking about your family history. Mental health professionals may also utilize questionnaires and tests to evaluate your anxiety and determine a diagnosis.
The majority of people with anxiety issues benefit from a combination therapy that includes psychotherapy or "talk therapy" and medications. Talk therapy is a form of treatment known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT can help you discover how to think, react and behave so you can feel less anxious. Beta-blockers, anxiety medications, and certain antidepressants are all effective in reducing your symptoms.
panic anxiety disorder of an anxiety disorder include a constant feeling worry, tense muscles and difficulty concentrating. There are also signs such as breathlessness, trembling and dizziness. A person with an anxiety disorder may also avoid activities or situations that cause anxiety. This type of avoidance can be extremely stressful for a person and can result in other problems like a poor performance at work and relationships.
Children's anxiety is normal, but they typically get over it as they develop. Anxiety disorders are more frequent among adults who continue have anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders are very treatable, but you must be prepared to seek treatment and be patient. Finding the perfect combination of treatments that work for you takes time. But the reward is a healthy, happy life. It is crucial to seek treatment early since anxiety can become worse as time passes if it's not treated. With the proper care and treatment, you will be able to overcome this condition. Check out our Anxiety Resource page for more information about getting the right treatment.