Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety that is chronic and disrupts your daily routine is not normal. Doctors may prescribe medication and talk therapy to ease the burden.
The most commonly used therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy. There are numerous medications to treat anxiety, including antidepressants.
Treatment
Stress can make you be anxious or scared at times. However, anxiety disorders can cause persistent and excessive feelings of fear or worry that are often insignificant to the circumstances. They can also impact people's daily activities and relationships. Some of the symptoms can be alleviated with medication. To fully recover, patients must develop healthier methods of managing and dealing with their anxiety.
A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health), a psychologist, a social worker or counselor can help those suffering from anxiety disorders. The health care professional will inquire about the signs as well as medical history. They may even perform physical examination. They may also request tests for the laboratory to rule out other illnesses that could be causing symptoms.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options for anxiety disorders. The type of treatment and duration will depend on the disorder, its severity and the length of time you've been suffering from it. The most common form of talk therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. This approach helps people recognize negative thought patterns, and change them. It also teaches people relaxation techniques and exposure reactions that help reduce anxiety.
Another type of talk therapy to treat anxiety is interpersonal therapy, or IPT. This therapy is helpful for those suffering from anxiety about their relationships such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety disorders. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help people discover healthy ways to express emotions and improve communication with others.
Antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines all can help with anxiety symptoms. A doctor will prescribe the best medication to treat a patient's illness and will also talk about any possible side effects. People should not stop taking prescribed medicines unless directed to take them off by their doctor. In certain instances, abrupt discontinuation of certain medications could trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which can feel like shocks.
Alternative solutions to anxiety include yoga, meditation and self-management techniques like the reduction of stress and good sleep habits. People with anxiety can benefit by joining a support group for other people suffering from the same condition, which can provide compassion understanding, empathy and shared experiences. disorders anxiety should avoid the use of caffeine and other substances, which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. It is also important to rest enough and eat healthy and balanced meals. Getting regular exercise and spending time with your friends can also help to reduce stress.
Signs and symptoms
People can feel anxious at times for instance, when beginning a new job, or taking tests. If anxiety continues to be a problem and begins to affect the daily routine, then help is needed. Anxiety disorders are defined by a feeling of fear or panic that are unrelated to the risk. They can be difficult to control and can be present for a lengthy time. Anxiety disorders can cause people to avoid situations or places that trigger their symptoms.
People with an anxiety disorder often take medication and go to therapy or counseling. The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients to recognize and change the thoughts or behaviors that are contributing to their symptoms.
Other medicines can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) can, for example reduce heartbeats that are rapid and other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression, but they can also aid in anxiety. Examples include SSRIs such as Lexapro (escitalopram) and SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Benzodiazepines can also be helpful for people suffering from anxiety. They can cause severe adverse effects and even addiction. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.
Education is also crucial to aid in recovery. Knowing about the "flight or fight" response which is normal and helps us to deal with perceived or real danger, can help dispel any myths that may be fueling anxiety. It's also helpful to understand that some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease, can trigger anxiety symptoms. These people should undergo a thorough physical examination to rule out any issues.
A healthy diet, plenty of rest and remaining active can all aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. Avoiding the use of alcohol and other recreational drugs is a good idea, because they can trigger them. Smoking can make the problem worse. Talking to family and friends, both in person and online, can also help.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times - they are normal human emotions that help us face danger. When these feelings become intense, and prevent a person from enjoying life it is the right the time to seek professional help. A mental health specialist can determine if you are suffering from anxiety disorders and suggest treatment.
To diagnose anxiety disorders, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor will be looking for information on when the anxiety symptoms started, how long they have been present and how severe. A doctor will also want to know if the symptoms have interfered with your daily activities. Other mental health conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder are often seen in conjunction with anxiety disorders, and a doctor may inquire about any other psychological problems you've experienced.
There is no one test that can diagnose an anxiety disorder. A medical professional can exclude other causes of your symptoms by performing tests for blood or urine and asking you about your family history. A mental health professional can also use standard tests and questionnaires to determine your anxiety level and establish a diagnosis.
The majority of people with anxiety disorders benefit from a combination treatment that includes psychotherapy, or "talk therapy", and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you a different way to react, think and behave in order to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, anxiety medications and certain antidepressants are all effective in reducing your symptoms.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include a constant feeling anxiety, tight muscles and trouble in concentrating. People may also experience symptoms such as breathing problems, trembling, or dizziness. A person with an anxiety disorder may also avoid activities or situations that make them feel anxious. This kind of avoidance can be frustrating and can lead to problems like poor work performance or relationships.
Anxiety is normal in children, but children usually outgrow their fears and anxieties as they grow older. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in adults who continue to experience anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders can be treated but you need to be patient and willing to seek help. Finding the right combination of treatments that work for you requires time. The reward is a happy and healthy life. The earlier treatment is essential because anxiety can become worse in time if it is not addressed. You can overcome this condition and live the life you desire with proper care and treatment. For more information on finding the right treatment for you, visit our Anxiety Resources page.