Treating Anxiety Disorders
Speak to a mental health professional in case your anxiety persists and is affecting your daily routine. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and may prescribe medication. Psychologists are medical doctors that specialize in treating mental health issues.
You can manage your anxiety by taking advantage of counseling, medications, and other treatments. You can also learn techniques for managing stress and join support groups (both in person and online).
Medication
Anxiety disorders are treated through psychotherapy (talk-therapy), medication, or a combination. Talk therapy helps people find more effective ways to manage their anxieties and lessen the symptoms. Exercise, sleep and methods for managing stress can help improve mood. Medicines can help ease the intensity of the anxiety and help other treatments to be more effective.
panic anxiety disorder suffering from anxiety disorders are more at chance of developing other mental health problems, such as depression. The symptoms of depression are often interspersed with symptoms of anxiety therefore it is crucial to treat both at the same time. A psychiatrist trained to treat mental illnesses can diagnose anxiety and prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.
Certain life experiences and genetic traits increase the chances of developing anxiety disorders. Traumas, such as a war or car accident, can trigger anxiety disorders in certain people. Anxiety disorders can also be caused by chronic illnesses or care for others. Alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol and illegal drugs can also contribute to development of an anxiety disorder.
Antidepressants are the most popular choice of treatment for most anxiety disorders. Modern antidepressants called SNRIs and SSRIs, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), have been proven to be effective in numerous clinical studies. Diazepam, also known as Valium can also be used to reduce anxiety quickly. However, they shouldn't be prescribed for more than four weeks at a time as they can become addictive and don't work in the same way after.
Other kinds of medications that are commonly used to treat anxiety are beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Toprol XL), which can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Anticonvulsants, such as the levothyroxine sodium (Levothyrix) can reduce trembling and shaking. Buspirone (BuSpar) in small doses can help those suffering from physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating or a rapid pulse.
Certain sedatives like clonazepam, (Klonopin), can only be obtained through prescription. Certain people suffering from extreme anxiety may use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Anxair (moclobemide).
Psychotherapy
It's normal for children to feel 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 could affect a person's life quality. These disorders are usually treated through psychotherapy (counseling), as well as medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most commonly used psychotherapy used for anxiety disorders. It helps you to change the habits of thought that cause anxiety. Your therapist will guide you learn relaxation techniques and find ways to deal with when you experience negative emotions. Exposure therapy is also used to gradually expose you to situations that can trigger anxiety. This is accomplished by creating an inventory of your triggers and then putting them in order of intensity and then gradually exposing yourself to them using a technique called systematic desensitization.
Your therapist will also show you how to challenge your unfounded predictions and harmful thoughts. They will help you test your beliefs that you aren't happy with by conducting experiments, weighing up the pros and cons and determining the likelihood that something bad might happen.
Psychiatrists may prescribe long-term or short-term medication for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, including buspirone and SSRIs, can help with different forms of anxiety by altering chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam, can be beneficial in promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Venlafaxine, a SNRI, can help with anxiety as they boost serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine in the brain.
Psychiatrists monitor your symptoms and respond to any questions. They will also make necessary changes to your treatment plan. It could take some time to heal from your disorder according to the severity. It is possible to test various treatments or therapists before you find the one that is most effective for you. To see results, you must adhere to your treatment program. The longer you put off the decision to seek help, the worse your symptoms may become.
Therapy for interpersonal relationships
Interpersonal therapy is a brief-term type of psychotherapy that is focused on resolving interpersonal issues. It usually lasts 12-16 sessions. It has been scientifically proven to improve depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of comorbid depression and PTSD. It also helps in addressing work-related and social issues for people suffering from PTSD.
The first three sessions are dedicated to gathering information and identifying the root of the issue. The therapist may assist you in creating an inventory of your most important relationships. The therapist can then help you prioritize these problems in accordance with your needs and the potential for improvement. In the middle of sessions (4-14) you and your counselor will work together to find solutions to these areas of concern. Then, you will apply the new strategies in your everyday life between sessions.
One of the most important characteristics of IPT is that it frames the patient's problems as a medical illness rather than a character flaw or personal failing. This can help ease patients' feelings of self-reflection and guilt. It can also help them recognize that their symptoms are a result of the combination of their current circumstances and medical conditions.
Choose a therapist that is licensed and specialized in the condition you are dealing with. Research the therapist's training and background. You can also ask other doctors for recommendations. Make sure that you and your therapist are on the same page about the goals of the sessions before starting therapy. For instance, you may prefer to work on improving your interpersonal skills or overcome your fear of intimacy.
Self-help
Anxiety is normal in response to stressful events. However, it can become an issue when it becomes so intense that it interferes your life. People suffering from anxiety disorders typically need medication and psychotherapy to recover. But some self-help methods can ease symptoms and make them easier to live with. Relaxation and breathing exercises, for example, can lower your heartbeat and help you relax. Try doing these exercises at least once a week, paying attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out. Recognizing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones can also reduce anxiety.
Changing your diet and getting regular exercise can help you feel better. You can lower your intake of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol which can worsen or trigger anxiety. Regular exercise releases tension and stimulates the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is believed to improve mood. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
There are many ways to find self-help solutions for anxiety, such as self-help books, support groups and online resources. Some of these resources offer various activities that can be done at home, such as identifying the triggers for your anxiety and learning to overcome your anxiety. Some of these resources offer face-to-face sessions with counselors or other people who have similar issues.
Psychological interventions are a must-have treatment for anxiety disorders. they include cognitive behavioural therapy which helps you change patterns of thinking that lead to anxiety; exposure therapy, which is where you gradually face the situations such as people, objects, or objects that trigger your anxiety; and complementary health techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and a sense of relaxation. These strategies can be used together with medications.
Some people require a consultation with a physician in order to determine if they have medical conditions that could be the cause anxiety. Then, they can start treatment. Anxiety disorders are chronic and can hinder school, social and work life. They can also cause depression, which has a high suicide risk. People who do not seek treatment for their issues have an increased chance of becoming a more severe mental health condition.