Dealing With Anxiety Disorders
A chronic anxiety disorder that affects your daily routine is not normal. Doctors may prescribe talk therapy and medication to help.
The most popular therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy. There are many other medications to treat anxiety, including antidepressants.
Treatment
Stress can make you feel anxious or fearful at times. But anxiety disorders cause persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety or fear, often out of proportion to the circumstance. They can also interfere in people's daily activities and relationships. Certain medications can alleviate some of the symptoms. However, to fully recover, people must learn healthier ways to cope with and manage their anxiety.
People with anxiety disorders can seek treatment from a medical care professional or psychiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes in mental health), psychologist, social worker or counselor. The health care provider will ask about the symptoms as well as medical history. They may even perform an exam. They may also order tests in the lab to rule out other conditions which could be causing symptoms.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, and medication. The type of treatment you receive and the duration will depend on the severity of the disorder, and how long you have been suffering from it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used type of therapy that is used to treat anxiety. This method helps people recognize negative thought patterns and change them. It also teaches people to utilize relaxation techniques and exposure responses to reduce anxiety.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another type of therapy for talk that can be used to combat anxiety. This approach is useful for those who suffer from anxiety about their relationships, including social anxiety disorder and anxiety disorders. Interpersonal therapy helps people find healthy ways to communicate and express their emotions.
Medications that can help relieve some anxiety symptoms include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. A medical professional will prescribe the best medication to treat the patient's condition and will also talk about any possible side effects. It is essential to not stop taking medication prescribed by a physician unless you have been told to. In certain instances abrupt withdrawal from certain medication may trigger withdrawal symptoms. These include brain zaps that feel like shocks.
Alternative treatments for anxiety include meditation, yoga and self-management methods like relaxation and healthy sleep habits. Additionally, those suffering from anxiety might benefit from joining a group of support for people with the same condition that can provide empathy, understanding and shared experiences. A person should also avoid the use of caffeine and other substances that can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also essential to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. Regular exercise and spending time with friends can help reduce stress.
Signs and symptoms
There are people who be anxious at times, such as when they start an entirely new job or take an exam. When anxiety is persistent and begins to disrupt the daily routine, then help is needed. Anxiety disorders can cause anxiety and panic that are insignificant to the actual risk and are difficult to manage and last a long time. Anxiety disorders can cause people to avoid situations or locations that trigger their symptoms.
People with an anxiety disorder often require medication and therapy or counseling. A form of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps patients to recognize and change the habits or thoughts that contribute to their symptoms.
Other medications can also ease anxiety symptoms. For example, beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, may reduce heartbeats that are rapid and other physical signs of anxiety. Antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression, but they can also help with anxiety. Examples include SSRIs, like escitalopram (Lexapro) and SNRIs, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Benzodiazepines can also be helpful for those suffering from anxiety. However, they can cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.
Education is essential for recovery. For example, learning about the physiology of the "flight-or-fight" response which is normal and can help us cope with real or perceived threats, can help to dispel myths that could be causing anxiety. It's important to know that certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and heart diseases can cause anxiety-related symptoms. These people should undergo a thorough physical examination to rule out any problems.
Healthy eating, ample sleep and exercise can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and recreational street drugs can reduce anxiety symptoms. Smoking can make the condition worse. Talking to family members and friends in person, both face-to-face and via online support groups, can be helpful too.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety and fears at times - they are normal human emotions that can help us cope with danger. But when these emotions become chronic and constant and prevent the person from living a fulfilling life, it may be time to seek professional help. A psychiatrist or a medical professional can determine whether you are suffering from anxiety disorder and recommend treatment.
To diagnose anxiety disorders, a healthcare professional will conduct an examination and ask questions about your symptoms. He or she will want to know when the anxiety symptoms started and how long they've been in existence and how severe they have become. A healthcare provider will also be interested in knowing whether the symptoms have interfered with your daily activities. Many mental health conditions like depression or post-traumatic disorders, occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders. A doctor might inquire about any other psychological issues that you've experienced.
There is no one test that can be used to diagnose an anxiety disorder. However, a medical professional can rule out any other cause of your symptoms by performing tests for urine or blood and asking about your family history. Mental health professionals can employ questionnaires and standard tests to assess your anxiety and determine the diagnosis.
The majority of people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder benefit from the combination of psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy" and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you a new method of thinking, reacting and behave to reduce anxiety. Medications such as antianxiety drugs, beta-blockers and certain antidepressants can ease your symptoms.
An anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant anxiety, tight muscles and difficulty concentration. There are also signs such as breathlessness, trembling and dizziness. An individual with an anxiety disorder will avoid situations or activities that make them anxious. This kind of avoidance can be extremely stressful for the person suffering from anxiety and can cause other issues like poor performance at work and relationships.
Anxiety is normal in children However, children tend to outgrow their anxieties and worries as they grow up. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in adults who continue to experience anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders can be treated, however, you must be patient and open to seeking help. Finding the right combination of treatments that work for you requires time. The reward is a happy and healthy life. Getting treatment early is key as anxiety can become worse in time if not treated. It is possible to overcome this problem and live the life you desire with the right treatment and care. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information on finding the right treatment.