Dealing With Anxiety Disorders

A chronic anxiety disorder that affects everyday life isn't normal. Doctors may prescribe medication and talk therapy to ease the burden.

The most commonly used therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques and exposure therapy. There are also a variety of medications that can treat anxiety symptoms, such as modern antidepressants.

Treatment

Being anxious or scared on occasion is a normal response to stress. However, anxiety disorders can trigger chronic and extreme feelings of worry or fear, often out of proportion to the circumstance. They can also affect people's daily activities and relationships. The use of medication can ease some of the symptoms. But to recover fully, people must learn better ways to deal with and manage their anxiety.

A psychiatrist (a medical anxiety disorder specialist in mental health) or psychologist, a social worker or counselor may be able to help patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The health care professional will ask about the symptoms and medical history and may even perform physical examination. They may also conduct laboratory tests to rule out any other diseases that could be responsible for the symptoms.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy and medication are two treatments for anxiety disorders. The kind of therapy and the duration of treatment will be determined by the particular disorder, its severity, and how long the patient has been experiencing it. The most commonly used form of talk therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT. This approach helps people identify negative patterns of thinking and alter them. It can also teach people relaxation techniques and exposure reactions to lessen anxiety.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a different kind of therapy for talk that can be utilized to treat anxiety. This approach is useful for those suffering from anxiety related to their relationships such as social anxiety disorder and phobias. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help people discover healthy ways of expressing emotions and improve communication with others.

Antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines what are anxiety disorders/depression all effective in helping with anxiety symptoms. A medical professional will prescribe the most effective medication for a patient's needs, and discuss the side effects. Patients shouldn't stop taking prescribed medicines unless they are instructed to do so by their doctor. In some instances abrupt discontinuation of a medication may trigger withdrawal symptoms. These include brain zaps that feel like shocks.

Alternative methods to treat anxiety include meditation, yoga and self-management techniques like relaxation and healthy sleeping habits. People suffering from anxiety may benefit by joining a group of people who have similar issues. This can bring empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. One should avoid the use of caffeine and other substances which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. In addition, it is essential to rest enough and eat a balanced diet. Getting regular exercise and spending time with your friends can help reduce stress.

Symptoms

Certain people might be anxious at times, like when they begin an entirely new job or take an exam. If anxiety continues to be a problem and begins to disrupt the daily routine, then assistance is required. Anxiety disorders are characterized by anxiety and panic that are out of proportion to the actual danger, are hard to control and last for a long period of time. People suffering from anxiety disorders may even start to avoid places or situations that may trigger their symptoms.

People with anxiety disorders often undergo therapy and take medication or counseling. A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most frequently used treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps patients to recognize and change their behavior or thoughts that cause the symptoms.

Other medications can also ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders. For instance, beta-blockers which are used to treat high blood pressure, may reduce heartbeats that are rapid and other physical manifestations of anxiety. Antidepressants, which are typically prescribed to treat depression, can also help with anxiety. Examples include SSRIs, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), and SNRIs, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Some people who suffer from anxiety may benefit from benzodiazepines. However, they can cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.

Education is also crucial for promoting recovery. For instance, understanding the physiology of the "flight-or-fight" response, which is normal and helps us deal with perceived or actual threats, can help us dispel myths that may be fueling anxiety. It's important to be aware that certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and heart diseases can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Patients suffering from these conditions should get a full physical examination to rule out these problems.

A healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and staying active can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding the use of alcohol and other recreational drugs is also a good idea, because they can aggravate them. And it's best not to smoke, because that can make them worse. Talking to family members and friends in person, both face-to-face as well as through online support groups, can help too.

Diagnosis

Everybody feels anxiety and fear at times. These are normal human emotions that help us cope with danger. But when these emotions become chronic and constant, preventing a person from living a full and fulfilling life and living a full life, it's an appropriate time to seek help from a professional. A mental health professional can determine whether you are suffering from anxiety disorder and recommend treatment.

To diagnose anxiety disorders, a healthcare professional will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she wants to know how long ago the anxiety symptoms started, and how severe they were. A healthcare provider will also be interested in knowing whether the symptoms have impacted with your daily activities. Many mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic disorders, occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders. A specialist may ask about any other psychological problems that you have experienced.

There isn't one test that can identify anxiety. A medical professional can rule out other causes of anxiety by conducting tests for blood or urine and asking you about your family history. A mental health professional may also utilize questionnaires and tests that are standard to assess your anxiety and determine if you are suffering from anxiety.

The majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders benefit from a combination treatment that incorporates psychotherapy, or "talk therapy" and medications. Talk therapy is a kind of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn a new method of thinking, reacting and behave to be less stressed. Antianxiety medications, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants are all effective in reducing your symptoms.

An anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent anxiety, tension in the muscles and a difficult time in concentrating. Some people may also experience symptoms like breathlessness, trembling, and dizziness. Someone with anxiety disorders may avoid activities or situations that make them feel anxious. This type of avoidance could be extremely stressful for someone and could cause other issues like a poor performance at work and relationships.

Anxiety is normal in children However, children tend to outgrow their fears and anxieties as they grow up. Anxiety disorders are more frequent among adults who continue experience anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety disorders are very treatable, but you must be willing to seek treatment and be patient. Finding the perfect combination of treatments that work for you takes time. The reward is a happy and healthy life. The importance of seeking treatment early, because anxiety can get worse over time if it is not treated. It is possible to overcome this problem and live the life you want with proper care and treatment. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information on finding the best treatment.