Treating Anxiety Disorders

Speak to a mental health professional in case your anxiety persists and interferes with your daily activities. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and are capable of prescribing medication, whereas psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health issues.

You can manage your anxiety through the use of medications, counseling, and other treatments. There are other ways to manage stress, such as learning techniques for managing stress or joining support groups (in person or online).

Medication

Anxiety disorders are treated through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) or medication or a combination of both. Talk therapy can help people deal better with their worries and reduce symptoms. Sleep, exercise and stress management techniques can also aid in improving mood. The medications can reduce the intensity of anxiety and make the other treatments more effective.

People with an anxiety disorder are at risk of developing other mental health conditions, including depression. The symptoms of anxiety and depression often overlap, so it's crucial to treat both at the same time. A psychiatrist who is trained to treat mental disorders can diagnose anxiety and prescribe medication to ease symptoms.

The risk of developing an anxiety disorder is enhanced by certain life experiences and inherited traits. Traumas, such as a war or car accident can trigger anxiety disorders in certain people. A chronic illness or the caregiving can cause people to worry overly. Alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol and illegal drugs can also contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder.

Antidepressants are a primary treatment option for many anxiety disorders. Many clinical studies have shown that modern antidepressants, called SNRIs or SSRIs like duloxetine and escitalopram, (Cymbalta) and escitalopram and (Lexapro) are effective. Diazepam, or Valium is also used to ease anxiety quickly. They aren't usually prescribed for more than 4 weeks as they can become addicting and stop working as well.

Beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol can be used in order to treat anxiety. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Anticonvulsants, like the levothyroxine sodium (Levothyrix) can help control shaking and trembling. Low doses of antipsychotic medications such as buspirone (BuSpar) can be beneficial for those who suffer from physical symptoms of anxiety such as a rapid heartbeat or sweating.

Certain sedatives like clonazepam (Klonopin) can only be purchased through a prescription. Certain people suffering from severe anxiety take monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Anxair (moclobemide).

Psychotherapy

While it's normal for children to experience some anxiety or fear at times, their experiences shouldn't hinder their lives or cause them to withdraw from the school, their friends and family. Anxiety disorders may lead to severe depression, or other mental health issues that can affect a person's life quality. People with these conditions often need psychotherapy (counseling) and medication to treat their symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most frequently used psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It assists you in changing the habits of thought that trigger anxiety. Your therapist will teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to find ways to cope with negative emotions. They'll also use exposure therapy to gradually expose you to situations that cause your anxiety. This is accomplished by creating the triggers you are most sensitive to and ranking them in order of their intensity and then gradually exposing yourself to them by using a method known as systematic desensitization.

Your therapist will teach you how to challenge irrational thoughts and expectations. They'll help you learn how to test your beliefs about yourself by conducting tests, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of avoiding or worrying about, and determining the realistic chances that something bad will occur.

Psychiatrists can prescribe short-term or long-term medicines to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, like buspirone and SSRIs are able to help with different forms of anxiety by altering chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam are effective in encouraging relaxation of the muscles and in calming the brain. SNRIs like venlafaxine may help with anxiety because they boost serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Psychiatrists can monitor your symptoms, answer any questions, and make changes to your treatment plan as necessary. Based on the severity of your disorder, it may take time for you to recover. You may need to try various therapists and a range of methods before you discover one that works for you. To see the results you want, it is important to adhere to your treatment program. The longer you wait to seek assistance, the more severe your symptoms might become.


Therapy for interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal therapy is a kind of short-term psychotherapy that is focused on solving interpersonal problems. It usually lasts 12-16 sessions. It is empirically supported and can improve depression and anxiety symptoms. It has also been proven to be effective in treating comorbid depression with PTSD. It can also be helpful in addressing work-related and social issues in people suffering from PTSD.

The initial sessions (1-3) are focused on gathering information and identifying trouble areas. The therapist can assist you in making an inventory of your most important relationships. The therapist can then help you to prioritize these issues based on your requirements and the possibility of improvement. In the middle sessions (4-14) you and your therapy therapist will collaborate to discover solutions to these areas of concern. You will then apply these new strategies to your everyday life in between sessions.

One of the most significant characteristics of IPT is that it frames the patient's issues as a medical condition instead of a character flaw or personal failure. This helps patients to release their self-doubt and guilt. It can also help them recognize that their symptoms result from the combination of their current situation and medical conditions.

Select a therapist who's licensed and specializes in the condition you are dealing with. Research the therapist's training and background. You can ask other doctors for referrals. Make sure that you and your therapist are on the same page regarding the objectives of the sessions prior to beginning therapy. For instance, you may want to focus on improving your relationship skills or overcoming your fears of intimacy.

Self-help

Anxiety is a normal reaction to some stressful events, but it turns into an illness when it becomes so intense that it is a problem with your life. A lot of people suffering from anxiety disorders require psychotherapy and medication to heal. Self-help techniques are a great method to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and help you cope with anxiety symptoms. Breathing exercises and relaxation, for example can slow your heart rate and calm you. Try to do these exercises several times per day, paying attention to the way your body feels when you breathe in and out. Recognizing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones can reduce anxiety.

Changing your diet and getting regular exercise can help you feel better. You may be able to reduce your intake of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine which can trigger or worsen anxiety. Regular exercise relieves tension and stimulates the brain to produce serotonin. This chemical is believed to boost mood. Try to do at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.

There are a variety of ways to find self-help for anxiety, including support groups, self-help books and online resources. Some of these resources offer exercises that you can complete at home, such as identifying your anxiety triggers and learning to confront your anxiety. Some of these resources also provide face-to-face sessions to counselors or other people who have similar issues.

Psychological treatments for anxiety disorders are vital. They include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change the thought patterns that cause anxiety exposure therapy, which is where you gradually confront the situations, people, or objects that trigger anxiety, and complementary methods of health such as relaxation, breathing exercises meditation, as well as breathing exercises. These strategies can be used together with medications.

Some people need to consult a doctor in order to determine if they have medical conditions which could be the cause anxiety. Then they can begin treatment. Anxiety disorders can be very difficult to manage and can affect social, work and school life. They can also trigger depression, which comes with a high risk of suicide. Patients who don't seek treatment for their symptoms have a higher risk of them becoming a more serious mental health condition.