Anxiety Disorder Help
If you experience persistent anxiety symptoms, you should seek assistance. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes therapy and medication.
You may be prescribed benzodiazepines or modern antidepressants to combat anxiety. SSRIs (like Lexapro and Prozac) and SNRIs (like duloxetine and venlafaxine) are typical examples. Your therapist may also instruct you on techniques to help reduce anxiety symptoms, like challenging negative thoughts or exposure therapy.
Medicines
Medication is one option to treat anxiety disorders and reduce the need for psychotherapy. However, they're not for everyone and there are other options, too. For instance, getting plenty of exercise, focusing on healthy eating and using relaxation techniques are methods to manage stress that do not require medication. If you're taking medication to control anxiety, make sure to adhere to the prescribed dosages and make sure you attend your therapy appointments.
Antidepressants are usually prescribed by doctors to people who suffer from anxiety disorders. The drugs can take as long as six weeks to begin working. They help to correct a imbalance in brain chemical production. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most common antidepressants that treat anxiety. The medications such as Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) work by altering neurotransmitters in mood. Other medications, such as SNRIs, such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are also prescribed for both anxiety and depression.
If SSRIs aren't enough doctors might prescribe benzodiazepines in order to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. These are tranquilizers that are able to target gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a chemical found in the brain that has the ability to calm. The most popular benzodiazepines are Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). They can have dangerous adverse effects, including addiction, and are therefore only prescribed for short-term use.
Other medications, such as propranolol, approved for treating social anxiety disorders, work by inhibiting a chemical called Monoamine Oxidase A. They don't affect the brain the same as benzodiazepines but can be more effective. Benzodiazepines and SNRIs are generally reserved for people suffering from severe anxiety, while SSRIs are able to be used in a broad range of anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can be a component of the treatment plan for anxiety disorder . There are many types of psychotherapy, and a qualified mental health professional can help you determine the best one for you. Psychotherapy involves speaking to the therapist and developing techniques and skills for managing anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help you overcome anxious thoughts and behavior. CBT helps you recognize and break destructive patterns of thinking, feeling and behavior. It helps you recognize specific situations, objects, or people that trigger anxiety and how to deal with. CBT is a suggested treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders.
It is a form of psychotherapy which can be used to treat anxiety disorders. During this treatment you'll be lying down on a couch or reclining chair while your psychotherapist guides you through the various stages of the therapy which may involve following an object with your eyes or listening to music or recalling a negative association from your past (for instance, being scared of storms because someone broke up with you during a severe storm). EMDR can help reduce anxiety symptoms and help overcome negative associations.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving your relationships and social functioning. While it is not a treatment specifically for anxiety, IPT can help you to address issues that may be causing anxiety, like underlying depression or substance abuse.
Exercise
Exercise is a proven method to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise is crucial for your physical health, and it can help improve your sleep. Both of these may be affected by anxiety disorders. It is also an inexpensive treatment and may be performed on your own.
The kinds of exercises that are most effective vary, but most studies show the efficacy of anything from tai chi to high-intensity interval training. The key is finding something that you enjoy and enjoy, as it will increase your likelihood of taking part and build resilience. Exercise can also give you a break from the routine of life and help reduce anxiety. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to deal with the Distraction Theory. According to this psychological theory, anxious patients tend to avoid social interaction and are more likely to engage in self-talk and worry.
Exercise can't eliminate anxiety but it can be used with other treatments to lessen the severity of symptoms. For instance patients can combine exposure therapy with exercise to help control their anxiety about flying or driving. Another method that works is attention training, which helps a person learn to control their brain wave activity. During a series of sessions with a certified therapist, the patient watches their own brain waves on an electroencephalograph monitor and teaches themselves to achieve a more relaxed state at will.
The evidence for the effectiveness of exercise as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety is not conclusive but it's a promising option in the treatment of this highly common mental illness. Exercise is likely to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially because a lot of GPs have "exercise on a prescription" programs which provide patients with the opportunity to participate in a training program that is subsidised by a local gymnasium.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and stress through the body's relaxation response that is described as the reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. Meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing and biofeedback-assisted relaxing are the main examples of these methods. These methods are the most efficient for a large number of people if they use them regularly.
You can learn these techniques from your mental health professional or health care provider. They will also give you the tools needed to use them on your own. Your health care provider may suggest that you participate in group therapy and self-help groups, which can be beneficial to meet other people with similar issues. Stress can be lessened by staying in touch with your family and friends, exercising regularly and avoid drinking or using substances.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are two types of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT helps you identify and challenge the negative thoughts and irrational fears that cause anxiety. Then, you are taught to replace them with more realistic and calming thoughts. Exposure therapy is the process of slowly facing situations that trigger anxiety until you are able to manage them without fear. You usually start with the less stressful situations before moving on to more challenging ones.
Other psychological treatments include mindfulness, support groups and hypnosis. These treatments can be especially helpful when you have co-occurring conditions, such as depression and addiction to drugs. Other beneficial habits include getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. It is crucial to engage in regular exercise, because it helps to eliminate the stress-related chemicals that are produced during a stressful time. And it is important to develop strong connections with others, as loneliness and isolation can increase anxiety symptoms.
Healthy eating habits
Anxiety can trigger a variety of physical symptoms, like abdominal pain, muscle tension, and feelings panic. Although it is normal to worry and feel anxious at times, extreme anxiety can lead to an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and anxiety that can hinder your daily activities. If you are prone to anxiety, acquiring techniques to cope and following the guidance of your doctor can aid in managing your symptoms.
In addition to medication and therapy, a nutritious diet can also help improve your anxiety symptoms. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates can reduce stress and provide your body with the nutrients it requires to perform at a high level.
Avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar since they can trigger anxiety symptoms. Drink plenty of water and other beverages that are not caffeine-based to stay hydrated. A few of the many foods that have been found to help ease anxiety are avocados, bananas, dark chocolate as well as oysters, berries and fish. Foods that naturally rich in magnesium, including leafy green vegetables (spinach and Swiss chard), pumpkin seeds and legumes, nuts, and whole grains are beneficial choices. Omega-3 fat acid, which can be found in fish such as sardines, trout and salmon as well as walnuts, can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is essential to seek treatment when you are suffering from anxiety disorders as well as eating disorders. A combination of psychiatric drugs and mental health therapy is often the most effective form of treatment for both conditions. Talk therapy can help you understand how to manage negative emotions, and replace them with positive ones. Psychotherapeutic medications can reduce anxiety symptoms and prevent their excessive growth.