From The Web Twenty Amazing Infographics About Anxiety Anxiety Disorders
Treating Anxiety Disorders
If your anxiety interferes with daily activities and persists, talk to an expert in mental health. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in treating mental health issues.
You can manage your anxiety with the help of medications, counseling, and other treatments. You can also learn techniques for managing stress and join support groups (both in person and online).
Medication
Anxiety disorders can be treated using psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication or an amalgamation of both. Talk therapy can help people discover more effective ways to deal with their worries and reduce the symptoms. People can also improve their mood by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and practicing stress management techniques. Medications help reduce the severity of anxiety and aid in the effectiveness of other treatments.
People with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of developing other mental health problems, such as depression. The symptoms of depression are often interspersed with symptoms of anxiety which is why it is essential to treat both at the same time. A specialist in treating mental disorders (a psychiatrist) can diagnose anxiety and prescribe medication to ease the symptoms.
Certain life experiences and genetic traits increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders. Traumas, such as an accident in a car or war, may trigger an anxiety disorder in certain people. Anxiety disorders can also be caused by chronic illnesses or caring for others. Abuse of alcohol, specifically alcohol and illegal drugs can also contribute to development of an anxiety disorder.
Antidepressants are a primary option for treatment for the majority of anxiety disorders. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that modern antidepressants, called SSRIs or SNRIs such as escitalopram and duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and escitalopram and (Lexapro) are efficient. Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), are also sometimes used to quickly ease anxiety. However, they're not usually prescribed for more than 4 weeks at a time because they can become addictive and don't work in the same way after.
Other types of medication that are commonly used to treat anxiety are beta-blockers, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Toprol XL), which can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Anticonvulsants, like the drug levothyroxine sodium (Levothyrix) can reduce trembling and shaking. Low doses of antipsychotic medications, such as buspirone (BuSpar), can be helpful if people have physical symptoms of anxiety like a fast heartbeat or sweating.
Some sedatives such as clonazepam, (Klonopin) can only be purchased through a prescription. Certain people suffering from severe anxiety use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Anxair (moclobemide).
Psychotherapy
Although it's normal for children to experience some anxiety or fear at times, their experiences shouldn't hinder their everyday lives or cause them to withdraw from school, friends and family. Anxiety disorders can lead to severe depression, or other mental health issues that interfere with one's quality of life. People with these conditions often need psychotherapy (counseling) and medication to manage their symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used psychotherapy for anxiety disorder s. It helps you change habits of thought and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you on relaxation techniques and assist you to discover ways to manage negative feelings. Exposure therapy is also used to gradually expose you to situations that trigger anxiety. This is accomplished by making an inventory of your triggers and then putting them in order of intensity, then gradually exposing you to them through a process known as systematic desensitization.
Your therapist will also teach you how to confront your irrational predictions and unhelpful thoughts. They will help you test your beliefs that you aren't happy with by conducting experiments, weighing the pros and cons, and determining the realistic probability that something bad will occur.
Psychiatrists may prescribe long-term or short-term medication for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and buspirone can help with anxiety by altering the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam and diazepam, can be beneficial in promoting muscle relaxation and calming the mind. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, can help with anxiety by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain.
Psychiatrists will monitor your symptoms, address any questions and make changes to your treatment plan as required. Based on the severity of your condition, it may take time for you to get better. You may have to try various therapists and a range of different treatments before you find one that works for you. For the best 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 short-term type of psychotherapy that is focused on solving interpersonal issues. It usually takes 12-16 sessions. It has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It has also been demonstrated to be effective for treating depression comorbid to PTSD. panic anxiety disorder can also be used to tackle problems with occupational and social interactions for people suffering from PTSD.
The opening sessions (1-3) focus on gathering information and identifying trouble areas. For instance, the counselor might assist you in creating an inventory of your primary relationships. The therapist will then assist you in determining the most problematic areas based on your requirements and the possibility of improvement. In the middle sessions (4-14), you and your counselor will work together to find solutions to these issues. You will then practice the new strategies in your daily life in between sessions.
The most important aspect of IPT is that it frames the patient's issues as a medical issue, not as a flaw in character. This can help ease patients from feelings of self-reflection and guilt. It can also help patients realize that their symptoms are a result of their current conditions and medical conditions.
Select a therapist who's licensed and has a specialization in the issue you are dealing with. Also, look up the background of the therapist as well as their education. You can also ask other physicians for recommendations. Before beginning therapy, make sure you and your therapist agree on the goals of the sessions. For example, you might prefer to work on improving your interpersonal skills or conquering your fears of intimacy.
Self-help
Anxiety is a normal response to some stressful events, but it turns into a disorder when it is so intense that it interferes with your life. Many people with anxiety disorders require psychotherapy or medication to heal. Self-help methods are a great method to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and help you deal with anxiety symptoms. Relaxation and breathing exercises, for example can slow your heart rate and calm you. Try doing these exercises several times a week, and pay attention to how your body feels when 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 cut down on your consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol that can cause or cause anxiety. Exercising regularly releases tension and enables your brain to produce serotonin which is an enhancing chemical for mood. You should do 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every week.
Self-help for anxiety resources include support groups, self help books, and online resources. Some of these resources offer activities that you can do at home, such as identifying your anxiety triggers and learning how to overcome your anxious thoughts. Some of these resources offer face-to-face sessions with therapists or others who have the same problem.
Psychological interventions for anxiety disorders are crucial. They include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists in change the thought patterns that can trigger anxiety, exposure therapy, where you gradually confront the events such as people, objects, or other individuals that cause anxiety, and complementary health practices like breathing exercises, relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises. These strategies can be used in conjunction with medications.
Certain people require the services of a doctor to determine if they have any medical issues that can be the cause of their anxiety. They can then begin treatment. Anxiety disorders can be crippling and can be a problem with work, school and social life. They can also cause depression, which has an increased risk of suicide. If you don't seek treatment for their symptoms are at a greater risk of developing them into a more serious mental health problem.