anxiety-disorders

Treatments For Anxiety DisordersEveryone feels anxious or worried from time to time. But those suffering from anxiety disorders experience chronic and severe symptoms that impact their daily lives.There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy and medications. It is possible to test various options before you discover the one that suits your needs.PsychotherapyPsychotherapy is a kind of treatment that involves a meeting with a certified psychologist or licensed mental health professional for one-on-one, family, couple, or group sessions. It focuses on helping individuals understand the causes of their anxiety as well as what triggers it. It also assists them to change their behavior. Psychotherapy can take a variety of forms, ranging from cognitive therapy to interpersonal psychotherapy to dialectical behavior therapy. All types of therapy share the same objective which is to lessen suffering.Anxiety disorders are debilitating and can deprive people of the quality of their lives. They are identified by symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing and a general feeling of anxiety or jitteriness, and a feeling of imminent danger. People suffering from anxiety disorders might also exhibit avoidant behaviors that restrict their daily activities and prevent them from interacting with others.Psychotherapy and medication are the most common treatments for anxiety disorders. Based on the diagnosis and severity of the disorder various psychotherapy methods are employed. Patients suffering from panic disorder, for instance can benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment combines the cognitive and behavioral components of treatment. NYU Langone therapists use cognitive therapy to help patients discover negative thoughts that trigger panic attacks, and to teach them strategies to change these thoughts. Through behavior therapy, therapists help patients to participate in situations or activities that cause anxiety, such as public speaking or being in an enclosed space. This helps them learn that the outcomes they fear are not likely to occur which is referred to as the process of extinction.Other psychotherapy techniques like psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy, are also available. These types of therapy are designed to solving interpersonal issues that can create anxiety. For example conflicts, grievances or disputes that remain unresolved with family or friends. They can also assist patients cope with changes in their relationships and work that can trigger anxiety for certain people.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a more recent approach to treating anxiety. It helps patients learn to accept things they can’t control, while still working towards change. Combining these skills can reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for patients.MedicinesWhile medication isn’t an effective treatment for anxiety disorders however, it can help sufferers manage their symptoms and improve their lives. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an integral aspect of treatment. Several research-based therapies have been successful and effective, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic psychotherapy.SSRIs work by changing how the brain responds to stress or other triggers. These drugs can cause negative side effects like nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Some people find they need to take more than one antidepressant in order to achieve the desired effects. The benzodiazepines are sedatives which can quickly reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating and tremors. They are typically used as a short-term remedy for anxiety attacks that are severe. However they can also be addictive and may not work well when taken longer than four weeks.Other sedatives include clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax). They can help ease anxiety however they don’t offer long-term solutions since they can accumulate in the body and become habit-forming. In rare instances, a doctor may prescribe a drug called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). These older drugs are used to treat panic and social phobia disorder by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can interact negatively with certain drugs, such as SSRIs. This is the reason why they are only prescribed to patients who have failed to respond to other treatments.Talk therapy can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety symptoms. Therapists can employ different techniques, including cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy and art or creative therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually moving toward situations that trigger anxiety that you normally avoid to learn how to handle them without fear of attack. This can include imaginal or simulated exposure to live, in-vivo and virtual reality exposure.You can manage your symptoms if you eat well and sleep enough, exercise and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Be sure to get enough vitamins and minerals. Particularly, folic acid and B vitamins. There are mixed results from studies that have studied herbal remedies and diet supplements as possible treatments for anxiety. Herbal remedies do not have the same regulations as prescription drugs and can be harmful or ineffective.Self-help or support groupsMany people suffering from anxiety disorders find support groups useful in managing their symptoms. These groups are generally free to join, and provide a safe space for people to share their feelings and experiences. They can also be a place for people to learn coping skills. These strategies can assist individuals feel more at control of their life. In addition to providing social support anxiety support groups can aid members in building confidence in themselves and improve the level of living.There are a variety of anxiety support groups, such as those led by trained instructors and those run by peers. You must decide which one best suits your needs and lifestyle. Certain groups have a predetermined schedule, while others can be accessed online at any time. Some groups meet in person, while others are accessible through video or audio calls. A lot of groups have chat rooms and discussion forums where you can interact with other members in real-time.One such group, SMART Recovery offers support for those suffering from anxiety or other mental health issues. The meetings are held in-person and online, so you can attend a session at any time that suits your schedule. The program utilizes scientifically-proven methods to teach coping skills and assist participants become more independent from their anxiety.The Tribe wellness community offers peer-to-peer support for those suffering from anxiety. The site is free to join and lets members share their stories and experiences in online forums and chat rooms. It also has a blog. In addition, the site offers a mobile application that allows users to access support resources from any location.In addition to offering emotional help, anxiety support groups can assist people in managing their symptoms by teaching them coping techniques. These techniques for coping can be used on their own or in conjunction with other treatment options. Many anxiety support groups offer educational resources such as podcasts, videos, and webinars. Some support groups also provide specific resources for certain groups such as veterans and those of color.Management of stressStress management is a key component of treating anxiety disorders. The process of managing stress involves identifying the causes of anxiety and learning to manage these, and taking steps to reduce the sources. This is usually accomplished through psychotherapy, and sometimes medication.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the primary psychotherapy that is used to treat anxiety disorders. Through CBT you are taught to recognize the patterns of thinking that cause anxiety and work to alter these thoughts. You also practice behaviors that reduce anxiety, such as practicing relaxation techniques.CBT is typically short-term. It is possible to experience fluctuations in your progress, but as you keep attending therapy sessions, you’ll be more likely to notice positive changes. Keep in mind that overcoming anxiety takes time and commitment. You may have to confront your fears which can be uncomfortable to do at times, in order to find relief.Medications are also an important component of treatment. Antidepressants are usually efficient, especially the more recent agents that have a lower risk of adverse effects than older monoamine oxidase inhibitors as well as TCAs. They include SSRIs which include fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram, as well as other antianxiety medicines, including mirtazapine and nefazodone. In some cases the use of benzodiazepine to alleviate severe anxiety.Meditation and deep breathing are two alternative solutions that can ease anxiety symptoms. Exercise can also help reduce anxiety, and it’s crucial to consume a balanced diet. Avoid drinking alcohol and other illicit substances because they can cause anxiety.Other treatments for anxiety disorders include dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy helps you develop assertiveness and is focused on relationships with other people. Being able to express your feelings and needs in a direct and honest manner can reduce your stress levels and boost your self-esteem.Other ways to reduce stress might include joining a support group, learning relaxation techniques or using hypnotherapy. Check with your insurance provider to see if these services are covered. Additionally, some consider biofeedback to be beneficial. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.