anxiety-disorders

Treatments For Anxiety DisordersEveryone experiences anxiety or worries at times. People with anxiety disorders experience chronic and severe symptoms that can affect their daily lives.There are a myriad of treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most common treatments. You may need to try several before you find one that works for you.PsychotherapyPsychotherapy is a form of treatment in which an accredited mental health professional or a trained psychologist meet with an individual, couple or a group of family members. It is focused on helping people understand the causes of their anxiety and what triggers it. It also assists them to change their behavior. Psychotherapy comes in many forms: psychotherapy with cognitive components, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy. All types of therapy share the same aim that is to ease suffering.Anxiety disorders are debilitating, and can cause people to lose the quality of their lives. They may be characterized by symptoms such as pounding heartbeat, slow breathing, general discomfort or jitteriness, as well as an underlying fear that danger is looming. People suffering from anxiety disorders might also develop avoidant behaviors that restrict their daily activities and hinder them from socializing with others.The majority of anxiety disorders are treatable, and the most common treatments are psychotherapy and medication. Depending on the type of diagnosis and severity of the disorder, different psychotherapy approaches are used. Patients suffering from panic disorder, for example are benefited by cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT). This treatment combines the behavioral and cognitive aspects of treatment. Through cognitive therapy, NYU Langone therapists help patients identify the negative thoughts that trigger their anxiety attacks and teach them methods to help them reframe their thoughts. The therapy encourages patients take part in activities or situations that cause anxiety. For instance public speaking, or being within a restricted space. This helps them realize that the outcome they are imagining is unlikely to occur, a process called extermination.In addition to CBT, other psychotherapy methods include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy and family psychotherapy. These types of therapy are aimed at addressing interpersonal issues which can create anxiety. For example conflict or grievances that are unresolved with family or friends. They can assist patients in dealing with changes in their relationships and work which can trigger anxiety in some people.Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a newer method of treating anxiety. It teaches patients to accept the things that are not in their control while working toward changes. Combining these skills can help decrease anxiety and enhance the patient’s quality of life.MedicinesAlthough medication cannot cure anxiety disorders however, it is a useful option to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Talk therapy is an essential part of treatment. A variety of research-based therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), or psychodynamic psychotherapy, have been shown to be effective.SSRIs are the medications that are used to treat the majority of anxiety disorders. They change how the brain reacts to stress and other triggers. These drugs may cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Some people find they need to take more than one antidepressant in order to achieve the desired effects. Benzodiazepines, which are sedatives, can reduce anxiety-related symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat and tremors. They are most often used for short-term treatment in the event of severe anxiety attacks but they can also be addictive and do not perform well if used for more than four weeks at the same time.Other sedatives include Clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax). They can help ease anxiety however they cannot act as long-term solutions because they can build up in the body and become habit-forming. In rare instances your doctor may prescribe a specific class of medication known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). These older drugs increase the quantity of certain neurotransmitters within the brain to control mood and are used to treat panic disorder and social anxiety. They can interact with other drugs, including SSRIs, so they are typically prescribed for people who have not responded to other treatments.Talk therapy can also teach you coping strategies to deal with your anxiety symptoms. Therapists employ different methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy and creative or artistic therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually moving towards situations that trigger anxiety that you normally avoid to learn how to cope with them without having an attack. This can include imaginal or simulated exposure to in-vivo, in-vivo exposure, as well as virtual exposure to reality.You can manage your symptoms by eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising, and avoiding the use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Be sure to take in enough minerals and vitamins. Particularly, folic acid and B vitamins. There are mixed results from studies that have studied herbal remedies and dietary supplementation as potential treatment options for anxiety. Herbal products aren’t regulated the same as prescription medications, therefore they may not be effective or harmful.Support groups or self-help groupsMany people suffering from anxiety disorders find support groups helpful for managing their symptoms. They are generally free to join and offer a safe environment for individuals to discuss their feelings and experiences with others. They can also be a place for people to develop how to cope. These coping strategies can help them to feel more in control of their lives. In addition to providing support for social interactions anxiety support groups help members improve their self-esteem and improve their level of living.There are many different types of anxiety support groups, such as those led by trained instructors and those run by peers. You must decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle. Some groups are organized according to a schedule and others are online and accessible anytime. In addition to meetings in person, some groups are available through audio and video calls. There are also online discussion forums and chat rooms where you can chat to other members in real time.One of these groups is SMART Recovery, which offers support for people suffering from anxiety and other mental health issues. anxiety anxiety disorders are held both in person and online, which means you can attend a meeting at any time that suits your schedule. The program uses scientifically proven methods to teach coping skills and help participants become more independent from their fears.The Tribe wellness community offers peer-to-peer support for those suffering from anxiety. The site is free to join and allows members to share their stories and experiences in online forums and chat rooms. It also has its own blog. Additionally, the website offers a mobile application that lets users access their support resources from anywhere.Anxiety support groups provide emotional support, can help people manage their symptoms by teaching coping skills. These coping strategies can be used in combination with other treatments, or as a stand-alone. Many anxiety support groups offer educational materials such as podcasts, videos and webinars. Additionally, some support groups provide resources for specific populations like veterans or People of Color.Management of stressStress management is a crucial part of treating anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and learning to cope with the stress-related causes, and then making steps to eliminate those sources of stress. This is usually accomplished through psychotherapy, and sometimes medication.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the main psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders. Through CBT you learn to identify the patterns of thought that trigger your anxious feelings and work to alter the thoughts. You can also develop habits to lessen anxiety, such as relaxation techniques.CBT is typically short-term. If you keep attending sessions, you are more likely to experience positive results. Remember that conquering anxiety takes time and commitment. It is possible that you will have to face your fears, which may be uncomfortable at times, to find relief.The use of medications is also an important part of treatment. Antidepressants can be very effective, and they are particularly the latest agents that have a lower risk of side effects than the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors as well as TCAs. These include SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram, as well as other antianxiety drugs, including mirtazapine and nefazodone. In some cases benzodiazepine can be used to alleviate severe anxiety.Many alternative treatments are also effective in relieving anxiety symptoms, such as meditation and deep breathing. Exercise also can help reduce anxiety, and it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet. It’s important to avoid the use of alcohol and illegal drugs as they can exacerbate your anxiety.Other treatments for anxiety disorders include dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches assertiveness and focuses on relationships with others. Being able to express your needs and feelings in a straightforward honest way can help lower your stress levels and improve self-esteem.Joining a support group or doing relaxation exercises, as well as using hypnotherapy are all ways to lessen stress. Contact your insurance company to determine if these treatments are covered. Additionally, some find that biofeedback is helpful. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.