anxiety-disorders

Dealing With Anxiety DisordersOccasional anxiety is normal however, persistent feelings of fear and worry that interfere with daily life should be addressed. Doctors may prescribe talk therapy and medication to help.Therapy typically consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. There are numerous medications to treat anxiety, including antidepressants.TreatmentFeeling anxious or fearful at times is a normal response to stress. However, anxiety disorders can cause an overt and constant feeling of anxiety or fear which are often unrelated to the circumstances. They can also affect the daily activities of a person and relationships. Certain symptoms can be relieved with medication. To fully recover, people need to learn better methods of managing and coping with their anxiety.A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health), a social worker, psychologist or counselor can help patients suffering from anxiety disorders. Health care professionals will inquire about the symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical exam. They can also request laboratory tests to rule out other illnesses that might be causing the symptoms.Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are two options for treatment for anxiety disorders. The type of treatment and duration will depend on the disorder, its severity and how long you have been experiencing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of talk therapy used to treat anxiety. This approach assists people in identifying negative thoughts and patterns of thought and then change them. It can also help people learn relaxation techniques and exposure reactions to lessen anxiety.Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another form of therapy for talk that can be utilized to combat anxiety. This approach can be helpful for people with anxiety that is related to their relationships, such as social anxiety disorder or phobias. Interpersonal therapy can help individuals discover healthy ways to express emotions and improve communication with other people.The medications that can ease some anxiety symptoms include antidepressants and benzodiazepines and beta blockers. A medical professional will prescribe the best medication to treat a patient’s condition and will also discuss any possible side effects. Patients shouldn’t stop taking prescribed medications unless instructed to take them off by their doctor. In some instances, abrupt cessation of certain medication may trigger withdrawal symptoms. These include brain zaps which feel like shocks.Meditation, yoga as well as stress reduction and good sleep habits are all alternative treatments for anxiety. People suffering from anxiety may benefit from joining a group of people who have the same condition. This can bring compassion, understanding, as well as shared experiences. One should avoid any other stimulants that can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. It is also important to sleep enough and eat a balanced and healthy diet. Engaging in regular exercise and spending time with friends can also help to reduce stress.Signs and symptomsCertain people might feel anxious at times, such as when they start the new job or take a test. When anxiety is persistent and begins to interfere with the daily routine, then help is needed. Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of anxiety or panic that are out-of-proportion to the risk. They can be difficult to manage and can persist for a long period of time. Anxiety disorder can cause people to avoid situations or locations that trigger their symptoms.Anxiety disorders sufferers typically require medication and therapy or counseling. A form of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most frequently used treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT helps people to identify and change their thoughts or behaviors that cause the symptoms.Other medications can also help ease anxiety symptoms. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) can, for example, reduce the rapid heartbeats and other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression, but they can also aid in anxiety. Examples include SSRIs such as Lexapro (escitalopram) and SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Benzodiazepines are also helpful for those suffering from anxiety. However, they can also cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.Education is also important to promote recovery. Learning about the “flight or fight” response that is normal and helps us deal with perceived or real danger and help dispel any myths that may be fueling anxiety. It is also important to know that certain medical conditions, like heart disease and hyperthyroidism, can trigger anxiety symptoms. These people should undergo a thorough physical exam to rule out any potential issues.A healthy diet, plenty of rest and remaining active can all aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and recreational street drugs is also an excellent idea, as they can aggravate them. It is also recommended not to smoke, because smoking can cause them to worsen. Talking to friends and family, both in person and online, can help.DiagnosisEverybody feels anxiety and fear from time to time. These are normal human emotions that help us deal with danger. If these feelings become overwhelming and stop a person from enjoying life, it is time to seek professional assistance. A psychiatrist or a medical professional can determine if you are suffering from anxiety disorder and recommend treatment.To diagnose anxiety disorder symptoms , a healthcare provider will perform an examination and ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor will want to know how long ago the anxiety symptoms began, and how severe they were. A medical professional will be looking to determine whether the symptoms have interfered with your daily activities. Many mental health conditions, such as depression or post-traumatic disorder, occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders. A specialist may ask about any other mental health issues you’ve had to deal with.There isn’t a single test that can identify an anxiety disorder. However, a medical professional can rule out other causes of your symptoms by performing tests for urine or blood and asking about your family history. A mental health professional can also use standard tests and questionnaires to evaluate your anxiety level and make a diagnosis.The majority of people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder benefit from a combination of psychotherapy or “talk therapy” and medication. Talk therapy is one type of treatment known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you a new way to react, think and behave to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, anxiety medications and certain antidepressants can all be effective in reducing your symptoms.Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include a constant feeling worry, tense muscles and difficulty concentration. There are also signs such as breathlessness, trembling and dizziness. A person with an anxiety disorder may also avoid situations or activities that make them feel anxious. This type of avoidance is frustrating and can lead to problems like poor work performance or relationships.Anxiety in children is normal, however they typically overcome it as they grow. People who continue to have anxiety symptoms into adulthood are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders.Anxiety disorders can be treated however, you must be patient and willing to seek help. Finding the perfect combination of treatment that works for you requires time. But the result is a healthy and fulfilling life. Getting treatment early is key since anxiety can become worse as time passes if it’s not addressed. You can overcome this condition and live the life you want with proper care and treatment. Check out our Anxiety Resource page for more information about finding the right treatment.