anxiety-disorders

Dealing With Anxiety DisordersThe occasional anxiety is normal, but chronic anxieties and fears that affect everyday life require treatment. Doctors can prescribe talk therapy as well as medication to ease anxiety.Therapy usually consists of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. There are numerous treatments for anxiety, including antidepressants.TreatmentStress can make you be anxious or scared at times. However, anxiety disorders can cause chronic and extreme feelings of anxiety or fear that are often insignificant to the circumstances. They can also interfere in people’s daily activities and relationships. Some of the symptoms can be relieved by medications. But to recover fully, people must learn better ways to deal with and manage their anxiety.A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health) or a social worker, psychologist or counselor can help patients suffering from anxiety disorders. Health care providers will ask about medical history and symptoms, and may perform a physical exam. They may also order laboratory tests to rule out other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms.Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as well as medication. The type of treatment you receive and the duration will be determined by the severity of the disorder, and how long you have been experiencing it. The most common kind of therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This approach helps people recognize negative thought patterns, and then change them. It can also teach people relaxation techniques and exposure reactions that help reduce anxiety.Another form of talk therapy to treat anxiety is called interpersonal therapy, or IPT. This approach can be helpful for those suffering from anxiety that is linked to their relationships, like social anxiety disorder or fears. Interpersonal therapy can help people find healthy ways to express and communicate their emotions.Antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines can all help with anxiety symptoms. A doctor can prescribe the best medicine to treat the patient’s condition and will also address any adverse effects. Patients should not stop taking prescribed medicines unless directed to take them off by their doctor. In certain instances, abrupt discontinuation of certain medications could trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which can feel like shocks.Meditation, yoga, stress reduction, and good sleeping habits are all alternatives to treat anxiety. In addition, people with anxiety might benefit by joining a support group for other people suffering from the same condition, which can provide compassion understanding, empathy and shared experiences. Avoiding caffeine and other drugs can also cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. In addition, it is essential to get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise and time spent with friends can reduce stress.Signs and symptomsPeople may feel anxious from time to time, such as when they’re beginning a new job or taking a test. When anxiety persists and starts to affect the daily routine, then help is needed. Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of fear and panic that are not proportional to the actual risk, are hard to control and can last for a long time. high functioning anxiety disorder suffering from anxiety disorders might also begin to avoid situations or places that might trigger their symptoms.People suffering from anxiety disorders typically take medication and attend therapy or counseling. The most commonly used treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps people to identify and change the thoughts or behaviors that contribute to their symptoms.Other medications can also help ease anxiety symptoms. For example, beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can reduce rapid heartbeat and other physical signs of anxiety. Antidepressants, which are often prescribed to treat depression can also help with anxiety. Examples include SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) and SNRIs, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor). Benzodiazepines can also be helpful for people suffering from anxiety. However, they can cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.Education is also essential to promote recovery. For example, learning about the physiology of the “flight-or-fight” response that is normal and helps us deal with perceived or real threats, can help to dispel myths that could be causing anxiety. It’s important to know that certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and heart diseases can cause anxiety symptoms. Patients suffering from these conditions should undergo an extensive physical exam to rule out any problems.A healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and remaining active can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding the use of alcohol and other recreational drugs is also recommended, since they can trigger them. And it’s best not to smoke, because that can make them worse. Talking to family members and friends in person, either face to face and via online support groups, can help too.DiagnosisEveryone feels anxiety and fear at times – they are normal and helpful human emotions that can help us deal with danger. If these feelings become overwhelming and hinder a person from enjoying life it is the right the time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder and can recommend treatment.A doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and perform an examination to identify anxiety disorders. The doctor will be looking for information on when the anxiety symptoms started, how long they have been present and how severe they are. A doctor may also ask if your symptoms have impacted your daily life. Other mental health disorders like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder often occur alongside anxiety disorders, and a specialist might ask about any other mental health issues you have had.There is no one test that can diagnose anxiety. However, a medical professional can determine the cause of your anxiety by conducting tests for urine or blood and asking about your family history. Mental health professionals can also use questionnaires and standardized tests to evaluate your anxiety and provide the diagnosis.The majority of people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder benefit from a combination of psychotherapy or “talk therapy” and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn a different way to think and react so that you feel less stressed. Medications such as antianxiety drugs, beta-blockers and certain antidepressants can ease your symptoms.The symptoms of anxiety disorders include a constant feeling of anxiety, tension in the muscles and trouble in concentrating. People might also experience symptoms such as anxiety, trembling, and dizziness. An individual suffering from an anxiety disorder will avoid situations or activities that cause them to be anxious. This kind of avoidance is annoying and can lead to problems such as a poor performance at work or relationships.Children are prone to anxiety, but children usually outgrow their worries and fears as they get older. People who have anxiety symptoms in adulthood are more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder.Anxiety disorders can be treated, however, you must be patient and willing to seek assistance. It takes time to find the right combination of treatments that be effective for you. But the reward is a healthier, happy life. It is crucial to seek treatment early since anxiety can become worse in time if not treated. You can overcome this issue and live the life you want with proper care and treatment. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information on finding the best treatment.