Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Anxiety Disorder Dealing With Anxiety Disorders

The occasional anxiety is normal However, chronic anxieties and fears that affect daily life warrant treatment. Doctors may prescribe talk therapy and medications to ease the anxiety.

The most common therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques and exposure therapy. There are also a variety of medications that treat anxiety symptoms, like modern antidepressants.

Treatment

Being anxious or scared at times is a normal reaction to stress. Anxiety disorders, however, can trigger persistent and excessive feelings of fear or anxiety that are usually in contrast to the circumstances. They can also interfere with the daily activities of a person and relationships. Certain symptoms can be relieved by medications. To fully recover, patients must learn healthier ways to manage and deal with their anxiety.

A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health) or social worker, psychologist or a counselor can treat people with anxiety disorders. The health care provider will ask about the symptoms and medical history and may even perform a physical exam. They may also order tests in the laboratory to rule out any other illnesses that might be behind the symptoms.

Treatment options for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy or talk therapy, and medication. The type of therapy and length of treatment will depend on the specific disorder, its severity, and the length of time a person has been experiencing it. The most commonly used kind of therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. This method assists people in recognizing negative thoughts patterns and alter them. It can also teach people relaxation techniques and exposure reactions to lessen anxiety.

Another form of therapy to treat anxiety is known as interpersonal therapy, or IPT. This method is beneficial for those suffering from anxiety about their relationships such as social anxiety disorder and anxiety disorders. Interpersonal therapy can help people discover healthy ways of expressing emotions and improve communication with others.

Medications that can help relieve some anxiety symptoms include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. A doctor will prescribe the best medicine for a patient's needs, and also discuss the potential the side effects. It is essential to not stop taking medications prescribed by a doctor unless they have been instructed to. In some cases, sudden discontinuation of certain medications could cause withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps that feel like shocks.

Alternative methods to treat anxiety include yoga, meditation and self-management methods such as stress reduction and good sleeping habits. In addition, people with anxiety can benefit by joining a support group for other people suffering from similar issues that can offer compassion understanding, empathy and shared experiences. It is also recommended to stay away from any other stimulants which can worsen anxiety symptoms. In addition, it is essential to get enough rest and eat healthy and balanced meals. Engaging in regular exercise and spending time with your friends can also help to reduce stress.

Symptoms

Certain people might be anxious at times, such as when they begin the new job or take a test. But when anxiety persists and becomes a problem in daily life, it's a sign that assistance is needed. Anxiety disorders include anxiety and panic that are insignificant to the actual risk and are difficult to manage and can last for a long time. Anxiety disorder can cause people to avoid situations and places that trigger their symptoms.

Patients suffering from anxiety disorders usually undergo therapy and take medication or counseling. A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for anxiety disorders. CBT trains people to recognize and modify the behavior and thoughts that contribute to their symptoms.

Other medicines can also help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. For example, beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, may reduce heartbeats that are rapid and other physical signs of anxiety. Antidepressants are often prescribed for depression, but can also aid with anxiety. Examples include SSRIs such as Lexapro (escitalopram) and SNRIs such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor). Some people who suffer from anxiety may also benefit from benzodiazepines. However, they can cause severe side effects and can be addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.

Education is essential for recovery. For example, learning about the physiology behind the "flight-or-fight" response that is normal and assists us in dealing with real or perceived threats, can help us dispel misconceptions that can cause anxiety. It is also important to know that some medical conditions, like heart disease and hyperthyroidism, can cause anxiety symptoms. These people should undergo a complete physical examination to rule out any problems.

A healthy diet, enough rest and staying active can all aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. Avoiding generalized anxiety disorder and recreational street drugs is also an excellent idea, as they can cause a flare-up. Smoking cigarettes can make the condition worse. Talking to friends and family members in person, both face-to-face and through online support groups, can help too.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety and fear at times. They are normal human emotions that can help us cope with danger. When these feelings become intense and hinder a person from enjoying life, it is time to seek professional assistance. A psychiatrist or a medical specialist can determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder and suggest treatment.

In order to diagnose anxiety disorders, a medical doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor will be looking for information on when the anxiety symptoms began, how long they have been in existence and how severe they are. A doctor will also want to know whether the symptoms have impacted with your daily activities. Other mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are often seen along with anxiety disorders. A doctor may inquire about any other mental health issues you've experienced.

There isn't one test that can diagnose anxiety. A medical professional can exclude other causes of anxiety by conducting a urine or blood test and asking about your family history. A mental health professional can also use standardized tests and questionnaires to evaluate your anxiety level and make a diagnosis.

Most people who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder benefit from a combination of psychotherapy or "talk therapy" and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn new ways to think, react and behave so you are less anxious. Beta-blockers, antianxiety medication, and certain antidepressants can all be effective in controlling your symptoms.


An anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent anxiety, tight muscles and difficulty in concentrating. Certain people may also experience symptoms like breathing problems, trembling, or dizziness. An individual with an anxiety disorder will avoid situations or activities that make them anxious. This type of avoidance can be very frustrating for the person suffering from anxiety and can result in other problems like poor performance at work and relationships.

Anxiety in children is normal, but they typically get over it as they get older. Anxiety disorders are more common in adults who continue to have anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety disorders can be treated, but you have to be willing to seek treatment and be patient. Finding the perfect combination of treatment that works for you requires time. The reward is a happy and healthy life. The importance of seeking treatment early as anxiety can become worse as time passes if it's not addressed. You can overcome this issue and live the life you desire with proper care and treatment. Check out our Anxiety Resource page for more information on finding the best treatment.