Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can take a toll on an individual's life by making them feel tired and depressed. Worry can keep people from socializing with others, reinforcing their misguided sense of danger and causing feelings of isolation.
Treatment for anxiety involves psychotherapy, medications, and exercise. Medications can include antidepressants, like SSRIs (citalopram, escitalopram), and benzodiazepines, like diazepam and lorazepam.
Medicines
Anxiety disorders are a result of anxiety that is too long or interferes in daily activities. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Although medication can help alleviate symptoms, they do not cure anxiety disorders. They must be used with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications.
Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are often prescribed to treat anxiety. Antidepressants correct an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that causes anxiety. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are sedatives which work quickly to stop the body's reaction to anxiety. They are also addictive and therefore not recommended for use in the long-term.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs aid in reducing the levels of stress hormone cortisol in the body. They also block receptors in the brain that absorb serotonin which allows more of the mood-enhancing chemical to move around. This reduces anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, have similar effects to SSRIs and can also be effective in treating anxiety. Pros: SSRIs are readily available and are effective for the majority of people, and have a favorable safety profile. Cons: Some patients suffer from side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
Other psychiatric drugs like propranolol are also effective in treating anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart ailments However, doctors may prescribe them "off-label" for anxiety. They act to blunt the effects of stress hormones in your body, like noradrenaline and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause adverse effects such as orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia and sedation.
You can reduce anxiety by changing your diet and exercising enough. Relaxing activities like meditation and yoga can aid in relieving anxiety. There are also mind-body treatments like acupuncture and tai chi which can help ease anxiety. Consult your physician about what options are suitable for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a psychotherapy based on scientific evidence, is effective for treating anxiety disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts and physical sensations are interconnected and that negative patterns can lead you into the cycle of. CBT helps you recognize your negative thoughts patterns and implement strategies that will help you control them. It also helps you manage your reactions to anxiety-provoking situations and develop strategies for coping.
In the first sessions the therapist will usually perform an assessment. This may involve completing questionnaires, interviewing you, or supplying written materials. They will be able to understand your specific illness, identify distressing symptoms and determine if your current treatment options are effective. They will also use the test to determine whether they can develop an therapeutic relationship with you.
CBT is usually short-term, and will last for 20 or less sessions. You will meet your therapist every week, either once or twice during these sessions. Your therapist will teach you various self-help techniques including how to redirect negative thoughts and to practice positive outcomes imagery. They will also teach you coping skills like how to quiet your mind and relax your body.
Your therapist may also provide you with a variety of tools, including therapy worksheets that will aid in tracking your triggers and symptoms. They will assist you in working through your anxiety in smaller steps to ensure that the process becomes less daunting. For instance, if you are concerned about social interactions, they may start with role-playing with your therapist. Then, begin talking to family members or friends.
CBT also includes behavioural experiments. It can help you challenge your irrational predictions of catastrophe by proving them. For instance, if you think that something awful will happen if you leave the house, you might do an experiment in your behavioural style by making a prediction prior to going out, like "If I go out for dinner, I'll be sick with food poisoning." You can then record whether your prediction was true or not.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a good option as a supplement to medication to treat anxiety. Hypnosis can help people relax, change their perception of their symptoms, and modify their behavior. It can also be utilized to overcome fears. pediatric anxiety treatment is commonly used to reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also be helpful in alleviating pain. The effects of hypnosis can last for a long time and can be felt after only one session.
During a hypnosis treatment (or when listening to a recording) the therapist will lead you into a trance that is similar to being in a dream. In this relaxed state you are able to listen and respond to suggestions from the therapist. They may ask you imagine a relaxing and safe place and then ask you to pay close attention to the sensory details that gradually become real. This is referred to as a 'deepening trance'. This is when the therapy begins to work and you'll begin to notice a change in your symptoms.
Many people notice a shift immediately. They might leave the room or even open their eyes following the hypnotherapy session, and they are already feeling an improvement. This is normal and can be awe-inspiring. For some however, it could require several sessions before they can notice any positive changes. This is normal, and it's crucial to allow time for therapy to work.
If you're considering the possibility of hypnotherapy you should consult with your doctor first. They can discuss your options and answer any questions that you might have about hypnotherapy for anxiety. You will need to book a private session in order to utilize hypnosis. The sessions can be costly but they are usually more effective than other types of treatment for anxiety.
Hypnosis is often used to treat PTSD. This condition occurs after a traumatic event such as a car accident or natural disaster or war and it causes anxiety, depression and other problems. The symptoms of PTSD are intrusive memories as well as night terrors and increased anxiety. Hypnotherapy can be an effective method of controlling PTSD and is typically combined with other talking treatments to achieve the best results.
Exercise
Anxiety is a major obstacle for those who wish to lead active lives however the good news is that exercise may offer some of the best non-pharmacological treatment options for the condition. A vigorous workout session can ease anxiety-related symptoms for hours, and a consistent schedule of exercise can significantly reduce them over time.
Although it is well documented that regular exercise provides health benefits, very few studies have examined its effects on anxiety. A new study suggests high intensity exercise is particularly effective in treating anxiety.
The researchers in the study, led by University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson The study assigned 223 people suffering from anxiety to a 12-week group fitness program that involved either high or low intensity exercises. They also gave them instructions on how to incorporate fitness into their routines. The results were clear. The participants in the high-intensity groups showed significant improvements in their anxiety levels compared to those in low intensity.
These findings are relevant to the use of exercise programs in general practice. Patients suffering from anxiety tend to be more sedentary than those who are not suffering from the condition. This could be a contributing factor to their mental health issues. Physical activity is linked to a 25 percent lower chance of developing depression or anxiety disorders than those who are not sedentary.
It's not a surprise that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health. It stimulates the release of positive hormones like serotonin as well as dopamine. Furthermore, it can help boost self-esteem and improve the quality of sleep. But the benefit of physical exercise is greater than that. A number of studies have found that it can be as effective as antidepressants for treating anxiety.
A recent meta-analysis conducted by Jayakody and colleagues identified eight studies that compared exercise groups with those who didn't exercise. All of the studies reported a reduction in anxiety. However, the researchers limited their analyses to trials which included participants who had a formally diagnosed anxiety disorder. It is clear that more research is needed to determine whether exercise is an effective solution for those who have elevated levels of anxiety.