Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can sabotage the quality of life of an individual by making them feel stressed, depressed, and tired. The fear of being anxious can hinder people from socializing with others, reinforcing their false sense of danger and thus creating an atmosphere of isolation.
Treatment for anxiety can include psychotherapy, medication, as well as exercise. Medications include antidepressants such as SSRIs, citalopram and escitalopram (citalopram and escitalopram) and benzodiazepines like lorazepam and diazepam.
Medicines
Anxiety disorders arise as a result of anxiety that is too long or interferes in daily activities. Treatment of anxiety disorders usually includes psychotherapy and medication. While medication can help alleviate symptoms, they cannot solve anxiety disorders. They must be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
The most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants help to correct a chemical imbalance within the brain which causes anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are sedatives that work quickly to stop the body's reaction to anxiety. They are also addictive and shouldn't be used for a long time.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, help to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. They also block receptors that absorb serotonin in the brain, which allows more of the mood enhancing chemical to circulate and easing anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, have similar effects to SSRIs and can also be effective in treating anxiety. SSRIs have a solid safety record, are accessible and effective for the majority of people. Cons: Some patients may suffer from side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.
Propranolol and various other psychiatric medications can also alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions However, doctors may prescribe them "off-label" for anxiety. They help to lessen the effects of stress hormones, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline that increase blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause negative side effects, such as orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up) as well as bradycardia (slower than the normal heart rate) and sedation.
You can ease anxiety by adjusting your diet and getting enough exercise. Relaxing activities such as meditation and yoga can help ease anxiety. Additionally, there are mind-body treatments that can help ease anxiety, including acupuncture and tai chi. Consult your physician about the options that are suitable for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a psychotherapy that is based on scientific research that is effective in treating anxiety disorders. It is based on the notion that thoughts, feelings and physical sensations are connected and that negative patterns may cause you to be caught in a vicious circle. CBT helps you recognize negative thought patterns and implement strategies to control them. It also helps you control your reactions to anxiety-provoking situations and develop coping strategies.
In the first session a therapist usually performs an assessment. This could involve completing questionnaires or conducting an interview or even supplying written material. They will be able to understand your specific disorder, pinpoint distressing symptoms and determine if your current treatment options are effective. They will also use the assessment to determine if they can build an emotional connection with you.
CBT usually lasts for 20 sessions or less. During these sessions, you will see your therapist at a minimum every week or twice a week. Your therapist will guide you through various self-help strategies including how to change negative thoughts into positive ones and how to practice positive outcomes imagery. They will also teach you coping skills such as how to calm your mind and relax your body.
Your therapist could also offer tools, such as therapy worksheets, which will aid in tracking symptoms and triggers. They can help you manage your anxiety in small, manageable steps to make it less like a daunting task. If you're afraid of social situations, your therapist might invite you to play with them before moving on to talking to family or friends.
Another aspect of CBT is behavioural tests. It helps you to challenge your irrational predictions of catastrophe by providing evidence to counter them. If you're worried that something bad could happen to you if you leave your home you can conduct an behavioural test by making a prediction. For example, "If I go for dinner, I'll be afflicted with food poisoning." Then, you'll be able to verify whether or not your prediction was accurate.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a different treatment for anxiety that is not a medication. Hypnosis can help people relax, change their perception of their symptoms, and modify their behavior. It can be used to overcome phobias. It can be used to decrease anxiety and stress, but can also help with pain. The effects of hypnosis are long-lasting and can be seen after just one session.
In a hypnosis session (or when listening to recordings) the therapist will guide you into a trance state which is similar to being in a daydream. In this state of relaxation, you are able to hear the suggestions of your therapist and respond. They might ask you to imagine an environment that is safe and relaxing, and then tell you to pay close attention to the sensory details that gradually become real. This is known as a 'deepening state of trance.' This is the point where the therapy begins to work and you'll begin to notice a difference in your symptoms.
Many people notice a change immediately. They may leave the room or open their eyes after a hypnotherapy session and they are already feeling a shift. This is normal and it can also feel mystical. For some, however, it can take some sessions before they can see any positive changes. This is normal and it's essential to give the therapy time to get it working.
Always consult with your doctor prior to starting treatment with hypnotherapy. They can discuss your options and answer any questions that you may have about the benefits of hypnotherapy for anxiety. anxiety disorder treatments at home is not available on the NHS so you will need to schedule an appointment with a trained therapist. The sessions can be costly but are generally more cost effective than other types of treatment for anxiety.
In some cases, hypnosis can be used to treat PTSD. This condition is caused by trauma such as a car accident or natural disaster or war and it causes depression, anxiety and other problems. The signs of PTSD include recurring memories as well as night terrors and increased anxiety. Hypnotherapy can be a successful way to control PTSD and is often coupled with other talk therapies to get the best results.
Exercise
Anxiety can be a major obstacle for those who wish to lead active lives however the positive side is that exercise can provide some of the best non-pharmacological treatments for anxiety. A single vigorous exercise session can relieve anxiety symptoms for hours, and a consistent routine of exercise can significantly reduce them over time.
While it is widely acknowledged that regular exercise can provide health benefits, few studies have specifically examined its effects on anxiety. However, a new study suggests that intense exercise routines are particularly beneficial for the condition.
The researchers who conducted the study, headed by University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson, assigned 223 adults with anxiety to a 12-week group workout program that included either low or high intensity workouts. They also provided them with instructions on how to incorporate fitness into their routines. The results were clear. Participants in the high intensity groups had a significant decrease in their anxiety levels compared to those who exercised in low intensity.
These results have implications for the use of exercise plans in general practice. Patients with anxiety tend to be more sedentary than those who do not suffer from the condition. This could contribute to their mental health problems. Physical activity is associated with a 25 percent lower risk of suffering from depression or anxiety disorders than those who are not sedentary.
It's not surprising that exercising has a positive effect on mental health. It triggers the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. In addition, it helps increase self-esteem and improve sleep quality. However, the benefits of exercise are more extensive: studies have shown that it's just as effective as antidepressants for treating anxiety.
A recent meta-analysis conducted by Jayakody et al. identified eight trials that compared groups that exercised with those who did not exercise. All of the studies showed a decrease in anxiety. The researchers limited their analysis to studies that involved participants with a formal diagnosis of anxiety disorder. This means that more research is needed to assess whether exercise is a viable option for those with elevated anxiety levels clinically.