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Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
Everyone is anxious or worried every now and then. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and severe symptoms which affect their daily life.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy and medications. You may have to try different therapies before you can find one that is effective.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a kind of treatment where a licensed mental health professional or trained psychologist meets with an individual, couple or family. It is focused on helping people to understand the root of their anxiety as well as what causes it. It also assists them to change their behavior. Psychotherapy comes in many forms, from cognitive therapy to psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships to dialectical therapy. However, the majority of therapies share the same goal to ease suffering.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and often deprive people of their enjoyment of life. They are characterized by signs like a pounding heartbeat or breathing that is shallow as well as a general feeling anxiety or jitteriness, and a feeling of imminent danger. People with anxiety disorders may also develop avoidant behavior that restrict their daily activities and prevent them from interacting with other people.
Psychotherapy and medication are the most common treatments for anxiety disorders. Based on the diagnosis and severity of the disorder different psychotherapy techniques are utilized. For instance, those suffering from panic disorder benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment combines the cognitive and behavioral components of treatment. Through cognitive therapy, NYU Langone therapists help patients identify the negative thoughts that trigger panic attacks and teach them methods to help them reframe their thoughts. Through the process of behavior therapy, therapists guide patients to participate in activities or situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking or in a closed space. This helps them realize that the outcome they are imagining is unlikely to happen which is a process known as the process of extinction.
Other psychotherapy methods, such as psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy are also available. These types of therapy are aimed at dealing with interpersonal issues that could create anxiety. For instance conflict or grievances that are unresolved with family members or friends. They can assist patients in dealing with changes in their relationships and work, which can cause anxiety in some people.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a more recent approach to treating anxiety. It teaches patients to accept things they can't control, but also work to make changes. Combining these skills can help reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for patients.
Medicines
While medication is not a cure for anxiety disorders however, it can help sufferers manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an integral aspect of treatment, and a variety of research-based therapies have been successful such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. They alter how the brain reacts to stress and other triggers. They can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Some individuals require several antidepressants to get the desired result. Benzodiazepines are sedatives and can help reduce anxiety-related symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat and tremors. They are typically used as short-term treatments in the event of severe anxiety attacks however, they can be addictive and do not perform well if used for more than four weeks at a time.
Other alternatives to sedatives include the clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax). They can help ease anxiety quickly, but are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause a build-up of toxins within the body. In rare instances, your doctor may prescribe a specific class of medication called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). These older medications are used to treat panic and social phobia disorder by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain. They can interact negatively with certain medications, such as SSRIs. This is why they are only prescribed to patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Talk therapy can help you develop coping skills to deal with anxiety-related symptoms. Therapists employ various methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and art or creative therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself situations you'd normally avoid in order to learn how to cope without fear of attack. This could include imaginal, in-vivo, and virtual reality.
You can manage your symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercising, and avoiding drinking and taking recreational drugs. Be sure to get enough minerals and vitamins. Especially folic acid, and B vitamins. There are mixed results from studies on herbal remedies and nutritional supplements as potential treatment options for anxiety. Herbal products don't have the same restrictions as prescription drugs and can be harmful or uneffective.
Self-help groups or support groups
Many people suffering from anxiety disorders find support groups helpful for managing their symptoms. They are usually free to join, and provide a safe space for people to share their feelings and experiences. They may also provide the opportunity to discover new strategies for coping. These strategies can assist people feel more in control of their life. In addition to providing support for social interactions anxiety support groups aid members in building confidence in themselves and improve the quality of life.
There are a variety of anxiety support groups, such as those run by instructors who are trained and those that are peer-driven. You must decide which one best fits your lifestyle and needs. Some groups have a set schedule, while others can be accessed online at any time. Some groups meet in person and others can be reached through video or audio calls. Some also have chat rooms where you can talk with other members in real-time.
One of these groups is SMART Recovery, which offers assistance for people suffering from anxiety and other mental health issues. Meetings are available both in person and online. You can attend at any time to suit your schedule. The program employs scientifically proven methods to teach coping skills and help participants overcome their fears.
Another option is The Tribe wellness community, which offers peer-to-peer assistance for those suffering from anxiety. The site lets members share their stories and experiences via online forums and chatrooms. It also has its own blog. In addition, the site has a mobile app that enables users to access support resources from anywhere.
Anxiety support groups, in addition to offering emotional support, can help people manage symptoms by teaching coping strategies. These coping strategies can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on their own. Many anxiety support groups provide educational resources, such as podcasts, videos and webinars. Some support groups also offer specific resources for certain groups such as veterans and those of people of color.
Management of stress
Stress management is an important part of treating anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and learning how to deal with the causes of stress, as well as taking steps to reduce the stress-related causes. This is typically accomplished through psychotherapy, and sometimes medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most commonly used psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Through drugs for anxiety disorder learn to identify the patterns of thinking that trigger anxiety and work to change these thoughts. You also practice behaviors that can reduce anxiety such as using relaxation techniques.
CBT is typically short-term. As you continue to attend sessions you are more likely to experience positive results. Remember that overcoming anxiety requires patience and commitment. You may need to face your fears, which may be uncomfortable at times, in order to feel better.
Medications can also be an important component of your treatment. Antidepressants can be effective particularly the more recent ones with less side effects than older TCAs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine, and antianxiety medications like nefazodone or mirtazapine are among the most efficient. In certain instances, a benzodiazepine is used to alleviate severe anxiety.
There are a variety of alternative treatments that can also be useful in relieving anxiety symptoms, such as meditation and deep breathing. Exercise can also reduce anxiety. It's also essential to eat right and maintain a healthy diet. Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs as they can increase anxiety.
Other treatments that can help with anxiety disorders include the practice of interpersonal therapy, which focuses on interactions and relationships with others, and dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches techniques such as assertiveness. Being able to express your feelings and needs in a clear, honest manner can lower the stress levels of your life and increase self-esteem.
Joining a support group or doing relaxation exercises, as well as using hypnotherapy are all methods to ease stress. Contact your insurance company to see if these services are covered. In addition, some people feel that biofeedback can be beneficial. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.
