Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can destroy a person's life by making them feel tired and depressed. The fear of being anxious can make people unable to socializing, creating a false belief that they are in danger and creating isolation.
Treatment for anxiety includes psychotherapy, medications, and exercise. Treatments include antidepressants, such as SSRIs, citalopram and Escitalopram (citalopram and escitalopram) and benzodiazepines like lorazepam and diazepam.
Medications
Most people feel anxious at times However, if that feeling lasts for too long or interferes with day-to-day life it's an indication of an anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy and medications are typically employed to treat anxiety disorders. While medications can alleviate the symptoms, they do not solve anxiety disorders. They should be used in conjunction alongside psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.
The most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines. Antidepressants correct a chemical imbalance within the brain that 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 should not be used for long periods of time.
SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. They also block receptors that soak up serotonin in the brain, which allows more of the mood-enhancing chemical to circulate and easing the anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, have similar effects to SSRIs and can also be effective in treating anxiety. SSRIs have a good safety record, and are accessible and effective for the majority of people. Cons: Some patients suffer from side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth.
Propranolol and other psychiatric drugs can also aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart issues. However, doctors may prescribe them "off label" to treat anxiety. They work to reduce the effects of stress hormones within the body, including noradrenaline and adrenaline, which increase your heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause negative side effects, such as orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up) and bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) and sedation.
Change your diet and ensuring you get enough exercise can help alleviate anxiety. Relaxing activities, such as meditation and yoga. In addition there are many mind-body therapies that can be beneficial for anxiety, such as the acupuncture method and tai chi. Talk to your doctor about the options that could be most suitable for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a scientifically-based psychotherapy that is effective in treating anxiety disorders. It is based on the idea that feelings, thoughts and physical sensations are interconnected, and that negative patterns can trap you in the cycle of. CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and implement strategies to control them. It also teaches you how to regulate your responses to stressful situations and develop coping strategies.
In the initial session, the therapist typically conducts an assessment. This could involve filling out questionnaires, conducting interviews, or supplying written materials. This will allow them to determine the cause of your disorder and pinpoint the distressing symptoms. It will also help determine if your current treatments are working. The assessment can also help determine if you can have an emotional connection.
CBT usually lasts for 20 sessions or less. Your therapist will visit you once or twice a week during these sessions. Your therapist will instruct you on various self-help strategies that will help you reframe unhelpful thoughts and practice positive outcome visualization. They will also assist you to develop coping strategies including how to relax your body and calm your mind.
Your therapist may also offer tools, like therapy worksheets that aid you in identifying the triggers and symptoms. They will assist you in working through your anxiety in small steps, so that the process becomes less daunting. If you are afraid of social situations, your therapist may have you role-play with them, and then move on to talking to family or friends.
Another aspect of CBT is behavioural tests. It allows you to challenge your irrational and catastrophic predictions by developing helpful evidence to counter them. If you are afraid that something bad could occur to you if you leave your home, you can do a behavioural test by making an assumption. For instance, "If I go for dinner, I'll get food poisoning." Then, you'll be able to record whether or not the prediction was right.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a good option as a supplement to medication for anxiety. Hypnosis is used to help people relax, change their perception of their symptoms, and alter their behavior. It can be used to overcome fears. It is used to reduce anxiety and stress and can help with pain. The effects of hypnosis may be lasting and the benefits can be seen from just one session.
During a hypnosis session (or when listening to recordings), the therapist will guide you into a state of trance which is similar to being in a dream. In this state of relaxation, you can respond and listen to suggestions made by the therapist. They may ask you imagine a relaxing and safe place and then ask you to pay attention to sensory details that slowly become real. This is called a 'deepening state of trance.' This is when the therapy will begin to take effect and you will begin to notice a change in your symptoms.
Many people notice a difference immediately. After a hypnotherapy, they can feel the shift immediately after they leave the room or close their eyes. This is normal and sometimes it can feel like magic. For some, however it may take a few sessions before they can see any positive changes. This is normal and it's crucial to allow the therapy time to be effective.
You should always consult your doctor prior to starting hypnotherapy. They will be able to answer any concerns you have regarding hypnotherapy, and also discuss your options. Hypnosis is not offered on the NHS therefore you'll have to arrange an appointment in private with a qualified therapist. The sessions can be costly however they are usually more cost effective than other types of treatment for anxiety.
Hypnosis can be used to treat PTSD. This is a condition that occurs following an event that was traumatic, such as a car crash, natural disaster, or even war. It can trigger depression, anxiety and other problems. Symptoms of PTSD are intrusive memories of night terrors, an increase in anxiety. Hypnotherapy is a successful treatment for PTSD, and it's usually coupled with other types of talking therapies to get the best results.
Exercise
Anxiety can be a major issue for people who wish to lead active lifestyles, but the good news is that exercising may offer some of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for the condition. Exercise can ease anxiety symptoms for hours. A regular schedule of physical exercise can help to reduce them.
While it is widely acknowledged that regular exercise offers health benefits, few studies have looked specifically at the effects it has on anxiety. holistic treatment for anxiety suggests that high intensity exercise routines are particularly beneficial for those suffering from anxiety.
The researchers who conducted the study, supervised by University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson The study assigned 223 people suffering from anxiety to a 12-week group workout program that included either low or high intensity workouts. They also gave them instructions on how to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. The results were evident. Participants in the high intensity groups showed a significant improvement in their anxiety levels compared to those in low-intensity.
These findings are relevant to 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 issues. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly are 25 percent less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders or depression than those who are inactive.
Exercise has a positive effect on mental well-being. It stimulates the release good-feeling hormones, such as dopamine, serotonin and other. It can improve sleep and increase self-esteem. But the benefits of physical exercise is more than that. A number of studies have shown that it is just as effective as antidepressants when it comes to treating anxiety.
A recent meta-analysis by Jayakody et al identified eight trials that compared exercise groups with those who didn't exercise. All of the studies reported a reduction in anxiety. However, the researchers restricted their analyses to trials that involved participants with a formally diagnosed anxiety disorder. This means that more research is needed to determine whether exercise is a viable option for those with clinically raised anxiety levels.