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Treatment of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety can ruin the life of a person by making them feel tired and depressed. The fear of being anxious can hinder people from socializing with others, reinforcing their misguided sense of danger and, consequently, creating a sense of an atmosphere of isolation. Treatment for anxiety can include psychotherapy, medications, and exercise. The medications can include antidepressants such as SSRIs (citalopram, Escitalopram), and benzodiazepines, like diazepam and lorazepam. The effects of medication Anxiety disorders result of anxiety that is too long or is a hindrance to daily activities. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves medication and psychotherapy. While medications can ease the symptoms, they don't solve anxiety disorders. They should be used in conjunction in conjunction with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medications that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants correct an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain which causes anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are sedatives which work quickly to stop the body's response to anxiety. They can also be addictive and should not be used long-term. SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help reduce the levels of cortisol, a 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 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 good safety profile. Cons Some patients have side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth. Making changes to your diet and getting enough exercise, can help reduce anxiety. Relaxing activities like meditation and yoga can also help ease anxiety. Additionally there are many mind-body therapies that can help with anxiety, including acupuncture and tai chi. Consult your physician about the options that are suitable for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioral therapy is a scientifically-based psychotherapy that is effective in treating anxiety disorders. It works on the principle that thoughts, feelings and physical sensations are interconnected and that negative patterns can trap you in an endless cycle. CBT helps you identify negative thoughts and patterns and then implement strategies to control them. It also teaches you to regulate your responses to situations that trigger anxiety and develop coping strategies. In the initial session, the therapist typically conducts an assessment. This could involve filling out questionnaires, interviewing you, or even providing written material. It will help them understand your specific disorder, pinpoint the signs that are distressing and determine if your current treatment options are effective. They will also use the assessment to determine if they are able to establish a therapeutic relationship with you. CBT is usually short-term and can last for 20 or less sessions. In these sessions, you will meet with your therapist at a minimum every week or twice a week. Your therapist will instruct you on various self-help techniques that will help you change negative thoughts into positive ones and how to practice positive outcome 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 various tools, such as therapy worksheets, to assist you in identifying your symptoms and triggers. They will help you work through your anxiety in smaller steps, so that the process becomes less daunting. If you are scared of social situations, your therapist might invite you to play with them before moving on to talking to family or friends. CBT also incorporates behavioural tests. It allows you to question your irrational catastrophe predictions by providing evidence to counter them. For example, if fear that something terrible will occur if you leave your home, you could conduct a behavioural experiment by making a prediction before going out, for example "If I go out for dinner, I will get food poisoning." You can then record whether your prediction was accurate or not. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can be used as a substitute for medication for anxiety. Hypnosis helps people relax, alter their perception of their symptoms and alter their behavior. It can also be used to overcome phobias. It is often used to ease anxiety and stress, but it can also assist in decreasing pain. The effects of hypnosis are long-lasting and can be observed after just one session. During a hypnosis session (or when listening to an audio recording), the therapist will guide you into a trance that is similar to being in a dream. In this state of relaxation, you can hear the therapist's suggestions and respond. They may ask you to imagine an environment that is safe and relaxing and then ask you to pay attention to sensory details that gradually become real. This is called a 'deepening state of trance.' This is the point where the therapy will begin 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 can already feel an improvement. This is normal and sometimes it can feel magical. For some, however, it can take a few sessions before they can see any positive changes. This is normal, and it's important to allow therapy time to work. If you are thinking about the use of hypnotherapy, it is best to talk to your doctor first. They will be able to answer any concerns you have about hypnotherapy and help you decide on your options. You'll need to book an appointment in private for hypnotherapy if you are interested in using hypnosis. These sessions can be costly however they are more affordable than other forms of treatment for anxiety. Hypnosis is sometimes used to treat PTSD. This condition occurs after an event that was traumatic, like a car accident, natural disaster, or war. It can cause depression, anxiety and other issues. The symptoms of PTSD include recurring memories, nightmares and increased anxiety or hypervigilance. Hypnotherapy can be a successful way to control PTSD and it is usually used in conjunction with other therapies to get the optimal results. Exercise
Exercise may be the best treatment for anxiety. A vigorous workout session can alleviate anxiety-related symptoms for hours, and a regular schedule of exercise can drastically reduce anxiety symptoms over time. While it is well-documented that regular exercise provides health benefits, very few studies have focused on its effects on anxiety. However, a new study suggests that high intensity exercises are particularly effective for those suffering from anxiety. Researchers involved in the study were led by University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson assigned 223 people who suffer from anxiety to 12 weeks of group exercise that comprised high-intensity or low-intensity exercises. They also provided them with instructions on how to incorporate fitness into their routines. The results were clear that those who were in the high-intensity group showed significant improvement in their anxiety levels than those in the low intensity group. These findings have implications on the use of exercise programs in general practice. Patients with anxiety tend to be more sedentary than those without the condition and an absence of physical activity can contribute to their psychiatric problems. Research shows that those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop anxiety or depression than those who are inactive. It's not a surprise that exercise has a positive effect on mental health: it stimulates the release of positive hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, it can help improve self-esteem and the quality of sleep. However, the benefits of exercise are even greater: studies have shown that it is just as effective as antidepressants for treating anxiety. A recent meta-analysis carried out by Jayakody and colleagues identified eight studies comparing groups who exercised with those who did not. All of these studies found a reduction in anxiety. The researchers limited their analysis to studies involving people with a formal diagnosis of anxiety disorder. This means that more research is needed to determine whether exercise is an option for those with elevated anxiety levels clinically. |
