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Treatment of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety can affect the quality of life of an individual because it makes them feel overwhelmed exhausted, depressed, and stressed. The fear of being anxious can make people unable to engaging, causing a false sense that they are in danger and creating a sense of loneliness. Exercise as well as psychotherapy and medication are all a part of the treatment of anxiety. Medications include antidepressants such as SSRIs, citalopram and Escitalopram (citalopram and escitalopram), as well as benzodiazepines such as lorazepam or diazepam. Medications Most people feel anxious at times, but when that feeling lasts for a long period of time or is a hindrance to daily activities, it is a sign of an anxiety disorder. Treatment of anxiety disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy. While medications can alleviate symptoms, they do not treat anxiety disorders. They should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to combat anxiety. Antidepressants can correct a imbalance of chemicals in the brain that cause anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are sedatives that are effective in stopping the body's response to anxiety. They are also addictive, and therefore not recommended for long-term. SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help reduce the levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone, in the body. They also block receptors that soak up serotonin in the brain, permitting 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 effective for the majority of people and have a good safety profile. Cons: Some patients may experience side effects like dry mouth dizziness, dry mouth and drowsiness. Propranolol and various other psychiatric medications can also alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and heart issues. However, doctors can prescribe them "off label" to treat anxiety. They work to reduce the effects of stress hormones within the body, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline. These hormones raise your blood pressure and heart rate. They can also trigger 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 lessen anxiety by changing your diet and working out regularly. Meditation and yoga can aid in relieving anxiety. Additionally there are many mind-body therapies that can help ease anxiety, such as acupuncture and tai chi. Talk to your doctor about what options are right for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is effective in treating anxiety disorders. It is based on the notion that feelings, thoughts physical sensations, and thoughts have a common connection, and that negative patterns may trap you in a vicious loop. CBT helps you recognize the negative patterns of your mind and to implement strategies to control them. It also helps you control your reactions to anxiety-provoking situations and to develop strategies for coping. In https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment in the first session, a therapist will usually conduct an assessment. This could involve filling out questionnaires, interviewing you or supplying written materials. This will help them determine the cause of your disorder and pinpoint the distressing symptoms. It will also determine whether your current treatment options are effective. The test will also determine if you are able to have a an therapeutic relationship. CBT usually lasts 20 sessions or less. During these sessions, will see your therapist at least every week or twice a week. Your therapist will instruct you on various self-help techniques, such as how to change your perspective on unhelpful thinking and practice positive outcomes. They will also help you develop coping skills like how to relax your body and relax your mind. Your therapist may offer you tools, like therapy worksheets that aid in tracking the triggers and symptoms. They can help you manage your anxiety in small steps that are manageable and so that it doesn't appear like a daunting task. If you are scared of social situations, your therapist might have you role-play with them, and then move on to talking to your family or friends. Another aspect of CBT is behavioural tests. It allows you to question your irrational catastrophe predictions by proving them. If you're worried that something terrible will happen to you if you leave your home you can conduct an assessment of your behavioural habits by making a prediction. For instance, "If I go for dinner, I'll contract food poisoning." Then, you'll be able to record whether or not the prediction was correct. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can be a viable alternative to medication for anxiety. Hypnosis can help people relax, change their perception of their symptoms, and modify their behavior. It can be used to help overcome phobias. It can be used to decrease anxiety and stress and can help with pain. The effects of hypnosis are long-lasting and can be observed after just one session. During a hypnosis session (or when listening to recordings) the therapist will lead you into a trance that feels a bit like being in a dream. In this state of trance you are able to hear and respond to suggestions made by the therapist. They may ask you imagine a safe and comfortable space, and then tell you to pay close attention to sensory details that slowly become real. This is referred to as a "deepening trance". This is when the therapy will begin to work and you'll begin to notice a change in your symptoms. Many people find that they notice a change straight away. They may leave the room or open their eyes following the hypnotherapy session, and they notice shifts. This is normal, and can sometimes feel magical. For some however, it could require several sessions before they can notice any positive changes. This is normal, and it's important to give therapy time to be effective. You should always consult your physician prior to undergoing the hypnotherapy method. They will be able to discuss your options and answer any questions that you might have regarding hypnotherapy for anxiety. You'll need to book an appointment in private if you want to use the hypnotic method. The sessions are costly but they are also more cost-effective than other types of treatment for anxiety. In certain instances, hypnosis can be used to treat PTSD. This condition is caused by trauma like a car crash or natural disaster or war. It can trigger anxiety, depression and other issues. The symptoms of PTSD include recurring memories, nightmares and increased anxiety or hypervigilance. Hypnotherapy is a successful treatment for PTSD and is usually combined with other talking therapy to achieve the best results. Exercise
While it is well-documented that regular exercise provides health benefits, very few studies have examined its effects on anxiety. However, a new study suggests that intense exercises are particularly effective for those suffering from anxiety. The researchers involved in the study, led by University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson The study assigned 223 people suffering from anxiety to a 12-week group exercise program that included either low or high intensity workouts. They also gave them instructions on how to integrate exercise into their daily life. The results were clear. Those in the high-intensity groups had a significant decrease in their anxiety levels when compared to those in low intensity. These findings have implications on the use of exercise programs in general practice. Patients with anxiety tend to be more sedentary than people who do not suffer from the condition. This could be a contributing factor to their mental health problems. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder than those who are inactive. Exercise has a positive impact on mental well-being. It stimulates the release feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and others. It can also improve sleep and boost self-esteem. But the benefit of physical exercise is greater than that. A variety of studies have shown that it is as effective as antidepressants for treating anxiety. A recent meta-analysis conducted by Jayakody et al identified eight studies which compared groups who exercised with those who didn't exercise. These studies all reported an improvement in anxiety levels. However, the researchers limited their analyses to trials that involved participants with an anxiety disorder that was officially diagnosed. This means that more research is needed to determine if exercise is an option for people who have elevated levels of anxiety. |
