Why Treating Anxiety Is A Lot More Hazardous Than You Thought
Treating Anxiety The treatment of anxiety usually involves psychological counseling, which includes psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps people recognize the negative thoughts patterns that cause anxiety and distressing feelings. Medicines can ease physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shaking. It is important to communicate with your health care provider to determine the most effective medication and dosage. Medications Anxiety is a natural response to stress. It can also prevent us from sleeping well But there are solutions that can help. The use of medication can reduce anxiety symptoms and make life easier while addressing the underlying causes. Combining medication and therapy can have a bigger impact on your mood and the quality of life. Antidepressants treat anxiety by increasing the amount of chemicals that help you calm down in your brain. The most commonly used kind of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which prevent neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin and boost the amount available, making it easier to feel more relaxed. SSRIs are drugs like Celexa Lexapro Paxil and Zoloft. Other types of antidepressants that may also be used for anxiety include serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are used quickly to reduce anxiety symptoms by stimulating brain receptors and causing an calming effect. They are effective in combating anxiety, but they can be addictive if used for longer than 4 weeks. They also do not work as well over time, and therefore are not recommended for long-term use. Other antianxiety drugs like quetiapine, buspirone and clonidine decrease the amount of the stress hormone cortisol within your body by blocking receptors in your brain. The most frequent adverse result is the feeling of drowsiness. Antidepressants and SSRIs can also lead to nausea, diarrhea, constipation and sexual dysfunction in some individuals. Other antianxiety medicines like phenytoin and melatonin are sedatives which reduce the activity of certain neurons in the brain, which help reduce anxiety. Antihistamines can also be used to treat anxiety, by reducing the itching that is caused by allergies, and allowing you to feel more relaxed. Monoamine oxide inhibitors like tetracycline and moclobemide are also employed to lower anxiety. They are typically prescribed after other treatments fail. Some doctors can prescribe prescription medications off-label that have shown to decrease anxiety during clinical trials, but are not licensed. Psychotherapy Anxiety disorders can sometimes be relieved by psychotherapy, or through talk therapy with an expert in mental health. This may be a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who is specialized in mental illness) or psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker. Therapists can also offer assistance and encouragement in addition to addressing the underlying causes of anxiety. The physical presence of the therapist is important for anxiety sufferers; it activates the parasympathetic nerve and provides a sense of safety to the patient. Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically the best option to treat anxiety. This method helps you develop specific techniques to manage your anxieties and gradually return you back to activities you've avoided due to anxiety. This includes exposure therapy, which you slowly encounter the object or situation that triggers anxiety, so that you learn to tolerate it and overcome your fears. Psychotherapy helps you understand the reasons you feel anxious, and how your imagination may overestimate dangers that don't exist. The therapist will also teach you the anatomy of the body's “fight-or-flight” response, and why it can be triggered by situations that are generally harmless. The therapy is usually done in a series sessions lasting an hour each. Patients are often provided with tasks to complete between sessions. Finding the right therapist for you can be a challenge. You may need to try a few before you discover a therapist you are comfortable with. Self-help techniques can be helpful additions to psychotherapy, for example meditation, relaxation exercises and breathing techniques. You can decrease the effects of anxiety by getting enough rest and exercising regularly, as well as avoiding smoking and caffeine. Humor is a fantastic stress reliever. Try to include more laughter into your life. In the event that you experience an acute anxiety disorder that could compromise your safety or that of others, consult your doctor for emergency anxiolytic treatment, preferably with a benzodiazepine. This treatment is not often required, but it could be very beneficial. They are not an alternative to psychotherapy, however they can help in some cases. Lifestyle changes In addition to psychotherapy and medication in addition, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that can greatly aid people suffering from anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, getting adequate sleep, and using relaxation techniques can help. Regular exercise is an effective way to reduce stress and improve your mood. It has also been proven that it can help reduce anxiety symptoms and self-reported mood. It can be difficult to find an exercise program that is appropriate for you, but even small amounts can be beneficial. Regular, moderate graded exercise has also been proven to be effective in treating depression. It has also been associated with an increased rates of remission from anxiety disorders. While the mechanisms remain unknown, it is believed that exercise alters brain chemical by controlling 5-HT neurotransmitters in the dorsal Raphe Nucleus, and decreasing levels of cortisol. The use of acupuncture, massage therapy, and other CAM treatments has been shown to be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. Evidence is limited and the poor methods are often at fault. While some studies have shown promise but the majority of these modalities do not have the clinical evidence required for doctors to recommend them. The relationship between anxiety and food is complex. In reality, certain foods can actually cause anxiety symptoms. Highly palatable, fatty foods can promote the production in the brain of reactive oxygen species which can cause anxiety-related symptoms. Dietary improvement, specifically the restriction of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, has been proven to help reduce anxiety, however more research is needed, including programs to help with withdrawal from substances and controlled future studies. It has been proven that other dietary supplements such as omega-3 fish oils can reduce anxiety. Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acids supplements may decrease the production of inflammatory molecules and improve the effectiveness of antidepressants in reducing anxiety symptoms. Other dietary changes can ease anxiety, including increasing the quantity and variety of vegetables and fruits, adding more whole grains and avoiding processed foods. Herbal and nutritional supplements Clinical studies have only recently been conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of natural substances that have been used in some parts of the world for centuries to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha, a herb that comes that comes from Indian medicine's Ayurvedic tradition, is particularly effective at controlling anxiety and stress. Amino acid precursors such as l-tryptophan and l-lysine may also reduce anxiety symptoms by influencing neurotransmitters that are involved in the stress response. Many people who suffer from anxiety suffer from a wide range symptoms. The symptoms may range from a brief feeling of nervousness or anxiety before menstrual cycle or surgery or menstrual flow, to more persistent feelings of anxiety and unease that are a sign of more serious anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder (panic disorder) and social phobias. The symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating, and may include headaches, trembling and sweating, muscle tightness and trouble sleeping. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a successful treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT is a form of psychotherapy that teaches patients how to recognize and respond differently to thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. This approach, in combination with medication, can help combat anxiety and reduce the symptoms associated with it, such as fatigue and depression. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce anxiety symptoms. These fatty acids, which are found in fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring, are known for their heart-health benefits but they may also improve brain functioning. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseeds, walnuts and chia seeds. It is important to remember that herbal and dietary products are not controlled by the FDA the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. This means that there is a possibility that some products could be contaminated or produce harmful side effects. Talk to pediatric anxiety treatment if you are considering using herbal or dietary supplements to treat anxiety. They can offer suggestions on possible interactions between the herbs and other medications that you might be taking and dosage guidelines.