Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
Everybody experiences anxiety or concerns from time to time. But those suffering from anxiety disorders experience persistent and severe symptoms that impact their everyday lives.
Treatments for anxiety disorders are available in many forms. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most common treatments. It is possible to try different therapies before you can find one that works.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment where a licensed mental health professional or a trained psychologist meet with an individual, a couple or a group of family members. It focuses on helping people recognize the root of their anxiety, what causes it, and how they can modify their behavior. Psychotherapy is available in many forms: cognitive therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy. Most types of therapy have the same aim, which is to reduce suffering.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and can cause people to lose the quality of their lives. They may be characterized by signs such as a an euphoric heartbeat, a breathlessness, general anxiety or jitteriness, and the feeling that danger is near. People with anxiety disorders may also develop avoidant behavior that limit their daily activities and hinder them from interacting with other people.
Most anxiety disorders are highly treatable. The most frequently used treatments are psychotherapy and medication. Depending on the severity and diagnosis of the disorder, there are different psychotherapy techniques. Patients suffering from panic disorder, for example, benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment combines cognitive and behavioral components. NYU Langone therapists use cognitive therapy to help patients identify negative thoughts that trigger panic attacks, and teach them strategies to change these thoughts. Through behavior therapy, therapists encourage patients to participate in situations or activities that can trigger anxiety, like public speaking or in a confined space. This helps them understand that their feared outcomes are unlikely to occur which is referred to as extermination.
In addition to CBT, other psychotherapy methods include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy and family psychotherapy. These kinds of therapy focus on addressing interpersonal issues that can cause anxiety, such as unresolved grief or conflict with family or friends. They also help people cope with changes in their relationships and work, which can cause anxiety for some people.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a newer treatment for anxiety. It helps patients accept the things that are out of their control, while focusing on changing. Combining these skills can help reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for patients.
Medications
Although medication isn't an answer to anxiety disorders, it can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an integral aspect of treatment, and several research-based therapies have been proven effective such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
SSRIs are the medication of choice for treating most anxiety disorders. They work by changing the way the brain responds to stress and other triggers. These medications can cause side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness and fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Some people may need to take more than one antidepressant in order to achieve the desired effects. These are sedatives that instantly reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heartbeat, sweating, and tremors. They are typically employed as short-term remedies for severe anxiety attacks, however, they can be addictive and don't work well if taken for more than four weeks at a time.
Alprazolam and Clonazepam are both sedatives. They can reduce anxiety quickly, but they are not recommended for long-term use because they can build-up in the body. In rare cases the doctor might prescribe a drug called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). These older drugs increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters within the brain to regulate mood and are used to treat anxiety disorders and social phobia. They can interact with other medications, including SSRIs therefore they are usually only prescribed to those who have not responded to other treatments.
Talk therapy can teach you strategies to manage your anxiety symptoms. Therapists can employ a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and art or creative therapy. Exposure therapy is the process of gradually introducing situations that trigger anxiety that you would typically avoid to learn how to handle without triggering an attack. This could include imaginal exposure to live, in-vivo and virtual real-world exposure.
You can control your symptoms if you eat well, get enough sleep, exercise and avoid drinking and taking recreational drugs. Make sure you're getting sufficient minerals and vitamins particularly B vitamins and folic acid. There have been mixed results from studies of herbal remedies and dietary supplementation as potential solutions for anxiety. Herbal remedies aren't subject to the same regulations as prescription drugs, so they could be ineffective or harmful.
Self-help groups or support groups
Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from support groups to manage their symptoms. They are usually free to join and provide a secure space for people to share their experiences and feelings. These groups can also serve as an opportunity for people to learn strategies for coping. These strategies for coping can help individuals feel more at control of their lives. Support groups for anxiety can assist members increase their self-esteem, and also improve their quality of life.
There are a variety of types that are led by trained instructors or peer-driven groups. You must decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle. Some groups have a set schedule and others are accessible anytime. In addition to a meeting in person, some groups are available through audio and video calls. There are also chat rooms where you can talk to other members in real time.
https://k12.instructure.com/eportfolios/675669/Home/The_History_Of_Anxiety_Disorders_Quotes of these groups, SMART Recovery offers support to people suffering from anxiety or other mental health issues. The meetings are held in person and on the internet, so you can attend a session at any time that fits your schedule. The program uses scientifically proven methods to teach coping skills and assist participants become more independent from their anxiety.
Another option is the The Tribe wellness community, which offers peer-to-peer assistance for people with anxiety. The site allows members to share their stories and experiences via online forums and chatrooms. It also has its own blog. The site also provides an application for mobile devices that lets users access support resources anywhere.
In addition to providing emotional assistance, anxiety support groups can assist people in managing their symptoms by teaching them strategies for coping. These coping strategies can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments or on their own. A lot of anxiety support groups offer a range of educational resources, such as podcasts, videos, and webinars. Additionally, some support groups offer specific resources for certain groups such as veterans or People of Color.
Management of stress
Stress management is an important aspect of treating anxiety disorders. Stress management is the process of identifying the causes of anxiety and learning to cope with them, as well taking steps to reduce the sources. This is usually done through psychotherapy and sometimes medication as well.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular psychotherapy that is used to treat anxiety disorders. During CBT, you learn to recognize the patterns of thought that trigger anxiety and work to alter these thoughts. You also practice behaviors that help reduce anxiety, for example, practicing relaxation techniques.
CBT is usually short-term. There will be ups and downs in your progress, but as you keep attending therapy sessions, you're more likely to notice positive changes. Be aware that overcoming anxiety takes time and commitment. You may have to face your fears, which can be uncomfortable at times to find relief.
Medicines are also a crucial element of treatment. Antidepressants are usually effective, particularly the newer agents that have a lower risk of side effects than the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors as well as TCAs. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine, and antianxiety medications such as nefazodone or mirtazapine are among the most effective. In certain instances, benzodiazepines are used to alleviate severe anxiety.
A number of alternative treatments can be helpful in relieving anxiety-related symptoms, including meditation and deep breathing. Exercise can also reduce anxiety. It's also important to eat right and keep a healthy diet. It's important to avoid drinking alcohol and other illicit substances, as they can exacerbate your anxiety.
Other treatments for anxiety disorders include dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches assertiveness and focuses on relationships with other people. Being able to communicate your needs and feelings in a direct honest way can help lower your stress levels and improve self-esteem.
Joining a support group, doing relaxation exercises and using hypnotherapy, are all methods to ease stress. Some health insurance plans provide these services, so be sure to inquire with your insurance provider. Additionally, some consider biofeedback to be beneficial. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.