15 Anxiety Disorders Bloggers You Should Follow
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions, so your doctor will begin by performing a physical examination and asking about your symptoms. There aren't any lab tests that can identify anxiety disorders, but your doctor might run some tests to rule out possible causes.
Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It includes cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response prevent, as well complementary techniques like mindfulness and stress management.
Diagnosis
If you think you have an anxiety disorder, speak to a health care professional. They'll want to know your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may ask for the family history of mental health problems or other health conditions. You may also need undergo a series of tests, including physical tests and medical tests to rule out other reasons for your symptoms, for instance a heart problem or thyroid disease.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by a high level of anxiety and fear that hinders daily activities. These symptoms aren't normal and don't go away on their own. The good news is that treatment options are available.
A licensed clinical professional is able to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders by conducting a mental assessment which is also known as a psychological evaluation. They will employ the standard tests and their judgment to determine if you have an anxiety issue. They may suggest a mix of treatments, including psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") and medications.
Psychotherapy can help you learn new ways of thinking and behavior to lessen the symptoms. It can also help you to recognize your own triggers and create a plan to deal with them. Some of your symptoms may be alleviated with medication like beta-blockers and anti-anxiety medications used to treat heart ailments.
If your symptoms are severe it is best not to wait to seek treatment. It's harder to treat an anxiety disorder when you delay. You should start treatment right as soon as you realize you are suffering from anxiety particularly if it is negatively impacting your school, work or relationships.
Anxiety disorders are most often diagnosed by primary care physicians or an expert in mental health. During a mental health evaluation they will be looking for specific symptoms of anxiety like anxiety, feeling tense or fatigued easily and difficulty concentrating, as well as muscle tension. They will ask you about your anxieties and how intense they are. They will also ask you to respond to questions from a questionnaire on anxiety. They may also perform tests for the laboratory like blood or urinary tests to rule out other health issues.
Treatment
If you're concerned about anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and conduct tests to determine whether your symptoms are linked to a medical condition. If they're not, he or she will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health specialist.
Therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Different therapeutic techniques have evolved in the past, ranging from psychoanalytic methods to the most recent cognitive behavioral therapies. Based on your needs the therapy can be carried out by itself or in conjunction with medications.
Medicines can ease the symptoms of some anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and diazepam are used to treat panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Antidepressants like fluoxetine, citalopram and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also aid those suffering from anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or clomipramine are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders.
Many people are unable to locate an acupuncturist who will prescribe medication to treat their anxiety. But, these medicines are safe and will significantly improve your living when used properly. You'll need to work closely with your provider to find the right medicine for you and avoid adverse side effects.
Your doctor will guide you on methods to reduce your anxiety and encourage healthy living. A healthy diet and exercise can help release brain chemicals that reduce anxiety. Sleeping enough and learning relaxation techniques can help. You might benefit from joining a support group, either in person or via the internet.
Some people may benefit from other treatments, including massage and acupuncture. These methods can be beneficial for people with GAD or PTSD.
Certain people with anxiety issues could be at increased risk for certain health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. Other risk factors include being shy when a child, having traumatizing events, or a family history of depression or anxiety. The use of illegal or alcoholic substances can also increase the risk of anxiety and may interfere with medication.
Prevention
Although the reason for anxiety disorders remains unknown there are certain factors that can increase the risk. Some of these include having blood relatives who suffer from anxiety disorders, having mental conditions such as depression, experiencing a stressful event in life such as separation or job loss or death, abuse of substances and exposure to violence or war. Getting help early is important as the symptoms may become worse if untreated.
If you suspect that you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you should consult your physician for an examination and medical history. They may order lab testing to rule out other ailments such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease. If they cannot find a medical reason for your symptoms, they may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist.
You should then consult with your physician to devise a plan for treatment. This could include medication, psychotherapy, or a diet plan. The use of medication can ease your symptoms and enhance the quality of your life. Some people may benefit from joining a support group to discuss their challenges and successes with others, but this isn't an alternative to treatment.
Recognizing the symptoms and signs of anxiety disorder s can assist you to take preventive measures. Keep the track of your symptoms and observe patterns. For example, if your concerns over money or family members trigger your anxiety, you might consider working with financial counselors. Journaling or keeping a mental diary, is another effective method of identifying and managing your emotions.
It is also recommended to reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine because they can cause anxiety. Try meditation or other stress-reducing methods, like meditation or yoga. It is important to get regular exercise as it will boost your mood and help you relax.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways. Some of these symptoms can be difficult to identify. They can include feelings of restlessness or nervousness, muscle tension as well as problems with concentration or sleeping, a rapid heartbeat or sweaty hands. People suffering from anxiety disorder worry a lot about everyday issues, such as work and family. They may also worry about specific things like an accident or a speech.
Contacting a healthcare professional is the first step towards seeking assistance. The provider will ask you about your symptoms, and the length of time they've been present. They will also perform a physical examination and check your overall health. They may order scans or lab tests but they won't usually help diagnose anxiety disorder. The provider will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is published by the American Psychiatric Association, to help them decide on the best diagnosis.
Treatments for anxiety disorders can be effective in a variety of ways. Psychotherapy and medication are the most important treatments. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change your thoughts and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. It can also teach strategies to manage stress, and improve your mood. The use of medicines can ease symptoms of anxiety disorder like shaking and a fast heartbeat. They could be antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram Lexapro, escitalopram, and fluoxetine) or SNRIs (duloxetine, Cymbalta and venlafaxine), or other types of medications specifically designed to combat anxiety. You might need to try more than one type of medication before you discover the one that works best for you.
When anxiety disorders are identified, your doctor will check for these and other medical issues. Your doctor will examine for these and other medical issues when they determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. You can lower your chances of suffering from anxiety disorders by eating a nutritious diet, getting enough rest and employing stress management techniques. Walking or exercising regularly can help those suffering from anxiety disorders feel better as they release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Joining a support group or taking part in self-help exercises can enable you to connect to others and share your thoughts.