5 Common Myths About Anxiety Disorder You Should Avoid

Dealing With Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety that is chronic and disrupts everyday life isn't normal. Doctors can prescribe talk therapy and medication to ease anxiety.

Therapy usually consists of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. There are many other medications that treat anxiety, such as antidepressants.

Treatment

Feeling anxious or fearful on occasion is a normal reaction to stress. However, anxiety disorders can cause an overt and constant feeling of fear or worry, often out of proportion to the circumstances. They can also interfere with the daily activities of a person and relationships. Some of the symptoms can be alleviated with medication. To fully recover, patients need to learn better methods of managing and dealing with their anxiety.

A psychiatrist (a medical specialist in mental health) or psychologist, a social worker or counselor may be able to help those suffering from anxiety disorders . Health care providers will ask about medical history and symptoms and may conduct physical examinations. They can also request tests for the laboratory to rule out other illnesses that could be causing symptoms.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy and medication are two treatments for anxiety disorders. The kind of therapy and the duration of treatment will be determined by the particular disorder and its severity, as well as how long a person has been suffering from it. The most commonly used kind of therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. This approach assists people in identifying negative thoughts and patterns of thought and then change them. It can also teach people to employ relaxation techniques and exposure responses to lessen anxiety.

Another type of talk therapy to treat anxiety is called interpersonal therapy, also known as IPT. This approach is useful for those suffering from anxiety related to their relationships, including social anxiety disorder and fears. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help people discover healthy ways of expressing emotions and improve communication with other people.

Antidepressants, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines are all effective in helping with anxiety symptoms. A health care provider will prescribe the most effective medication for a person's condition, and also discuss the potential side effects. Patients shouldn't stop taking prescribed medication unless they are instructed to take them off by their doctor. In some instances, abrupt cessation of certain medications can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as brain zaps, which can feel like shocks.

Yoga, meditation, stress reduction, and good sleep habits are all alternative treatments for anxiety. People with anxiety may benefit by joining a support group for people with the same condition that can provide empathy, understanding and shared experiences. Avoiding caffeine and other substances can also cause anxiety-related symptoms to become worse. Finally, it is important to get enough rest and eat healthy and balanced meals. Getting regular exercise and spending time with friends can also help to reduce stress.

Symptoms

People may feel anxious from time to time like when they're beginning a new job or taking a test. If anxiety isn't going away and becomes a problem in daily life it's a sign assistance is required. Anxiety disorders include anxiety and panic that are out of proportion to the actual threat, are hard to control and last for a long period of time. Anxiety disorder can cause people to avoid situations or places that trigger their symptoms.

Anxiety disorders sufferers often use medication and attend therapy or counseling. The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT trains people to identify and alter the behavior and thoughts that trigger their symptoms.

Other medications can also ease anxiety symptoms. Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) can, for example, reduce the rapid heartbeats and other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for depression, but can also aid in anxiety. Examples include SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) and SNRIs, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). These benzodiazepines may be beneficial for some people with anxiety. However, they can cause serious side effects and are addictive. Examples include diazepam and clonazepam.

Education is also crucial for promoting recovery. For instance, understanding the physiology behind the "flight-or-fight" response that is normal and helps us deal with real or perceived threats, can help to dispel myths that may be fueling anxiety. It's also helpful to realize that some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease can cause anxiety symptoms. Patients with these conditions should undergo a thorough physical exam to rule out any problems.

A healthy diet, getting enough rest and staying active can all help reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding drinking alcohol or street drugs that are recreational can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. It's also best not to smoke, because smoking can cause them to worsen. Talking with family and friends in person, as well as online, can be helpful.

Diagnosis

Everybody feels anxiety and fear from time to time. These are normal human emotions that help us deal with danger. When these feelings become intense, and prevent people from living their lives and living life to the fullest, it's the time to seek professional help. A doctor or mental healthcare professional can determine if you are suffering from anxiety disorders and suggest treatment.

In order to diagnose anxiety disorders, a medical doctor will conduct an exam of your body and ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor will be looking for information on when the anxiety symptoms started and how long they've been in existence and how severe they have become. A doctor will also want to know whether the symptoms have interfered with your daily activities. Many mental health issues like depression or post-traumatic disorders, are associated with anxiety disorders. A doctor may inquire about any other psychological problems you've had to deal with.

There is no one test that can diagnose an anxiety disorder. However, a medical professional can rule out any other cause of your symptoms by performing tests for urine or blood and asking about your family history. Mental health professionals can also use questionnaires and standardized tests to evaluate your anxiety and make a diagnosis.

The majority of people with anxiety issues benefit from a combination treatment that incorporates psychotherapy, or "talk therapy", and medication. Talk therapy is a type of treatment known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to think and react, so you feel less stressed. Antianxiety medications, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants can all be effective in reducing your symptoms.

The signs of anxiety include a constant feeling anxiety, tension in the muscles and trouble in concentrating. Certain people might also experience symptoms such as breathlessness, trembling, and dizziness. Someone with anxiety disorders may avoid activities or situations that cause anxiety. This kind of avoidance is annoying and can lead to issues such as poor performance at work or relationships.

Children's anxiety is normal, but they typically get over it as they get older. People who have anxiety symptoms as adults are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders can be treated but you must be patient and willing to seek assistance. It takes time to find the right combination of treatments that be effective for you. However, the result is a healthy and happy life. Getting treatment early is key, because anxiety can get worse in time if not addressed. With the right care and treatment, you will be able to overcome this condition. Visit our Anxiety Resource page for more information on finding the right treatment.