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Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety or worries from time to time. People with anxiety disorders experience chronic and severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most commonly used treatments. It is possible to try several different treatments before you can find one that works.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that involves meeting with a trained psychologist or licensed mental health professional for one-on-one or couple, family or group sessions. It is focused on helping patients understand the origins of their anxiety, what triggers it, and how they can alter their behavior. Psychotherapy can take a variety of forms, ranging from cognitive therapy to interpersonal psychotherapy to dialectical therapy. Most types of therapy have the same objective which is to lessen suffering.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and can rob people of the quality of their lives. They are characterized by symptoms like a pounding heartbeat or a shallow breathing, a general feeling of anxiety or jitteriness, and a sense of imminent danger. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders may also develop avoidant behavior that hinders their daily activities and blocks them from interacting.
Psychotherapy and medication are the most common treatments for anxiety disorders. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the disorder, different psychotherapy techniques are utilized. For instance, patients suffering from panic disorder can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment blends the behavioral and cognitive aspects of treatment. NYU Langone therapists use cognitive therapy to help patients identify negative thoughts that trigger panic attacks, and to teach them strategies to change these thoughts. Through generalized anxiety disorder of behavior therapy, therapists guide patients to take part in activities or situations that can trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or in an enclosed space. This helps them understand that the outcome they are imagining is unlikely to happen, a process called extermination.
Other psychotherapy techniques like psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy, are also available. These types of therapy focus on solving interpersonal issues that may cause anxiety, such as unresolved conflicts with family or friends. They can assist patients in dealing with changes in their relationships and work that can trigger anxiety in certain people.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a newer treatment for anxiety. It helps patients learn to accept things they can't control, while still working toward a change. The combination of these skills can help decrease anxiety and improve the quality of life.
Medicines
While medication does not solve anxiety disorders but it can be a great option to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an integral part of treatment, and a variety of research-based treatments have successful, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as interpersonal therapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
SSRIs change the way the brain reacts to stress or other triggers. These medications can cause negative side effects like nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Some people may require more than one antidepressant to achieve the desired effect. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that can help reduce anxiety-related symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeats and tremors. They are most often used for short-term treatment in the event of severe anxiety attacks however, they can be addictive and do not work well if taken for more than four weeks at the same time.
Alprazolam and Clonazepam are both sedatives. They can be used to reduce anxiety quickly however they cannot act as long-term solutions because they can build up in the body and eventually become habit-forming. In rare instances, your doctor may prescribe a class of drugs known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). These older medications are used to combat panic and social phobia disorder by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can interact with some medications, including SSRIs therefore they are typically prescribed for people who have not responded to other treatments.
Talk therapy can help you learn coping skills to deal with anxiety symptoms. Therapists can employ a variety of methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapy and art or creative therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to anxiety-inducing situations that you normally avoid in order to understand how to manage without an attack. This can include imaginal or simulated exposure to in-vivo, in-vivo exposure, as well as virtual exposure to reality.
You can help control your symptoms by eating healthy taking enough rest, waking up early and exercise, and staying away from drinking and taking recreational drugs. Make sure you're getting sufficient minerals and vitamins including folic acid and B vitamins. There are mixed results from studies on herbal remedies and diet supplements as possible treatment options for anxiety. Herbal products do not have the same rules as prescription medications and could be harmful or uneffective.
Self-help groups or support groups
Many people suffering from anxiety disorders benefit from support groups to manage their symptoms. These groups are typically free to join and offer an appropriate space for individuals to share their thoughts and experiences with other members. They can also provide a space for people to learn new coping strategies. These strategies for coping can help individuals feel more at control of their lives. Support groups for anxiety can help members increase their self-esteem, and also improve their quality of life.
There are many different types, including those led either by instructors who are trained or by peer-driven groups. You should decide which group is best suited to your needs and lifestyle. Certain groups have a predetermined schedule and others are available anytime. In addition to a meeting in person, some groups are available through audio and video calls. A lot of groups have chat rooms and discussion forums where you can interact with other members in real-time.
One of the groups, SMART Recovery offers support for those suffering from anxiety or other mental health issues. Meetings are offered in person and online. You can attend at any time that fits your schedule. The program uses scientifically-proven methods to teach coping skills and help participants overcome their fears.
The Tribe wellness community offers peer-to-peer assistance for people suffering from anxiety. The site allows members to share their stories and experiences via chat rooms and forums online. It also has a dedicated blog. In addition, the site has a mobile app that enables users to access their support resources from anywhere.
Anxiety support groups, in addition to offering emotional support, can assist sufferers manage their symptoms by teaching coping techniques. These techniques for coping can be utilized on their own or in conjunction with other treatments. Many anxiety support groups offer educational resources, such as videos, podcasts and webinars. Some support groups also provide services for specific groups like veterans and people of people of color.
Management of stress
Stress management is an important aspect of treating anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and learning how to cope with the stress-related causes, and then taking steps to alleviate those sources of stress. This is typically accomplished by psychotherapy, and occasionally medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders. During CBT you will learn to identify the patterns that lead to anxiety and then work on changing the patterns. You can also learn how to decrease anxiety, like relaxation techniques.
CBT is usually short term. There will be some ups and downs in your progress, but if you keep attending therapy sessions, you're more likely to notice positive changes. Remember that overcoming anxiety requires time and commitment. You may need to face your fears, which can be uncomfortable at times, to gain relief.
Medicines are also a crucial part of treatment. Antidepressants are often effective, particularly the newer agents with a lower chance of side effects than older TCAs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine, as well as antianxiety medications such as nefazodone or mirtazapine are among the most effective. In some cases the use of benzodiazepines is to reduce anxiety that is severe.
Meditation and deep breathing are two other solutions that can ease anxiety symptoms. Exercise can also help reduce anxiety, and it's crucial to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid drinking alcohol and other illicit substances because they can cause anxiety.
Other treatments for anxiety disorders include dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches assertiveness and focuses on relationships with others. Communicating your feelings and needs directly and honestly can reduce stress and improve your self-esteem.
Other ways to reduce stress could include joining a support group, learning relaxation techniques or using the hypnotherapy method. Certain health insurance plans will cover these services, so be sure to inquire with your insurance provider. Biofeedback is also beneficial for some individuals. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.