Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can destroy a person's life by making them feel depressed and tired. The fear of being anxious can hinder people from engaging with others, which can reinforce their false sense of security and thus creating feelings of isolation.
Treatment for anxiety includes psychotherapy, medication, as well as exercise. Antidepressants are a few options, like SSRIs (citalopram, Escitalopram), and benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam.
Medicines
Anxiety disorders arise as a result of anxiety that lasts for too long or interferes in everyday life. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes psychotherapy and medication. While medications can alleviate the symptoms, they do not solve anxiety disorders. Therefore, they must be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy and other lifestyle adjustments.
The medications that are typically prescribed for anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants address a chemical imbalance within the brain that causes anxiety. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium are sedatives which are effective in stopping the body's reaction to anxiety. They can also be addictive and should not be used long-term.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs aid in reducing the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. They also block receptors that soak up serotonin in the brain, allowing more of the mood-enhancing chemical to circulate and easing the anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, have similar effects to SSRIs and can also be effective in treating anxiety. Pros: SSRIs are readily available, effective for most people, and have a favorable safety profile. Cons: Some patients may have side effects, such as dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.
Propranolol and various other psychiatric medications can also aid in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, but doctors sometimes prescribe them "off-label" to treat anxiety. They help to lessen the effects of stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline that increase blood pressure and heart rate. They can also have negative effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia and sedation.
Changing your diet and getting enough exercise, can reduce anxiety. Meditation and yoga can aid in easing anxiety. There are also other treatments for the mind such as acupuncture and Tai Chi which can help ease anxiety. Speak to your doctor about the treatments that could be most suitable for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a scientifically-based psychotherapy that works in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It works on the principle that feelings, thoughts and physical sensations are interconnected, and that negative patterns can trap you in the cycle of. CBT helps you recognize your negative thoughts patterns and implement strategies to control them. It also teaches you to control your reactions to anxiety-provoking situations and develop coping strategies.
In the first session a therapist usually performs an assessment. This may involve completing questionnaires, interviewing you or providing written materials. This will allow them to comprehend your specific disorder, pinpoint distressing symptoms and determine if your current treatment options are effective. The assessment can also determine if you're able to establish a an therapeutic relationship.
CBT is usually short-term and can last for 20 or fewer sessions. During these sessions, you will see your therapist at least every week or two weeks. Your therapist will guide you through various self-help techniques, such as how to reframe negative thinking and practice positive outcomes. They will also teach you coping strategies such as how to calm your mind and relax your body.
Your therapist might offer you tools, such as therapy worksheets, which will help you track the symptoms and triggers. They will assist you in working through your anxiety in small steps and make the process is less intimidating. For example, if you are worried about social interactions, they might start by having you role play with your therapist and then proceed to talk to family members or friends.
Another benefit of CBT are behavioural experiments. It allows you to question your irrational catastrophe predictions by providing evidence against them. For instance, if you are worried that something catastrophic will occur if you leave the house, you might do an experiment in your behavioural style by predicting a scenario prior to going out, such as "If I go out for dinner, I will be sick with food poisoning." You can then track whether your prediction was accurate or false.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy can be used as an alternative to medication for anxiety. It utilizes hypnosis to assist people to change their perceptions of their symptoms, modify their behavior and relax. It can be used to help overcome phobias. It is often used to reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also help in reducing pain. The effects of hypnosis can last for a long time and the benefits can be felt after just one session.
During a hypnosis session (or when listening to a recording) the therapist will guide you into a trance state which is similar to being in a dream. In this relaxed state you are able to hear and respond to suggestions made by the therapist. They might ask you to imagine a safe and peaceful place, and then they will advise you to pay attention to sensory details as they gradually become more real. This is called a 'deepening state of trance.' This is the point where you begin to notice a change in the symptoms.
Many people notice a shift immediately. After hypnotherapy sessions it is possible to feel the shift in their body as soon as they leave the room or open their eyes. This is normal and it can also feel mystical. However, for some, it can take some sessions before they see any positive changes. This is normal and it is essential to allow the therapy time to get it working.
Always consult with your doctor before undergoing treatment with hypnotherapy. They can answer any questions you have regarding hypnotherapy, and help you decide on your options. Hypnosis is not available on the NHS so you will need to book an appointment with a licensed therapist. The sessions are costly, but they are more cost-effective than other forms treatment for anxiety.
Hypnosis is often used to treat PTSD. This condition occurs after an event that was traumatic, like a car crash, natural disaster, or even war. It can cause anxiety, depression, and other problems. The signs of PTSD include recurring memories, night terrors, and increased anxiety. Hypnotherapy can be an effective method to manage PTSD and is often combined with other talking therapies for optimal results.
Exercise
Anxiety is a major issue for people who are looking to live active lifestyles however the positive side is that exercise may offer some of the most effective alternatives to treat the condition. Exercise can ease anxiety symptoms for a long time. A regular schedule of physical exercise can help reduce anxiety.
Although it is well-documented that regular exercise can provide health benefits, very few studies have specifically examined the effects it has on anxiety. A new study suggests that high intensity exercise is particularly effective in treating anxiety.
Researchers in the study, under the direction of University of Gothenburg psychologist Henriksson assigned 223 people with anxiety issues to 12 weeks of group exercise that comprised high-intensity or low-intensity exercises. They also gave them instructions on how to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. The results were evident. Participants in the high intensity groups showed a significant improvement in anxiety levels compared to those who exercised in low intensity.
These findings have implications for the use of exercise programmes in general practice. Patients suffering from anxiety tend to be more sedentary compared to those without the condition, and an absence of physical activity could contribute to their psychiatric problems. Research suggests that those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop anxiety disorders or depression than those who are sitting down.
It's not surprising that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health. It stimulates the release of hormones that make you feel good like serotonin and dopamine. Furthermore, overcoming anxiety can help boost self-esteem and improve sleep quality. However, the benefits of physical activity is even more than that: a number of studies have found that it can be just as effective as antidepressants when it comes to treating anxiety.
A recent meta-analysis carried out by Jayakody and colleagues identified eight trials comparing groups that exercised to those that did not exercise. All of these studies showed a decrease in anxiety. However, the researchers restricted their analyses to trials which included participants who had a formally diagnosed anxiety disorder. This means that more research is needed to determine if exercise is a viable option for those with clinically raised anxiety levels.