How to Manage Anxiety
Whether it’s social anxiety, phobias, separation anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder, there are many ways to manage anxiety. It’s important to find the right treatment for your particular anxiety condition.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can make life very difficult. It is a condition where someone worries too much about their health, money, family, and other important things. Symptoms of GAD include restlessness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and trouble concentrating. It is also common for people with GAD to experience physical symptoms, such as headaches and muscle tension.
The most effective treatments for GAD are medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients how to recognize and change their negative thoughts. It also teaches them how to relax.
If you think you may have GAD, talk to your doctor about it. He or she can perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms. Your doctor may also ask you to complete special questionnaires to help clarify the diagnosis.
Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health specialist. A mental health provider can use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to make a diagnosis. The provider will also ask about your family history and social history.
Separation anxiety disorder
Those suffering from separation Anxiety disorder feel extreme dread when they are separated from a close friend or family member. This fear may be out of proportion to the situation. The fear may also result in a number of physical symptoms.
Separation anxiety is often associated with panic attacks. These episodes are usually repeated, causing severe anxiety. This condition can also affect an adult’s ability to perform daily activities, such as working or attending school.
Separation anxiety may be treated by medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be used to treat the disorder. However, these medications should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods. The doctor will select the right medication for your child.
Other treatments include parent and child therapy. This can help your child learn to understand his fears. It may also help to improve your child’s physical and emotional health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good way to teach your child how to cope with separation anxiety. It involves learning to recognize anxiety triggers, and teaching your child how to manage them.
Phobias
Approximately 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. Phobias are a type of anxiety. They are defined as a persistent fear or excessive anxiety about an object, situation or idea.
The symptoms of phobias include excessive fears, hostility, aversion or discrimination. The symptoms may also be accompanied by physical signs. If your child has phobias, you should see a doctor. A doctor can provide therapy and medications that may help.
The DSM-V, the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, defines a phobia as a “persistent or excessive fear of an object or situation that is not justified by a real threat to health or safety.” The condition may also be linked to certain triggers. Most children will experience a noticeable improvement after treatment.
The treatment of phobias may include inpatient, outpatient or community-based treatment. Most treatment plans will include a combination of medication and psychological therapy. Benzodiazepines, for example, have been shown to be effective in treating certain symptoms. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment options
Medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle approaches are some of the treatment options for anxiety. Each has their own pros and cons, but the overall goal is to help you feel less anxious.
Some medications are prescribed alone, while others are used in combination with therapy. Before taking any medication, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. The treatment options for anxiety vary widely, but most are safe and effective.
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for anxiety. These medications can help increase the levels of serotonin and other brain chemicals that control your mood. Benzodiazepines, which are often called “beta blockers,” are also prescribed for anxiety. They can help calm your mind, but they have a risk of dependency.
Antidepressants are also commonly used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy helps the patient identify triggers and develop coping skills to help them cope with anxiety. It is important to stick with the treatment plan, as many patients relapse after stopping medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that targets the mind. It involves changing negative thoughts to positive ones.
