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Showing posts with label Anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anxiety. Show all posts
Practical Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Cathryn Harper)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a recognized and common condition. With the levels of stress that most of us face every day, it is no wonder that this disorder could easily develop. It is good to know that it is a medical condition that can be practically treated with medications and/ or psychotherapy. The primary symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are tension, inability to relax and persistent worrying over matters that don't call for any extreme concern. Any person with GAD will find it difficult to control the symptoms. It is as if there is a roller coaster of anxiety running through the mind at all times and it will not stop unless the person experiencing these symptoms can find quiet isolation. Other symptoms that accompany this disorder are difficulty concentration, being easily startled, chronic irritability which could lead to drug seeking behavior, general restlessness and insomnia (Hoffman SG, 2008).
In the interim, drugs known as benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief until the SSRI begins to work and the cognitive therapy starts to show results. These drugs are immediately effective within less than an hour. Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax) are some of the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. These are the most effective medications for anxiety disorders, but they are highly addictive, so doctors usually prescribe a small amount until other treatments begin to help.
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The most practical approach to treating GAD is a combination of cognitive therapy and medication. Cognitive therapy is a way or re-training the brain to react to certain stimuli in a healthy manner. For example, if the sound of a dog barking induces a panic attack, the therapist would work with someone to discover what triggers this reaction. These triggers set off a chemical cascade in the brain that induces anxiety. By discovering the thoughts that cause the anxious reaction, the cognitive therapist is then able to help re-route the thinking process to eliminate the sensation of anxiety and panic. Often, by the time a person has reached the doctor's office for this problem, it is necessary to use medication to alleviate the symptoms and protect the body from the dangers of chronic stress.
Currently, the primary pharmacological treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a class of drugs called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors). These medications have been proven to be the best treatment for GAD. They increase the levels of a neurotransmitter (a chemical that facilitates a specific electrical impulse in the brain) called serotonin. When there is enough serotonin in our brains, we feel content, confident, trusting and safe. When serotonin is deficient, we feel scared, worried, shy and insecure (Pollack MH, 2008 ). SSRIs have been proven effective in countless studies. These include medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa), among many others. When someone has remained on one of these medications for 6-8 months, they may be taken off of the medication to determine if it is still needed. The only drawback to SSRIs is the time it takes for them to demonstrate any benefit. This could take 4-6weeks before any results are perceived.
In the interim, drugs known as benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief until the SSRI begins to work and the cognitive therapy starts to show results. These drugs are immediately effective within less than an hour. Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax) are some of the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. These are the most effective medications for anxiety disorders, but they are highly addictive, so doctors usually prescribe a small amount until other treatments begin to help.
All of this is good news. Psychiatrists around the world have a plan to treat GAD. You don't have to live with this problem or be afraid of treatments.
Hoffman SG, S. J. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , 69;621-632 [Pub Med].
Pollack MH, K. G. (2008 ). The Pharmacology of Anxiety Disorders. Massachusets General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry , Chapter 41.
Cathryn is a working mother of three. A self-professed health and fitness nut, Cathryn loves to research and write about health and wellness related topics. For more professional information please visit at http://www.cathrynharperpress.com/Practical Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Cathryn Harper)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a recognized and common condition. With the levels of stress that most of us face every day, it is no wonder that this disorder could easily develop. It is good to know that it is a medical condition that can be practically treated with medications and/ or psychotherapy. The primary symptoms associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are tension, inability to relax and persistent worrying over matters that don't call for any extreme concern. Any person with GAD will find it difficult to control the symptoms. It is as if there is a roller coaster of anxiety running through the mind at all times and it will not stop unless the person experiencing these symptoms can find quiet isolation. Other symptoms that accompany this disorder are difficulty concentration, being easily startled, chronic irritability which could lead to drug seeking behavior, general restlessness and insomnia (Hoffman SG, 2008).
In the interim, drugs known as benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief until the SSRI begins to work and the cognitive therapy starts to show results. These drugs are immediately effective within less than an hour. Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax) are some of the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. These are the most effective medications for anxiety disorders, but they are highly addictive, so doctors usually prescribe a small amount until other treatments begin to help.
reade more...
The most practical approach to treating GAD is a combination of cognitive therapy and medication. Cognitive therapy is a way or re-training the brain to react to certain stimuli in a healthy manner. For example, if the sound of a dog barking induces a panic attack, the therapist would work with someone to discover what triggers this reaction. These triggers set off a chemical cascade in the brain that induces anxiety. By discovering the thoughts that cause the anxious reaction, the cognitive therapist is then able to help re-route the thinking process to eliminate the sensation of anxiety and panic. Often, by the time a person has reached the doctor's office for this problem, it is necessary to use medication to alleviate the symptoms and protect the body from the dangers of chronic stress.
Currently, the primary pharmacological treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a class of drugs called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors). These medications have been proven to be the best treatment for GAD. They increase the levels of a neurotransmitter (a chemical that facilitates a specific electrical impulse in the brain) called serotonin. When there is enough serotonin in our brains, we feel content, confident, trusting and safe. When serotonin is deficient, we feel scared, worried, shy and insecure (Pollack MH, 2008 ). SSRIs have been proven effective in countless studies. These include medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa), among many others. When someone has remained on one of these medications for 6-8 months, they may be taken off of the medication to determine if it is still needed. The only drawback to SSRIs is the time it takes for them to demonstrate any benefit. This could take 4-6weeks before any results are perceived.
In the interim, drugs known as benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief until the SSRI begins to work and the cognitive therapy starts to show results. These drugs are immediately effective within less than an hour. Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam (Serax) are some of the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. These are the most effective medications for anxiety disorders, but they are highly addictive, so doctors usually prescribe a small amount until other treatments begin to help.
All of this is good news. Psychiatrists around the world have a plan to treat GAD. You don't have to live with this problem or be afraid of treatments.
Hoffman SG, S. J. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry , 69;621-632 [Pub Med].
Pollack MH, K. G. (2008 ). The Pharmacology of Anxiety Disorders. Massachusets General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry , Chapter 41.
Cathryn is a working mother of three. A self-professed health and fitness nut, Cathryn loves to research and write about health and wellness related topics. For more professional information please visit at http://www.cathrynharperpress.com/How To Cope and Cure Anxiety and Depression (Leslie Gibbon)
Feeling anxiety or sadness is a normal part of life and many of us are going to have these emotions regularly throughout our lifetime. There is a difference, however, between the sadness that is felt over a particular event and what would be considered clinical depression. The same is also true of anxiety, and although it can be a beneficial part of our lives if it is felt appropriately, there are also many anxiety disorders that are going to cause problems for us as individuals. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that almost 7% of the adult population in the United States is going to experience some type of major depressive disorder this year, with 30% of those being classified as a severe disorder.
Many doctors will also recommend that you see a therapist which can help you to discuss some of the underlying causes which can lead to your depression and anxiety disorder. In many cases, being able to root out the problems and discover why you are having the problem in the first place can go a long way in helping you with the treatment. There are many therapists to choose from and your Doctor can help to point you in the right direction so that you can choose one that is going to be qualified to help you with your issues.
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If you find yourself in a situation where you are dealing with these problems, there are some treatments that are available which can help. It is important for you to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness, it is a clinical condition. When you are able to understand that those disorders need treatment, just as somebody with diabetes or high blood pressure needs treatment, it can help you to seek out those treatments that are necessary for your mental health. What are some of the anxiety disorder treatment options that are available?
Many physicians and psychiatrists are quick to prescribe medications for the treatment of anxiety. There are numerous drugs that can help to reduce your anxiety and depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Many of the medications that are prescribed as an anxiety disorder treatment help to balance out the neurotransmitters, which are your brain chemicals. In doing so, they may help to give you a better outlook on life and can reduce some of your symptoms. Although they may be of help to you with your symptoms, these are not a cure for depression or anxiety. You also need to be cautious about some of the side effects of those medications which can include an increase in anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Many doctors will also recommend that you see a therapist which can help you to discuss some of the underlying causes which can lead to your depression and anxiety disorder. In many cases, being able to root out the problems and discover why you are having the problem in the first place can go a long way in helping you with the treatment. There are many therapists to choose from and your Doctor can help to point you in the right direction so that you can choose one that is going to be qualified to help you with your issues.
Treating a major depressive disorder is not something that can take place overnight. Although you may be able to get some relief from the problems, you should be committed to working with the therapist for the long term to treat it properly. It is estimated that only about half of those individuals that are dealing with a depressive disorder are going to seek help for the problem. If you are strong enough to look for help for the issue, you are strong enough to stick with it until you find some relief.
The author of this article has worked with many therapists during her career. Anxiety disorder treatment is becoming increasingly popular as people realize that this disorder is a treatable and curable disorder.