Treatments For Anxiety Disorder - Can These Methods Stop Anxiety
Health July 3rd, 2009Treatments for anxiety disorders can vary according to the severity of the anxiety symptoms and the needs of the individual. The use of a particular approach is determined by the symptoms a given condition manifests. Medication is the approach most frequently utilized but in many ways this only treats the symptoms and does not address the underlying cause of the problem. A prescription medication could provide immediate relief from an anxiety attack that is already occurring. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan or Klonipan are taken while you are having the anxiety attack and provide relief quickly. These medications can be habit forming, so they are not prescribed liberally and should be seen for what they are.
The patient’s particular anxiety symptoms determine which medication a doctor will prescribe. Common medications used as treatments for anxiety disorders include serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. By altering the amount of serotonin available in the brain, these drugs help the patient keep an even mood. While these medications are effective for many, they can take a few weeks to begin working.
Depending on the medication your doctor prescribes, you can proceed on to other treatments for anxiety disorder. When administered properly, cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral therapy can provide a great degree of relief to the stressful fear of anxiety disorder. People have been dealing with anxiety for millennia, and there are several techniques help you cope with stress and feel more calm.
Cognitive behavior therapy is based on the principle that the behavior of a person is influenced by his thoughts. The therapist works on the thought patterns of the patient and guides the patient through adjusting those thoughts. In due course the patient learns to think calmly and discard anxious thoughts, thereby relieving the anxiety, making CBT a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
Applying cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with prescription medication and sometimes relaxation techniques is a multifaceted treatment for anxiety disorders. Patients who acquire the cognitive skills taught through therapy feel like they have more control over their situation, which causes the feeling of anxiety or panic to lessen. This three pronged treatment to anxiety is a good method but each component should be seen for what it is. The therapy addressed the deep seated problem, the drugs solve the immediate anxiety.
Mental relaxation exercises, like meditation for example, or deep breathing, are effective treatments for anxiety disorder. These techniques can assist patients in understanding their unique problem and overcoming it. The benefits of learning relaxation techniques are innumerable and they can be used whenever needed. Meditation skills can take some time to learn, but if practiced regularly, they are very helpful.
When it comes to the range of treatments for anxiety disorder currently available, you will probably get the best results from combining several coping mechanisms that your therapist or doctor can recommend. Experimenting with combining your relaxation techniques should help you learn to handle your anxiety and panic problems faster and more efficiently.
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