Sunday 12 July 2009

Types Of Anxiety Treatments For Adults

By Brian Linden

Recognizing anxiety disorder symptoms is just the first step towards overcoming the problem. The next step is to find a suitable anxiety treatment plan, and this may consist of medication, behavioral therapy, dietary changes, and nutritional supplementation. According to MedicineNet.com, "if no physical illness is found, [the sufferer] may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Treatments for generalized anxiety disorder most often include a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy."

Below are some of the most common options available to sufferers of generalized anxiety disorder and other forms of anxiety problems.

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves a patient working with a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to explore the psychological causes of panic attacks in the patient. This involves identifying the thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions that may be the underlying cause for a patient's irrational or inappropriate response to a situation.

2. Anxiety medication. Several types of prescription drugs have proven to be effective for treating anxiety disorders, and the type and dosage varies by person and condition. The most common types of medication prescribed to those with anxiety disorder are a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugs have a tranquilizing effect on the body, and include drugs such as Valium, Librium, Xanax and BuSpar.

3. Prescribing Antidepressants. Depression often accompanies anxiety disorders. In some cases, alleviating the depression helps reduce most symptoms of anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as Paxil and Effexor, help reduce stress and enhance the disposition of a person.

4. Lifestyle changes. Reducing stress naturally through regular exercise, meditation or stretching can help to improve the effects of an anxiety disorder and reduce many symptoms. People who experience chronic stress and tension can limit these feelings naturally by undertaking a vigorous cardiovascular exercise regimen, doing yoga or pilates, or meditation regularly. Increasing oxygen and blood circulation can help the person feel more relaxed and centered.

5. Nutritional Supplementation. People having trouble sleeping or calming down may take nutritional supplements such as chamomile, lavender and Valerian extract. These supplements are known to help a person relax and help a person sleep naturally. This method is usually most effective for people who only have mild symptoms and brief periods of anxiety.

6. Change in diet. Depending on what you eat, your diet can either increase or reduce the risk of panic attacks. Sugary foods may enhance the symptoms of anxiety because it increases our heart rate and stimulate our nerves due to a sharp increase in energy. Healthy foods actually reduce the risk of panic attacks since they keep our bodies energy levels stable. Choose healthy foods such as milk, oats, yogurt, and lentils to help you calm down. This type of treatment often involves making minor dietary changes on a regular basis.

It is important to explore available treatment possibilities to eliminate the symptoms of anxiety disorders. It is even more important for a sufferer to work with a qualified health professional in creating an anxiety treatment plan as a short and long-term solution.

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