There are several options in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A treatment may consist of behavioral therapy, dietary change, medication and nutritional supplementation. MedicineNet.com states that sufferers of anxiety disorders are often referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist if their disorder does not involve an underlying physical illness. They further add that a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy is often done to treat symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
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 for anxiety disorders. Recognizing the triggers of a panic attack, or identifying the root cause of an anxiety attack can be part of cognitive behavioral therapy treatment programs. This type of treatment allows the sufferer to work with a licensed professional to identify the troublesome thoughts, behaviors and patterns to see where they may be behaving in an irrational or inappropriate way.
2. Medication. Some prescription medicines have been proven to help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorders. A type of tranquilizing drugs known as benzodiazepines, are usually prescribed for anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as BuSpar, Librium, Xanax and Valium.
3. Antidepressants medication. People with anxiety disorders are also commonly known to show symptoms of depression. Treating the symptoms of depression can help solve most effects of anxiety disorder in some cases. Effexor and Paxil are antidepressants commonly prescribed to lift the mood and reduce the tension 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 Supplements. Nutritional Supplements such as Valerian extract, lavender, and chamomile can aid persons who have difficulty sleeping or calming down. These supplements are most suited for people with mild anxiety disorder symptoms and who only experience brief episodes of anxiety attacks.
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.
Tips for Panic Attacks, and the Use of Herbs as a Natural Anxiety Remedy
Triumph Over Fear: A Book of Help and Hope for People with Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Phobias
Tame Test Anxiety: Proven Anxiety Reduction Training
