VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: lek. Tomasz Nęcki

Anxiety can be a manifestation of various types of anxiety disorders - the problem may arise in the case of generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders or specific phobias. It happens that it becomes so intense that the patient is unable to function normally - so what can be done to overcome anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders in people. They occur in people of all ages and although they share a common denominator, which is fear, various problems can arise in patients struggling with them.

Generalized anxiety disorder is related to the occurrence of anxiety all the time. Patients may worry about the he alth of their relatives in good condition or worry about the finances of the family in a situation where they have quite substantial savings. In the course of obsessive-compulsive disorders, patients may be tormented by intrusive thoughts and compulsions, i.e. intrusive activities the performance of which brings temporary relief.

Anxiety disorders with panic attacks are associated with episodes of extreme severe anxiety, which may be accompanied by symptoms of a somatic nature (e.g. trembling hands, increased heart rate).

In the course of specific phobias, patients feel anxiety due to contact or thinking about certain factors (such as, for example, the possibility of contact with spiders in the case of arachnophobia).

Anxiety disorders have many faces. However, no matter what the exact individual is in the patient, the unpleasant feelings associated with it can really make life difficult. That's why people are looking for ways to overcome anxiety.

Basic methods of relieving anxiety

There are some simple ways to reduce anxiety that some people really don't know about. A really simple type of interaction can help - anxiety may decrease, for example, when a person undertakes activities that give him pleasure. Some people find it helpful to read books, others to go for a walk, while others calm down when they listen to music (and it can be both heavy metal and classical music).

For many years, the media has mentioned thathow important regular physical activity is to maintain good he alth.

Exercise helps not only the body but also the soul. Especially for those who struggle with constant anxiety, vigorous exercise, such as running or cycling, can help.

However, completely different activities, such as yoga or Pilates, can calm down. Some people enjoy meditating very much. Practicing meditation on a regular basis can be an effective method of reducing anxiety for many people.

Prevention of the escalation of anxiety

There are also activities that can increase the feeling of anxiety. It is important, inter alia, diet - certain foods, consumed in excessive amounts, can contribute to the appearance of anxiety.

One of the basic ones here is caffeine - people struggling with anxiety disorders should therefore avoid excessive amounts of a little black coffee. It is similar with alcohol - its regular consumption, and especially alcohol abuse, may cause anxiety symptoms in patients.

Anxiety can be aggravated not only by coffee, but also by fatigue. Patients suffering from anxiety disorders should therefore definitely take care of themselves and try to sleep for the appropriate number of hours and make sure that they have time to rest and regenerate after intensive work.

Treatment of anxiety disorders - the role of psychotherapy

In some people, anxiety becomes very intense, which significantly hinders their daily functioning. It happens that due to the risk of panic attacks, patients stop leaving their place of residence.

It sometimes happens that a person is not able to do his job properly due to intrusive thoughts. When anxiety symptoms are very intense, there is nothing to wait for - it becomes necessary to seek specialist help.

One of the basic influences used in the treatment of anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. Various types of it can help patients overcome their anxiety - examples include:

  • cognitive behavioral therapy,
  • psychodynamic therapy
  • or psychoanalytic therapy.

Some people may think that it is impossible to alleviate their anxiety through a conversation. In fact, however, therapy can be a very effective method of treating anxiety disorders.

The essence of the therapy is, first of all, the search for the causes of the patient's anxiety symptoms. Additionally, during it, the patient becomes aware of ways to deal with his own anxiety.

Some therapies use exposure techniques that caneven frighten patients. In practice, however, they can be very effective, especially in the case of specific phobias.

These techniques are related - as the name suggests - with exposing the patient to factors that cause him strong anxiety. Such can be, for example, staying in tight spaces (in the case of claustrophobia) or contact with spiders (in the case of arachnophobia). The aim is, inter alia, showing the patient that the situation that causes him extremely unpleasant feelings is actually not dangerous at all.

Treatment of anxiety disorders - the role of pharmacotherapy

Sometimes psychotherapy alone allows the patient to deal with anxiety symptoms. It happens, however, that they are so intense that it is necessary to use other methods of treating anxiety disorders. We are talking about psychiatric support and pharmacotherapy.

In the case of anxiety disorders, medications are used that can reduce the severity of anxiety in a few moments, as well as medications that can have an anxiolytic effect every day, if taken long-term.

The first of these include drugs such as hydroxyzine or benzodiazepines. However, benzodiazepine agents (such as diazepam, alprazolam or clonazepam) should be used with extreme caution, because they should not be used in driving vehicles and there is a risk of becoming addicted to them.

In the treatment of anxiety disorders, you can also use antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (which include e.g. sertraline and escitalopram) or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (which include e.g. duloxetine) . These kinds of drugs can also reduce the severity of anxiety. However, this effect appears after a certain - usually several weeks - time of their use.

Just as anxiety disorders can definitely make life difficult for patients, and luckily, there are methods that can help you overcome their symptoms. When anxiety and fears do not allow you to live normally, there is nothing to wait for - the earlier the necessary treatment is started, the sooner the patient will regain the desired peace.

Category:

Psychology