Anxiety treatment Archives

Anxiety Management

8.1% of people age 18 and above in the United States are dealing with anxiety disorders, this means 40 million Americans are suffering from this mental disorder, alarming right? Well, it should be, because this could be a friend, family member, loved one, or even yourself.

In order to fully understand this issue one has to ask the question, what exactly is anxiety? It is brought about by stress or worrying that causes panic or fear. Although anxiety is a normal human emotion, it becomes a disorder when it persists for extended periods of time.

There are various forms of anxiety disorders like; social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder triggered by phobias (specific phobia), substance-induced anxiety disorder amongst others.

Symptoms that indicate someone might be suffering from anxiety disorders include restlessness, hyperventilation, insomnia (in some cases), tiredness, edginess or nervousness, lack of concentration(the person finds themselves constantly distracted), muscular tightness, excessive sweating, depression, and problems with digestion.

People having issues with anxiety are likely to struggle with depression and substance abuse, in order to ‘take off the edge or mellow out.

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Causes of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is caused by various things. Some could be environmental factors, medical conditions or even genetics. More causes include;

Heart conditions
Stress from work/ school
Drug abuse and alcoholism
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also be a cause of extreme anxiety disorder.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), people with OCD tend to have a lot of anxiety issues.
Financial problems
Emotional distress from loss of a loved one, heartbreak, loneliness etc.

Needless to say, anxiety is a feeling that shouldn’t be left to fester; if a person has issues with anxiety, they should seek freedom from this condition. There are medications that help people struggling with anxiety to manage it. Some hospitals/health caregivers provide in-office dispensing of these drugs.

Here are some effective tips on how to manage anxiety.

Take a Break:

This is a very important tip to remember, give yourself a break! Most people try to fix things beyond their control. When things go wrong they blame themselves, causing more anxiety. Try to find a balance between being responsible and accepting that we are all humans and the attainment of perfection is maybe a gift only possessed by the divine. Always remember to give your best and whatever you can’t change find ways to make your peace with it. Learn to take a break from everything, especially when stress is piling up. Taking time to clear your head will help you arrive at a solution quicker.

Take a vacation from work. In our modern world where people are pushed intensely to deliver results at work, make good grades in school et cetera. So whenever you get to leave off work or a break, take a vacation. Travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit or take on that adventure you’ve always wanted to try. Doing this could make you see things differently and help you ‘unwind’.

Practice a Healthier Lifestyle

A healthier lifestyle promotes healthy living; devoid of anxiety. Most times we don’t eat healthy enough; empty calories or junk food impact negatively on us. For persons trying to manage stress this situation definitely does more harm than good.

You can begin today by making healthier choices like quitting unhealthy habits, eating healthy, and exercising. It has been scientifically proven that exercising helps to manage stress or anxiety.

Finding your Centre

There are various natural therapies out there that are very effective with handling anxiety and though it could also be considered as being under practicing a healthier lifestyle, finding one’s balance and inner “zen” can be considered as a tip on its own. Taking a yoga class can be very effective for people trying to kick anxiety, also practicing meditation and breathing exercise can clear the head pretty good. You can also try a special and exotic massage therapy like an Ayurvedic massage, this massage technique can help you relax your muscle and soothe your joints, and it can also help you clear your mind.

Most times it is discovered that the root of the anxiety comes from a deep inner fear which can be addressed by finding inner peace.

Talk to Someone:

Whether it involves talking to a professional or a trusted friend, sharing your burdens or telling someone about your constant feeling of anxiety could help you not only unburden your mind but it could also help you get a professional or fresh perspective. There is prescription medication to help you manage anxiety, but this will involve you seeing a physician or psychologist to get the right prescriptions. Some of these specialists provide in-office dispensing, this will make getting your medication less stressful.

Cultivate Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is a mental state of aligning with the positive regarding the past, present, and the future.

Think about it as a way of holding on to hope, that thing will improve for the better. Positive thinking is best cultivated in spite of existing facts or the present circumstances. What this does is mentally placing an individual in the position to make better choices that may lead to better living.

This works especially for anxiety because anxiety spins from the worry about the future. Keeping a brave front and a positive attitude about the future helps reduce anxiety to a great extent.

Understanding Your Anxiety

If you are just beginning to wonder if your symptoms point to anxiety, chances are high that you experience uncomfortable levels of restlessness, exhaustion, racing thoughts, insomnia, worry or trembling. Each of these symptoms, along with many more can mean that you have anxiety.

Each of the 5 different types of Anxiety has different indicators. Understanding each type may lead you to a mental health professional who can prescribe a medication that can lessen these symptoms. The 5 types of anxiety include:

Panic Disorder – Individuals who have panic disorder often say that they have intense episodes of being afraid. Along with this irrational fear, they frequently feel chest pain, an inability to catch their breath, some dizziness or abdominal distress.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically means that someone is plagued with constant tension and worry, no matter what kind of situation they are in.
Social Anxiety Disorder – Extreme self-consciousness and anxiety in social situations may point to a social anxiety disorder. Some are panicked at the thought of eating or drinking in front of other people, while others might freeze up or become physically ill when told they must speak in front of a large group. A small percentage of anxiety sufferers are overwhelmed by almost every social situation. This type of anxiety disorder frequently starts in the teen years and lasts well into adulthood. It is estimated that almost 15 million adults in the United States have a social anxiety disorder.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Those who suffer from OCD find that they have recurring thoughts or obsessions which may lead to compulsions or repeated behaviors. Some compulsions include hand washing, making sure things are turned off, cleaning and even counting items.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Having experienced a traumatic event such as personal assault, a natural disaster or even military combat may cause individuals to have PTSD. Symptoms can include flashbacks, avoidance and be tense or angry.

Understanding Who Can Help

There are many medical and mental health professionals who can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe treatment plans and medications. Some may opt to speak with their primary care provider about the symptoms they have been experiencing. Others may be more comfortable seeking out a mental health professional at a walk-in clinic in San Francisco. No matter which type of professional you select, know that they want to help your symptoms decrease so you can get back to enjoying life.

Understanding Treatment Options

Though prescription medication is used most frequently when dealing with anxiety disorders, there are a few other treatments a doctor or mental health professional might encourage patients to try in conjunction with the new medication. Some of these, including better sleeping habits, increased physical activity, and a healthy diet has been shown to be very effective for those who suffer from anxiety symptoms. Meeting frequently with a support group, enrolling in behavioral therapy, meditation, and Tai Chi are also suggested as ways to cope with anxiety.

Understanding Prescription Anxiety Medications

Knowing a little about medication for anxiety can help recently diagnosed individuals feel a little less lost in the journey to wellness. There are 4 basic categories that anxiety medications fall under and each has unique benefits as well as ways that they work.

SSRIs

How they Work: Considered to be an effective treatment for all types of anxiety disorders, SSRI’s such as citalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine works to ensure a higher serotonin level in the brain. Basically, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is found in all vertebrates. It has a few different jobs in the human body, from helping with memory and sleep to helping to regulate someone’s mood. SSRI’s block the reabsorption of serotonin, leaving more available for the brain. This increased level of serotonin works well to offset symptoms of anxiety.

Possible Side Effects: Some of the most common side effects include sleepiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain.

SNRIs

How They Work: Medications that fall into the SNRI category include duloxetine and venlafaxine. Like SSRIs, they can help to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. In much the same way, they can also boost the level of norepinephrine which plays a role in the ability to concentrate as well as overall mood.

Possible Side Effects: Possible side effects include weight gain, stomach upset, increased blood pressure, sexual dysfunction and headaches.

Benzodiazepines

How They Work: The medications in this category, including clonazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam, are most often used for management of shorter-term anxiety, or in conjunction with other types of anxiety disorders, though never with PTSD. These medications help with a reduction in muscle tension, in promoting relaxation and with a few other anxiety symptoms as well. This class of medications is thought to work on GABA or gamma-aminobutyric acid, another neurotransmitter in the brain which is thought to reduce overactivity of other nerves in the brain.

Possible Side Effects: Some of the possible side effects of this type of prescription anxiety medication include loss of orientation, dizziness, confusion, sleep problems, irritability, and memory impairment.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

How They Work: Though this type of medication is not typically effective for social anxiety disorder, it has been shown to help with other types of anxiety disorders. Some types of tricyclic antidepressants include nortriptyline, amitriptyline, and imipramine. These medications also work to ensure that there are more mood-regulating hormones (serotonin and norepinephrine) available in the brain.

Possible Side Effects: Possible side effects might include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, weight gain, blurred vision, and constipation.

Getting the Anxiety Help You Need

Making an appointment with a medical professional is the first step toward getting the help you need in the San Francisco area. Whether you decide to call EZCare Clinic and schedule an appointment or walk right in, our medical professionals are ready to make sure you get the right diagnosis, as well as the right type of anxiety prescription medication.

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Anxiety is a word that seems to be used more commonly today than in years past. By definition, it is the overall feeling of excessive unease, nervousness or worry that a person experiences even though there is not a real threat lurking just around a dark corner.

It would seem to those who have not experienced overwhelming anxiety that sufferers should simply be more firm with their own imaginations or emotions and calm down. Sadly, it is just not that simple. Such disorders are hard to control and quite frequently interfere with everyday life.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can begin in childhood, in the teen years, as a young adult or even in adulthood. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that almost 4 percent of the world’s population suffers from anxiety disorders.

There is no research that has pinned down any specific anxiety causes for these disorders. However, researchers believe genetics, traumatic events, changes in brain structure and other environmental factors such as work and family life may be contributing factors. Anxiety may even be caused by other disorders such as PTSD and OCD.

Signs You May Have Anxiety Disorder

If you worry that you may be experiencing anxiety and that it is negatively impacting your life, it is best to make an appointment with an anxiety doctor in San Francisco or certified therapist. Some of the warning signs include:

Higher than normal heart rate
Unexplained feelings of panic
Inability to breathe or catch your breath
Hands shaking for no reason
Numbness of arms or legs
Fear of leaving the house
Mind going blank suddenly
Stomach Upset
Insomnia

These professionals can not only help determine which type of anxiety disorder you are suffering with, they can also help find ways to make the symptoms less severe.

Types of Anxiety

There are several different types of anxiety disorders and working with a mental health professional can help determine which type you might be suffering from. Once this diagnosis is made, a doctor or therapist will be better able to recommend the right type of prescription medication, therapy and/or lifestyle changes that will help combat the anxiety symptoms.

Phobias

People who suffer from phobias generally have overwhelming fear about something, and this fear makes them unable to go about their daily lives as most people do. Some are afraid of bugs and spiders while others are afraid of tight spaces or of heights. There is help for coping with phobias both in the form of cognitive therapy and medication.

General and Social Anxiety

Over 6 million adults in the United States suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but less than half are getting any type of helpful treatment for these symptoms. Unfortunately, women are two times as likely to suffer from GAD symptoms. This disorder causes people to be extremely uncomfortable or nervous much of the time.

Social anxiety is much like general anxiety but is typically only experienced in social settings. People who experience social anxiety often find that it is difficult to go to school, to work or to any type of social situation. There is help available for both general and social anxiety sufferers, and the first step is to make an appointment with an anxiety doctor in San Francisco.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Those who have ever experienced a traumatic situation could be experiencing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without even realizing it is happening. This disorder frequently presents with nightmares, flashbacks and an overwhelming need to avoid specific situations or events. The trauma and resulting conditions frequently lead to anxiety attacks, substance abuse, and compulsive behavior. A doctor can not only prescribe helpful medications, but they can also suggest effective group programs and alternative therapies that have been proven to help PTSD sufferers.

Anxiety Prescription Medications that May Help

Individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of anxiety are frequently prescribed anxiety medication that may help to lessen the symptoms of the disorder. The types of anxiety medication fall into several different classes and include:

Benzodiazepine – Most commonly prescribed for those with short-term anxiety, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, this type of prescription anxiety medication works to increase the communication of the chemicals that help bring messages to a patient’s brain. Overall, these sedatives help relax muscles and calm the mind.
Buspirone – Though the reason this type of medication works is somewhat of a mystery, buspirone is frequently prescribed to treat short-term and longer-term anxiety.
Antidepressants – Used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and dysthymia, this category of medications is one of the most highly used and must be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
1. SSRI’s – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors trigger the brain to have a higher level of the neurotransmitter, serotonin which can affect the ability to sleep, remember details, and even have an appetite.
2. Tricyclics – This older group of drugs is not prescribed as frequently today as it once was due to frequent side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth and lack of energy to name a few. They work by helping to increase how much serotonin is available in the brain.
3. MAOI’s – Typically used in the treatment of panic disorder and social phobias, this type of prescription helps to boost the number of a mood-regulating neurotransmitter in the brain.
Beta-blockers – Though these are used most commonly to treat patients who have heart conditions, they have also been found to help some of the physical symptoms of anxiety and are especially effective for treating social anxiety disorder.

Treatment of Anxiety

The best news for those suffering from anxiety is that there is help available, no matter what the anxiety causes are. Medical professionals in the San Francisco area can help direct individuals to counselors, therapies and medications which have proven to be beneficial. Some can also recommend more holistic therapies such as meditation, Tai Chi, diet recommendations and overall stress management.

In this day and age, there is simply no need for anxiety to rule your life. EZCare Clinic in San Francisco offers regular appointments and walk-in care to make the process one step simpler. Call our office or schedule an appointment online. Whether you are looking for a first diagnosis or a prescription refill for anxiety meds, our medical professionals are here to help.

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