Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and can be of benefit in some situations. It makes you aware of the danger and may help you prepare and stay alert. However, anxiety disorders are excessive feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, affecting your quality of life. These feelings are difficult to control and are usually out of proportion to the actual danger. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may avoid certain places or situations to prevent these feelings. The good news is Ashwin Reddy MD offers anxiety treatment to help you lead a normal productive life.
What causes anxiety?
There are no specific reasons why one may develop an anxiety disorder. However, experiencing traumatic life events can trigger anxiety in people prone to this disorder. For example, children who endured abuse are more likely to have anxiety at some point in life, and so are adults who have witnessed or are victims of any traumatic situation. Stress build-up can also be a trigger for anxiety for most people. For example, you may become anxious if you have to meet a work deadline or have lost a loved one. Using drugs and alcohol can also trigger or worsen existing anxiety.
Sometimes anxiety is associated with pre-existing health issues. If your doctor suspects that your anxiety is due to a medical problem, they may order tests to look for signs of a problem. The common medical conditions that may cause anxiety include heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, thyroid problems, drug misuse, and tumors that produce fight or flight hormones.
Diagnosis and treatment of anxiety
If you have anxiety, the first step is to see your doctor to ensure that the disorder does not result from any physical problem. A psychological evaluation can help your doctor diagnose an anxiety disorder. For this evaluation, you discuss your thoughts, patterns, and behaviors with your doctor to help pinpoint a diagnosis. Once your specialist diagnoses you with an anxiety disorder, you will work with a mental health professional to find the best treatment. Unfortunately, most people with anxiety disorders don’t seek help because they don’t realize they have an illness for which there are effective treatments.
Different anxiety disorders include phobia, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. Each type has unique characteristics, but most respond well to psychotherapy and medications. Your specialist may offer one of the two or may combine both treatments. Psychotherapy or psychological counseling involves working with your therapist to reduce and manage your anxiety symptoms. One of the most effective forms of psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is usually a short-term treatment.
It teaches you a different and healthy way to think and react to help you feel less anxious. Over time, you can return to the activities you once avoided since you will have developed healthy coping mechanisms. Your specialist may prescribe medications to help relieve anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and sweating. It is essential to understand that medications don’t cure anxiety but provide significant relief from symptoms. You may need to use anti-anxiety medications, usually for a short period, or sometimes your doctor may prescribe antidepressants.
Consult your 2nd Chance Treatment Center specialist to learn more about anxiety disorders.
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