What Causes Anxiety? (Pt 3)
In the last installment of our three part article we are going to explore the commonality of these disorders, anxiety attack treatments and coping methods.
First, let's review:
Most of us are either affected by this or know someone who has the ailment.
Anxiety does not discriminate between races, generally has it's roots in childhood or early adult years but does seem to be slightly more prevalent in women.
Fortunately, diagnosis is becoming more common partially as a result of a more open understanding of the disorder and less social stigma attachment.
Currently, there are no definitive lab tests to completely diagnose anxiety ailments.
Because of the common physical manifestations, an attempt to rule out physical illness is usually the first step.
Beyond this point, a patient can be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation.
The culmination of these efforts should provide the necessary facts and observations to confidently offer a diagnosis.
As with most areas of medicine, mental illnesses are benefiting dramatically from advancements in testing, diagnostic procedures, therapies and medications.
Often, therapies and medications are combined to provide the patient with the most effective and successful anxiety attack treatment.
Specifically, drugs have been introduced recently that are highly effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, panic and depression.
Counseling therapies help sufferers understand their disease and develop helpful coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques.
Identifying behaviors that have contributed to the disorder and learning how to alter these negative patterns that have developed over time, can significantly assist in improving well being.
Increasingly, modifying a patient's dietary habits can have very positive affects on their emotional and physical health.
Working with their physician and nutritionist, patients can avail themselves of a growing availability of natural foods, recipes, herbal and holistic options that may help them to modify their symptoms in a positive manor.
In addition, the more a patient takes control of their lifestyle habits, the more they can control the negative influences that affect their mood and demeanor.
For example, eliminating caffeine, or at least significantly reducing intake, can modify symptoms.
Sugar and alcohol are additional culprits in this area.
Also, learning to control breathing patterns, maintaining proper sleep habits and taking regular breaks from long work efforts can provide helpful relief.
Emotionally, leaving issues unresolved is nonproductive and may contribute to anxious feelings.
Certainly, seeking help after traumatic events or loss in your life is essential to circumventing excessive feeling of anxiety and fear.
Lastly, it is important to truly understand that you are not alone if you suffer from anxiety.
There are many anxiety attack treatments and options available to you.
They range from therapeutic approaches and medications, to lifestyle and dietary modifications, extensive self-help resources and coaching/counselors.
Seek help and educate yourself as a first step.
There is no reason to live in fear of fear.
First, let's review:
- Anxiety is an inappropriate or excessive response to a perceived danger or threat.
- It has both emotional and physical effects on sufferers
- The possible resultant attacks can be frightening and unpredictable
- Generally, anxiety is categorized into six groups: Panic, Generalized, Social, Obsessive-compulsive, Post-traumatic and Specific phobias.
Most of us are either affected by this or know someone who has the ailment.
Anxiety does not discriminate between races, generally has it's roots in childhood or early adult years but does seem to be slightly more prevalent in women.
Fortunately, diagnosis is becoming more common partially as a result of a more open understanding of the disorder and less social stigma attachment.
Currently, there are no definitive lab tests to completely diagnose anxiety ailments.
Because of the common physical manifestations, an attempt to rule out physical illness is usually the first step.
Beyond this point, a patient can be referred to a mental health professional for further evaluation.
The culmination of these efforts should provide the necessary facts and observations to confidently offer a diagnosis.
As with most areas of medicine, mental illnesses are benefiting dramatically from advancements in testing, diagnostic procedures, therapies and medications.
Often, therapies and medications are combined to provide the patient with the most effective and successful anxiety attack treatment.
Specifically, drugs have been introduced recently that are highly effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, panic and depression.
Counseling therapies help sufferers understand their disease and develop helpful coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques.
Identifying behaviors that have contributed to the disorder and learning how to alter these negative patterns that have developed over time, can significantly assist in improving well being.
Increasingly, modifying a patient's dietary habits can have very positive affects on their emotional and physical health.
Working with their physician and nutritionist, patients can avail themselves of a growing availability of natural foods, recipes, herbal and holistic options that may help them to modify their symptoms in a positive manor.
In addition, the more a patient takes control of their lifestyle habits, the more they can control the negative influences that affect their mood and demeanor.
For example, eliminating caffeine, or at least significantly reducing intake, can modify symptoms.
Sugar and alcohol are additional culprits in this area.
Also, learning to control breathing patterns, maintaining proper sleep habits and taking regular breaks from long work efforts can provide helpful relief.
Emotionally, leaving issues unresolved is nonproductive and may contribute to anxious feelings.
Certainly, seeking help after traumatic events or loss in your life is essential to circumventing excessive feeling of anxiety and fear.
Lastly, it is important to truly understand that you are not alone if you suffer from anxiety.
There are many anxiety attack treatments and options available to you.
They range from therapeutic approaches and medications, to lifestyle and dietary modifications, extensive self-help resources and coaching/counselors.
Seek help and educate yourself as a first step.
There is no reason to live in fear of fear.
