Anxiety Symptoms and Medication
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Anxiety Symptoms and Medication
Anxiety is a natural physiological response to a perceived danger. Our body releases adrenalin, a chemical messenger that triggers our fight-or-flight response, to prepare us to fight and survive. In modern society, we are far less worried about running from danger and more concerned about work, family, and health. The physical symptoms of anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, or it may be the result of some underlying stressors.
An anxiety attack usually lasts around ten minutes, and most do not last for more than 30 minutes. The symptoms of an anxiety attack can be so intense that people often feel they’re dying, or having a heart attack. The person experiencing the attack may worry that he is having another attack while in public, or that he is going crazy. Moreover, he may also feel like he or she is about to pass out, or that they’re going crazy.
In most cases, medical professionals can diagnose an anxiety disorder by asking a patient’s complete medical history and examining them physically. Although lab tests cannot diagnose anxiety disorders, they can help rule out other physical conditions. A healthcare provider may also ask about the severity and duration of symptoms, and how much these symptoms interfere with daily activities. Finally, they may consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, to make a proper diagnosis.
During an anxiety attack, stay in the present moment and practice mindfulness. Try to rate your fear on a scale of one to ten, and try to stay calm. Avoid making assumptions and judging the person’s level of anxiety. If possible, try to stay within your target heart rate range. Regardless of the intensity or duration of your anxiety attacks, it is important to remain as calm as possible. Anxiety can also be treated by exercising daily.
Psychotherapy is another option. Psychotherapy is a kind of talk therapy that helps people learn to identify and deal with troubled thoughts and feelings. It focuses on changing harmful thought patterns and behavior patterns. By reducing distorted thoughts and changing how people react to triggers, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you overcome your anxiety. Sometimes it requires more than one medication to help a person overcome anxiety. The most common type of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves teaching people to identify and respond to the symptoms of troubled thinking.
The treatments for anxiety disorders differ in their effectiveness. Treatment depends on the type of anxiety disorder and the severity of the disorder. Generally, medication or therapy combined with mindfulness techniques are the best ways to treat anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involves teaching people new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety. If you do not respond to psychotherapy, your doctor may prescribe medication. You may also choose a therapy program, but you should seek professional advice before making a decision.