Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?

Until recently, anxiety disorders were called neuroses. Today, however, the term is abandoned. There are many types of anxiety disorders - generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety-depressive disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or acute time syndrome, for example.


They all have different roots and may look slightly different, but there are a few common features. Common features of anxiety disorders include:

  • Constant feeling of anxiety
  • Problems settling down
  • Recurring thoughts that increase anxiety
  • Recurring memories
  • Nightmares
  • Sudden panic blows

There are also somatic symptoms associated with anxiety, such as problems with the heart or breathing


Anxiety Disorders


Anxiety disorders can affect people of all ages - including children, even very small ones. Their occurrence may be associated with the occurrence of traumatic experiences, but they may also occur under the influence of personality factors, hormonal problems, mental disorders, somatic diseases, or psychoactive substances. See what causes anxiety disorders.

ANXIETY DISORDERS - TREATMENT


If you suffer from some type of anxiety disorder or know someone who is suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder, for example, how to treat this condition is the first thought that comes to mind. Anxiety disorders, no matter what form they take, can significantly reduce the quality of life. They cast a shadow on it and subordinate life to themselves - in extreme conditions, anxiety disorders can even paralyze a person and make it impossible to make even the simplest decisions.


You cannot subordinate your entire life to your disorders - you have to fight them for the sake of a better life. This is not an easy task and there is no magic remedy for it - how long it takes to treat anxiety disorders depends largely on the individual case and on the actions taken. What is used to treat anxiety disorders?


Pharmacological Treatment


Research shows that pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders works best in a situation where it is supported by psychotherapy and is rarely used as an independent and only method of coping with anxiety.


However, it is sometimes used by psychiatrists relatively often, especially in a situation where anxiety disorders are very severe and thus make it practically impossible to live a normal life.


Psychotherapy


The best, because the most effective form of treating any anxiety disorder is psychotherapy. How long does it take to treat anxiety disorders with this method? There is no one specific answer to this, because - it depends. From the severity of the problems, the motivation to get out of them, the work put into the therapy, as well as the use of appropriate methods.


However, it can be concluded that psychotherapy is able not only to cure anxiety disorders but also to prevent them from recurring in the future. Reason enough to make up your mind. What form can psychotherapy take?


Cognitive-behavioral therapy


Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy gives the best results in dealing with anxiety disorders. Thanks to it, you can learn what your thinking and behavior patterns look like - what drives you and where it comes from. This is the best indication of exactly where the anxiety disorders are coming from.


Getting to know the patterns of your behavior and thinking will also allow you to learn how to act consciously in order to reduce the level of stress and anxiety through your actions, and not to lead to such situations in the past.


Cognitive-behavioral therapy allows you to focus on introducing changes in thinking that will be permanent and at the same time focused on what is most important - problem-solving.


Individual Therapy


Individual therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders is a chance to open up in the company of another person - a qualified therapist who will support you in the process of overcoming the problem. Remember that the role of a psychotherapist is not to solve problems for you, but to show you the way and support you through it.


Psychotherapy will help in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders and, if properly conducted, it will prevent the emergence of this problem in the future.


You don't have to be afraid, during individual therapy it will be only you and your psychotherapist - a person who wants to help you. The most important thing, however, is that you also want to help yourself - only then will psychotherapy bring the best results.


Group Therapy


Group therapy is also very effective in treating anxiety disorders. It allows you to open up to people - this is very important, especially in a situation where anxiety disorders have a direct or indirect effect on interpersonal contacts.


Group therapy is perfect not only as an independent form of therapy but also as a supplement to individual therapy. The group created during the therapy allows you to create your own private space - a place where it is better to move around and understand nagging problems.


TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS IN CHILDREN


Children can also start to suffer from anxiety disorders and this condition should not be underestimated, as it can cause serious problems in adulthood. Treatment of anxiety disorders in children requires the full support of the child's immediate environment - not only the family but also the school.


Psychotherapy is the primary factor in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Sometimes pharmacological treatment is also used, but psychotherapy brings the best results.


In the case of children, not only individual behavioral-cognitive therapy is used, which allows the child to understand the mechanisms governing him or her that cause anxiety, but also family therapy.


Family therapy allows you to observe the thought patterns that are the basis for the formation of anxiety not only in oneself but also in family members. 


Group therapy can also be very useful - especially in a situation where the child's fears prevent or significantly hinder contact with other people, including peers.


SUMMARY 


Treatment of anxiety disorders is possible and widely used. Along with depression, anxiety disorders are one of the most common problems that affect people. 


Drug treatment is used in the treatment process, but it is generally considered a form of supportive treatment. It is used both in children and adults when the attacks of anxiety are too strong and paralyzing.


However, psychotherapy is what gives the best results and allows you to completely get rid of anxiety disorders. In their treatment of anxiety disorders, cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used, as well as various forms of psychoeducation that teach how to deal with stress on one's own and learn relaxation techniques.

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