Anxiety attacks and disorders involve much more than a transient fear or worry. For someone with an anxiety disorder, even the slightest anxiety doesn’t go away easily and can become worse over time. The symptoms associated with anxiety can severely interfere with everyday activities like work performance, schoolwork, and social relationships. For many people, anxiety can lead to depression and even substance abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety and depression, it’s important to seek help from qualified health professionals including psychologists and psychiatrists.
In consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, you’ll be given medications that can either be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. Both types of psychotherapy are sometimes used in conjunction with counseling for anxiety. Counseling sessions aim to both teach you how to cope with the disturbing thoughts and feelings you have about yourself and how they affect your life. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, aims to teach you how to reduce your reliance on anxiety and learn new ways of thinking and behaving that will give you better emotional control.
Your psychologist will first evaluate you and determine if you have a disorder or if you simply have a number of problems that need to be addressed. He or she may look at things like the history of abuse, family issues, functioning in schools, relationships and occupational duties. Once evaluations are complete, your psychologist will recommend a number of treatment options including psychotherapy and/or medication. Your physician will probably want to do some background checks to make sure you don’t suffer from other medical conditions that would cause your symptoms to flare up. The goal of treatment is to get you feeling better fast.
There are many different causes of separation anxiety disorder. One common cause is a traumatic event like the death of a loved one or losing a job or a spouse. People who suffer from separation anxiety disorder may experience depression following a major life change. Children may experience separation anxiety disorder when a parent needs to leave a hospital room. They may feel tense and uncomfortable for a short period of time. In some cases this problem can last for months or years.
Other common causes of anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorders, substance abuse, genetics and aging. Post traumatic stress disorder often leads to a sense of detachment. People who suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress) may experience flashbacks, nightmares. Genetics is a common cause of anxiety disorders. If your parents or grandparents suffered from these problems, chances are you may as well.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. A physical exam may be needed to rule out other health conditions that could mimic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Diagnosis is usually made from a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Medications are also used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Once the patient has been diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed with the doctor.
Social support groups are good ways to cope with anxiety disorders. Support groups can help you cope with the symptoms of your disorder and can teach you coping strategies. The more people you are able to talk to about your symptoms, the easier it will be to control them. In some cases, medication is also prescribed for severe cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is one form of anxiety disorders treatment. This treatment involves working with your brain to change your thoughts and behavior. This type of therapy often takes several months. If your anxiety symptoms are getting worse, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further treatment. These medications can cause side effects and you should be sure to ask your doctor about any potential side effects.