The spread of
anxiety disorders
Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety
disorders at some point in their lives. Anxiety is, to some
extent, a normal reaction to stressful situations, such as
having to speak in public. However, for many people, their
reactions to these situations go beyond normal day-to-day
nervousness. Anxiety panic disorders may affect more than six
million Americans at some point in their lives. These disorders
are very real illnesses that can be crippling for some
people.
Anxiety disorders affect millions of
Americans at some point in their lives. Feeling anxiety in
stressful situations, such as public speaking, is normal and
natural. However, for some people, reactions to stress go
beyond what is considered to be normal. Anxiety panic disorders
are an extreme form of anxiety affecting at least six million
Americans. These illnesses can be debilitating for some people,
but they are often treatable.
Most people at some point in their lives
experience anxiety. It is normal to feel anxious in stressful
situations. However, for millions of Americans, their reactions
go far beyond what is normal. Anxiety panic disorders are a
severe form of anxiety disorder that many people find
crippling. They are real illnesses that can be disabling.
However, in most cases, they can be successfully treated.
Anxiety disorders may affect as many as 30%
of Americans at some point in their lives. They are real
illnesses that often go untreated. Feeling anxiety is a normal
reaction to stressful situations. However, for some, this
reaction goes far beyond normal. Anxiety panic disorders affect
some six million Americans annually and many find the symptoms
of these disorders debilitating; fortunately, they can be
treated.
The main characteristic of an anxiety panic
disorder is the panic attack. These attacks can happen in
response to specific stress factors, or they can occur
spontaneously. The sufferer may experience shortness of breath,
heart palpitations, sweating and nausea, and may feel as if
they are about to lose their mind. Often, the person suffering
an anxiety/panic attack will end up in the emergency room
because they think they are having a heart attack. The medical
tests the person undergoes can often make their anxiety worse,
as they fear that something is seriously wrong with them. If a
person suffers panic attacks frequently, then they may develop
some sort of phobia, particularly if the attacks occur in a
specific location, such as elevators. Fear of having panic
attacks will often lead the sufferer to avoid specific
situations or locations. Some people will develop agoraphobia
and can become housebound, as they fear leaving their
homes.
You don't have to learn to live with anxiety
panic disorders. They can be treated. Often treatment involves
the use of antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs. These drugs
often have properties that reduce anxiety symptoms. There are
also specific anti-anxiety medications on the market, such as
Xanax or Ativan, which can be used when the person is in an
anxiety-provoking situation. Physicians often advise patients
to avoid the use of caffeine and nicotine, as these substances
are stimulants and have been found to increase anxiety
symptoms. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive and behavioral
therapies, have also been found to be effective in treating
anxiety disorders. Stress reducing exercises, such as tai chi
and yoga, as well as vigorous physical exercise, have also been
found to be helpful. Herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort,
Valerian, and kava-kava may also help reduce anxiety
symptoms.
There are many treatments available for
anxiety panic disorders. They are often remedied with the use
of antidepressant drugs, which have properties that can relieve
anxiety symptoms. Often doctors will advise their patients to
give up smoking or drinking coffee. Caffeine and nicotine are
both stimulants, which can increase anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy, including cognitive and behavioral therapy, can
also be of great help in treating anxiety disorders. So can
exercise, such as yoga and tai chi. Many doctors also recommend
vigorous physical exercise, such as walking or jogging to
relieve stress that may cause anxiety. Herbal remedies, such as
St. John's Wort, kava-kava and valerian root have been found
useful as well.
There are several options doctors may choose
from when treating anxiety panic disorders. They can often be
controlled through the use of medication. Antidepressants, such
as SSRIs, have been found to be helpful for anxiety symptoms
and there are also specific anti-anxiety medications that may
be used in stressful situations. Psychotherapy, especially
cognitive and behavioral therapy, is also highly beneficial.
Your doctor may also advise you to quit smoking or drinking
coffee, since caffeine and nicotine have been found to increase
anxiety symptoms. Many doctors also recommend stress-reducing
techniques, such as meditation, tai chi, and yoga.
Cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking can also help to
reduce stress. Alternative practitioners may recommend the use
of herbal remedies; St. John's Wort and valerian root are among
the natural remedies that may be helpful.
Anxiety panic disorders are serious
illnesses which can be disabling. Many sufferers are virtually
crippled as they try to organize their lives in such a way as
to avoid anxiety/panic attacks. However, these disorders are
treatable. With the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety
medications, stress management techniques and psychotherapy,
many people with anxiety can live productive and fulfilling
lives.
It is very common for people to suffer
severe anxiety panic disorders. They can be disabling. Many
people who suffer from anxiety disorders organize their lives
around their symptoms. However, these illnesses can be treated.
Antidepressant drugs, anti-anxiety medications and
psychotherapy have all been found effective in treating
anxiety. Lifestyle changes and the use of stress-reduction
techniques have also been found to be helpful. With proper
treatment, people who suffer from panic disorders can lead
happy, productive lives.
Many Americans suffer from crippling anxiety
panic disorders. They are serious
illnesses. Many people's lives revolve around their anxiety
symptoms. Fortunately, there are treatments available for
anxiety disorders. Antidepressant and anti-anxiety
medications and psychotherapy have benefited many people who
suffer from anxiety. Stress reduction and changes in
lifestyle can also be of benefit. Properly treated, panic
disorders can be controlled and people who have these
disorders can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
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