Self-help You may be able to improve your symptoms by using relaxation techniques and exercise. Contacting other people who have anxiety disorders through charities and patient groups can be a good source of support and advice. Your GP may be able to advise you about self-help groups in your area.
Relaxation Relaxation training is a feature of some types of psychotherapy. Various types of relaxation therapy are available, which you might want to discuss with your doctor. You may find yoga, Tai Chi or other exercises helpful. (I always include relaxation training, since most of us have trouble relaxing.)
Counselling This involves talking through your problem with a counsellor who can help you focus on what you want to do and how you can achieve your goal.
Research shows that counselling can help with some kinds of anxiety disorder, including panic disorder, social phobia, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), especially in the short term.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) CBT is a type of talking therapy, or psychotherapy, carried out by a specially trained therapist. CBT is based on the idea that negative thinking results in negative reactions. It involves assessing the reasoning behind your thinking and then gradually exposing you to the situation that causes anxiety in order to change your behaviour.
CBT is often used to treat GAD and panic disorder. (My approach includes CBT with the powerful support of hypnosis.)
Medicines Your GP may prescribe the following medicines.
- Tranquillisers, such as benzodiazepine tablets, may help to relieve some short-term stress-related anxieties. However, they shouldn't be taken for long periods because of the risk of addiction. For this reason they aren't usually prescribed.
- Buspirone is another type of medicine that can help relieve anxiety. It has different side-effects to benzodiazepines and it isn't thought to be addictive.
- Antidepressants can treat certain anxiety disorders such as GAD, social phobia, OCD and anxiety associated with depression.
- Beta-blockers relieve many of the physical symptoms of anxiety such as palpitations and shaking, and may be helpful for some people. They don't affect psychological symptoms, but some people find they can relax more if their physical symptoms are relieved.
RSS Feed