Anxiety disorders
Your body uses feelings of anxiety for many good reasons- anxiety is designed to help you deal with tense and stressful situations by putting your body in a state of high alert. But for many people, the feeling of being tense and anxious can become problematic when these feelings occur so frequently that they begin to make day to day living more difficult. Anxiety disorders are common, occurring in more than forty million adults each year. Anxiety disorder is distinct from mild, brief episodes of anxiety that occur in reaction to a stressful event like a job interview or unpleasant confrontation. It is common to have an anxiety disorder that occurs with some other type of illness, ranging from substance abuse, mental illness, or facing a serious health issue.
Anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed by a physician, so it is important to talk to your doctor if feelings of worry or dread have a significant effect on your quality of life several days out of the week, especially if these feelings occur regularly during periods which should not be stressful. One of the most important steps toward feeling better is to take control of your condition by seeking treatment and information about the condition. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available for anxiety disorder, and you can find a way to return to a happier, healthier lifestyle by getting treatment.
There are actually several different identified types of anxiety disorders- panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia or social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. The treatments for each type of anxiety disorder will vary, and your doctor will be able to help you come up with the right combination of therapy and medication to manage your symptoms. While there is no single medication that can cure an anxiety disorder, there are several that are designed to help you reduce your anxiety levels as you work toward finding ways to permanently manage the condition. Medication has been proven to be particularly effective for those who suffer from anxiety panic attacks, since medications can begin to eliminate the symptoms of panic disorder in as little as thirty minutes. Those who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder and similar problems also benefit significantly from anxiety medication that can help them manage their compulsions while they learn behavioral techniques to manage the condition permanently.
The first step in controlling your anxiety disorder is to ask for help. Your family physician will often be able to help you find the right doctor or professional to help manage symptoms, and he or she may prescribe medication to help you handle anxiety right away. Once you begin working with a doctor to treat the disorder, you will find that you are able to quickly regain control of your life and begin feeling less anxious. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common and highly treatable ailments among American adults, with nearly one in five experiencing the problem throughout the course of their life. Getting help to manage and control this condition means getting back to your family, work, and life.
