Medications and Substances Which can Induce Anxiety
* Caffeine and other stimulants
* Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines
* Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants
* Steroids such as cortisone and prednisone
* Weight loss products
* Hormones (birth control pills, thyroid medication)
* Inhalers and other respiratory medications
* Herbal remedies such as Ma huang and ephedra
* High blood pressure medication
* Withdrawal from alcohol
* ADHD medications (Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine)
* Withdrawal from benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
If your physician rules out medical complications, your next step is to consult with a qualified psychotherapist or counselor. Visit Find a Therapist at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America for a searchable list of mental health providers, as well as tips on selecting a therapist. Your therapist will work with you to determine the cause and type of your anxiety disorder and devise a course of treatment.
What types of treatments are effective for anxiety?
Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment, yet according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America only 1/3 of those suffering from them receive help. This is unfortunate because treatment can offer immense relief, often in a relatively short amount of time. Most anxiety disorders are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is very effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. As the name suggests, CBT focuses on changing both maladaptive thinking patterns—or cognitions—and behaviors. If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder, CBT will help you identify and challenge the negative and irrational beliefs that are holding you back from working through your fears. Another key component of CBT is exposure. In exposure therapy, you confront your fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures, you will gain a greater sense of control over your anxieties. As you learn new skills for dealing with stressful situations, you will begin to get the upper hand on anxiety.
Cognitive-behavior therapy for anxiety usually takes between 12 and 20 weeks. CBT is conducted both in individual therapy and in groups of people with similar anxiety problems. To find out more about how CBT is used to treat anxiety disorders, visit Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? To find a cognitive-behavioral therapist in your area, visit Search for Therapists.
Medication
A variety of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Medication is sometimes used in the short-term to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can be pursued. Anxiety medications can be habit forming and may have unwanted side effects, so be sure to research your options. Read about the types of medications prescribed for anxiety disorders, along with an in-depth look at the risks and benefits in Helpguide's Medications for Anxiety.
2007-07-09 06:03:41
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answer #1
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answered by ஜSnazzlefrazzஜ 5
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I used to have the worst anxiety, I could barely function. My doctor prescribed me medication to take but I felt like a zombie. So i researched other alternatives, I cut out all sugar and caffeine, ate very healthy, lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats and drink lots of water. I also began to exercise every day, even just a nice long walk or bike ride. Try to get your heart rate going a bit. After about a month of doing this I had very little anxiety. What anxiety I did experience I was able to overcome by thinking positive thoughts. I know it sounds corny but it really worked. You need to learn how to deal with everyday stress in a good way rather than anxiety, this is more powerful than any drug a doctor could prescribe. It has been 7 years and I feel better than ever. Trust me, try it out.
2007-07-09 05:50:50
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answer #2
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answered by Stuck in the middle of nowhere 7
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Anxiety leads to many health problems both emotionally and physically. some therapies to treat anxiety are:
Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy: Most effective therapy which helps to identify the negative thoughts and alter your thoughts into positive thinking. Most of the psychologists widely used this cbt therapy.
Hypnosis: It is a very effective tool in reducing the anxiety levels.
Acupuncture: It is an old ancient Chinese method which works effectively to many disorders especially in treating with anxiety.
Some self - help methods to treat anxiety disorders:
Get good and sufficient sleep: Lack of sleep leads to many health problems. It also contributes to overall stress and anxious feelings. Try to sleep at least for 7 - 8 hours in a day.
Laugh: When you feel distress, try to laugh by having fun with your dear ones which will makes you relax and lowers your anxiety levels.
Eat: Eat a healthy and balanced diet and try to avoid the junk, unsaturated foods, avoid the alcohol, drugs, caffeine which will worsens your anxiety levels.
Pray: If you believe in prayer pray for some time.
Meditate: Meditation will bring your mind and body into a relaxing state. It will helps to mind to lower the anxiety provoking thoughts.
I found some useful information at http://seahealth.org/anxiety
2014-07-30 22:00:53
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes, Yes, and Yes. These reactions that you had on meds are very common, but kept secret for some unknown reason! Zoloft and Prozac can most definitely exacerbate anxiety and make depression worse for some people. Adderall, an amphetamine, has been known to calm people down. If you have ADD, it is immaterial. These are facts. Therefore, tell your doctor exactly how you are reacting to the medication and ask for a trial of Adderall. Good luck! I hope all goes well for you.
2016-03-15 01:16:24
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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In the long run, PMA, Positive Mental Attitude, will help as much as anything, but you may need or want some medical assistance in between. Imaging positive outcomes, thinking positive, being positive and putting yourself in positive situations helped me immensely.
There are MANY co-issues that tag along with anxiety, such as depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, PTSD, stress, on and on. What I found to be of the most help is to address my issues head on and not to ignore them or deny they exist. They will eventually worm their way to the surface if you do, and they are usually even more complicated then....easier to do it now and work thru them.
Self esteem is a very large key factor in these issues, and is something that needs to be addressed. If its low, its tough for you to feel good. By addressing it, facing it and doing things that are healthy and good for you emotionally, you can progress thru this and end up a much stronger, healthier person.
I encourage you to face the reasons the anxiety exists, and I encourage you not to bury it with illegal drugs or alcohol. Counseling isnt a bad thing when it helps you get healthy!! Isolate the reasons you feel the anxiety...change what you can.
I wish you nothing but the best and hope you will work hard to find healthy answers to solving it.
2007-07-09 05:58:45
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway
Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?
2016-05-16 09:56:05
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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anxiety as a rule doesn't go away. But you can take classes to learn how to cope with the physical symptoms, and you can ask your doctor for medications to help. But unless you invest your own energy into those classes, it is likely the doctor won't want to prescribe the meds.
2007-07-09 05:46:20
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answer #7
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answered by essentiallysolo 7
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Only way to get rid of it is to find out what's causing it. Most of the time, it's a physical problem- thyroid, anemia, poor diet, lack of nutrients, etc.
2007-07-09 06:04:32
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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learn deep breathing
2007-07-09 05:50:52
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answer #9
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answered by Friend 6
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speak with your doctor and they will be happy to help you.
2007-07-09 05:44:35
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answer #10
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answered by David K 5
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