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Cures for Anxiety

People typically react with anxiety when faced with a threatening situation. It can stem from a legitimate reason, such as a job interview or pregnancy. It can also be triggered by a deep, irrational fear, resulting in panic attacks. With the proper treatment methods, anxiety can be permanently eliminated.

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    • Generally viewed as the most effective treatment method for anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps the patient to view his fears realistically. The irrational fear that accompanies an anxiety attack is often the result of the victim's thinking pattern. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the thought processes and behavioral patterns causing the anxiety. It teaches you that your fear of the situation is actually more perilous than the situation itself. Once you understand that there is really no danger, your anxiety becomes less of an obstacle.

    Exposure Therapy

    • Exposure therapy occurs in a safe and therapeutic environment. The therapist exposes the anxiety patient to panic-inducing situations, while teaching her how to cope. The therapist may ask her to hold her breath, shake her head from side to side or hyperventilate (breathing abnormally fast or deeply). These physical sensations are similar to the ones she undergoes when in panic mode. With each exposure, she learns how to resist the effects of her anxiety, gaining an overall sense of control.

    Self-Help

    • Although professional treatment and therapy can help to cure your anxiety, applying self-help techniques is recommended as well. If you are susceptible to anxiety attacks, smoking and caffeine can trigger anxious feelings, so avoid these habits. During an anxiety attack, hyperventilation may occur, making you feel like you are having a heart attack. To stabilize your erratic breathing, take deep breaths while counting to 10; repeat this until your anxiety subsides. Indulge in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to calm your mind and relax your muscles. Online resources such as the Panic Center can help you to learn more about anxiety as well as take parrt in forum discussions.

    Medications

    • Medication is most effective when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes. Therapy and lifestyle changes help to address the underlying reason for your anxiety. However, medication tends to help only with reducing your symptoms, leaving the root of the problem present. If your physician decides that medication is best for you, she may prescribe you with an antidepressant, such as Prozac, which could take several weeks to become effective. You will also have to take it constantly, even if you are not having an anxiety attack. She may prescribe Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) instead, which provide symptomatic relief within 30 minutes to an hour. Although Benzodiazepines are fast-acting, they can be highly addictive.

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