Alternatives to Anxiety Medications

July 11, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Medicine




Anxiety cannot be avoided. It is a fact of life. Our society is facing a fast-paced lifestyle and sometimes, not all people are inclined into doing things at a faster rate. More often than not, people tend to feel anxious or worried with things, situations, or activities that may not suit their schedule or mood at the same point in time.

 

However, there are several anxiety treatment that can be done in several approaches, depending on the person’s choice. There are others who may opt for anxiety medications, which can really do the trick sometimes, but then again, can cause side effects that may increase their feelings of discomfort. But there are other choices.

 

Studies on the use of alternative medicine have revealed effective herbal remedies for anxiety that are capable of relieving stress, tension, and unwanted fear, instead of taking anxiety medications that can cause much unwanted effects on the user. For all natural anxiety remedies, passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is used to cure insomnia and has been historically used as a sedative. Passion flower can ease “nervous” gastrointestinal complaints, and is said to be able to reduce nervous tremors and lower high blood pressure.

 

Another natural remedy for anxiety would be through the use of Lavender, or lavandula augustifolia. Lavender is a general tonic for the nervous system, and is well-known for its calming properties, making it one of the most effective of natural panic attack and anxiety herbal remedies. Whilr Lemon Balm or Melissa Officinalis, is used as a restorative for the nervous system. which can also calm the digestive system, and reduces blood pressure as well, Catnip, or Nepeta Cataria, has a soothing effect that efficiently relieves anxiety. It has a sharp fragrance and is attractive and exciting to cats, which enjoys eating catnip.

 

Meanwhile, Fennel, or foeniculum vulgare, acts by relieving gastrointestinal problems, and is also used widely in Italy as an aromatic condiment and as medication too. Kava is another herbal remedy that helps in minimizing the feelings of anxiety. Kava tincture or capsule is made from the dried roots and rhizome from the bush of the pepper. Hop, or humulus lupulus, has a bitterflavor and aroma. This herbal anxiety remedy is used as a sedative and can cause a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Motherwort, or Leonurus, has rather a pungent odor and has a very bitter taste. Despite this, it helps stabilize emotions and has a calming effect on the user, therefore decreasing the feelings of anxiety.

 

Skullcap is also called helmet flower for the shape of the flowers, which resembles a knight’s helmet with the visor up. The tincture or capsules of this kind would help relax and nourish the nervous system and at the same time, induces sleep. Saint John’s Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is commonly used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of mild depression. The flowers of the plant have been used for centuries in order to heal skin wounds and to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well. These herbal remedies can bring wellness to a person with anxiety, thus recommended than using anxiety medications that can have the possibility to harm the body.

 

Anxiety cannot be avoided. It is a fact of life. Our society is facing a fast-paced lifestyle and sometimes, not all people are inclined into doing things at a faster rate. More often than not, people tend to feel anxious or worried with things, situations, or activities that may not suit their schedule or mood at the same point in time.

 

However, there are several anxiety treatment that can be done in several approaches, depending on the person’s choice. There are others who may opt for anxiety medications, which can really do the trick sometimes, but then again, can cause side effects that may increase their feelings of discomfort. But there are other choices.

 

Studies on the use of alternative medicine have revealed effective herbal remedies for anxiety that are capable of relieving stress, tension, and unwanted fear, instead of taking anxiety medications that can cause much unwanted effects on the user. For all natural anxiety remedies, passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is used to cure insomnia and has been historically used as a sedative. Passion flower can ease “nervous” gastrointestinal complaints, and is said to be able to reduce nervous tremors and lower high blood pressure.

 

Another natural remedy for anxiety would be through the use of Lavender, or lavandula augustifolia. Lavender is a general tonic for the nervous system, and is well-known for its calming properties, making it one of the most effective of natural panic attack and anxiety herbal remedies. Whilr Lemon Balm or Melissa Officinalis, is used as a restorative for the nervous system. which can also calm the digestive system, and reduces blood pressure as well, Catnip, or Nepeta Cataria, has a soothing effect that efficiently relieves anxiety. It has a sharp fragrance and is attractive and exciting to cats, which enjoys eating catnip.

 

Meanwhile, Fennel, or foeniculum vulgare, acts by relieving gastrointestinal problems, and is also used widely in Italy as an aromatic condiment and as medication too. Kava is another herbal remedy that helps in minimizing the feelings of anxiety. Kava tincture or capsule is made from the dried roots and rhizome from the bush of the pepper. Hop, or humulus lupulus, has a bitterflavor and aroma. This herbal anxiety remedy is used as a sedative and can cause a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Motherwort, or Leonurus, has rather a pungent odor and has a very bitter taste. Despite this, it helps stabilize emotions and has a calming effect on the user, therefore decreasing the feelings of anxiety.

 

Skullcap is also called helmet flower for the shape of the flowers, which resembles a knight’s helmet with the visor up. The tincture or capsules of this kind would help relax and nourish the nervous system and at the same time, induces sleep. Saint John’s Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is commonly used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of mild depression. The flowers of the plant have been used for centuries in order to heal skin wounds and to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well. These herbal remedies can bring wellness to a person with anxiety, thus recommended than using anxiety medications that can have the possibility to harm the body.

 

 



Different Forms Of Anxiety Treatment

June 28, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Medicine




At one time or another we have all experienced anxiety; a natural reaction to particular stressors in our lives. Juggling career demands, personal relationships, and family schedules can provoke anyone to have moments when the anxiety becomes palpable and manifests itself in a number of physical symptoms. It is only when anxiety is persistent and pervasive - interfering with everyday activities - which sufferers turn to anxiety treatment to help manage their symptoms and bring balance and order back into their life.

Anxiety treatment - like the anxiety that we experience - is varied; depending on the severity and frequency of the episodes and the personal needs of the sufferer. Those battling ongoing anxiety often experience persistent heightened levels of panic and fear - either in general or in response to particular situations. The treatment that will bring relief must be decided between patient and doctor and only comes after a comprehensive examination and proper diagnosis.

Most often, those who turn to treatment options are experiencing what has been defined as anxiety disorder - an umbrella diagnosis that refers to many different forms of anxiety including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and general anxiety disorder. Not every treatment works for every sufferer so it is vitally important that each person who seeks treatment does so in accordance with their medical practitioner. Your doctor will be able to run a series of tests to first ensure that the symptoms experienced as a result of anxiety are not instead manifestations of a physical ailment or disease.

Once anxiety has been diagnosed, a treatment plan is put into place. One such anxiety treatment is what as known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is conducted by a licensed therapist - a reputable practioner that your primary doctor can recommend - and focuses on changing the thinking and behavior of the anxiety sufferer. Individual catalysts of anxiety are identified with each patient - particular situations that most often provoke anxiety. Once these provocations are identified, the therapist can then work with the patient to put tools in place to help the patient work through the anxiety during particular situations. Often - after much work has been done - the therapist will expose the patient to situations that provoke stress; in some cases, frequent exposure can actually desensitize the patient to the situation and anxiety levels are lowered considerably. CBT can take months to fully reveal its benefits. But often it is well worth the work as patients can learn to manage their anxiety without the use of medications.

Holistic anxiety treatment is another method used to manage anxiety. Such treatments include the taking of herbal remedies that have been shown to have effectiveness in anxiety management. However, it is important to work with a doctor in determining what herbal treatments may work for you; some are not recommended in conjunction with other medication so it is important to proceed with care. Other patients report success with such therapies as acupuncture, biofeedback - a form of self-hypnosis - and other relaxation techniques such as meditation, and therapeutic massage.

When anxiety continues even after the implementation of therapy and holistic remedies, a doctor may prescribe medication to help control anxiety symptoms. Luckily, medical advancements have made medication safe and effective when used under the care of a doctor; and many people report substantial success with the help of medications. Your doctor can prescribe the medication that is most likely to work with your particular situation.

Finally, it is important to take extra care of yourself if you suffer from anxiety. Anxiety treatment also relies on the patient knowing to what best their body responds. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and plentiful sleep can go a long way toward helping lower anxiety levels.



Living With Anxiety

June 12, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Medicine




erybody feels anxious and nervous right before doing something really important, be it a thesis paper presentation, a job interview, or a midterm exam we did not get to review for. It is the body’s normal reaction to tense and stressful situations. Anxiety is simply the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response to warn us of possible dangers ahead.

But what happens when anxiety becomes too overwhelming? What if you start fearing and worrying over the littlest of things that it prevents you from functioning normally? You may already be developing an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders

An anxiety disorder refers to many different kinds of abnormal and irrational anxieties or fears. People with anxiety disorders may experience having intense panic attacks that appear from out of nowhere, some in the form of eccentric obsessions and compulsions. Some people develop extreme fear over things that generally don’t bother other people.

Anxiety disorder comes in many forms, the most common being:

Generalized anxiety disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Panic disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Phobias.

Separation anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder.

But despite having many different kinds, all of the above mentioned forms of anxiety have one thing in common - a persistent and intensely overwhelming fear or worry.

Anxiety or panic attacks

Anxiety attacks, also called panic attacks, are sudden, acute episodes of intense anxiety and feelings of panic. Like what was mentioned earlier, these attacks happen without warning. And even if the fear is irrational, the sufferer perceives the threat as real. Here are some of the physical symptoms felt during an anxiety attack:

shortness of breath

dizziness

palpitations or pounding heart

nausea or stomach distress

chest pain or discomfort

hot or cold flashes.

Here are some of the emotional and psychological symptoms of having an anxiety or panic attack:

apprehension, uneasiness, and dread

confusion, impaired concentration or selective attention

restlessness and irritability

avoidance and a strong desire to escape

hypervigilance

nervousness and jumpiness

self-consciousness and insecurity

Treatment

Anxiety disorders is not a simple matter, it takes a serious toll on the sufferer’s life as well as those around him. Having an anxiety disorder can lead to having low self-esteem, depression, and/or substance abuse. But the good news is, anxiety disorders are highly manageable and treatable.

Here are some of the most commonly suggested treatment for anxiety disorders:

Medications

Thanks to modern science, scientists are coming up with more and more medications to help mental health professionals in managing and treating anxiety attacks. Anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed by psychologists to help sufferers to function normally in society.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

This treatment is also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy. With this therapy, deep-rooted reasons for the anxieties are expressed and dealt with. Resolving underlying issues have been proven helpful in gradually relieving sufferers from their anxieties and eventually fully get rid of their irrational fears. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps sufferers create a different response to certain situations where anxiety and panic attacks are triggered.

Coping with anxiety maybe difficult but it definitely possible. With determination and strong will from the sufferer’s part, and professional help from psychologists and anti-anxiety medications, people with anxiety disorders will soon be able to lead normal lives again.