Archive for August, 2009

Bertil Hjert asked:


Agoraphobia is a very common anxiety disorder. It affects roughly 1 in 20 Americans in varying forms and degrees. The only disorder more common is alcoholism. This type of anxiety is fear based. You are afraid that you will be caught in a situation where it will be difficult or embarrassing to leave quickly if you have a panic attack. 

Agoraphobia and panic attacks are really necessary companions because it really boils down to being afraid of attacks. 

It is a condition that usually develops following panic. Since the panic was so frightening and made you so anxious you avoid situations that you associate with the potential to cause another attack.

Avoidance becomes a way of life and fear your middle name. People suffering from agoraphobia tend to avoid situations where escape would be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack.

For example, sufferers tend to avoid grocery stores, department stores and restaurants. They also don´t like confined spaces like tunnels, tents, buses, subways, bridges or even the hair dresser´s chair. Being at home alone can also be a great source of worry because who would help you if you had an attack? 

Agoraphobia is a fear based phobia that can severely limit your travel and associations with other people. It can have an extremely damaging effect on your life and can continue to spiral out of control. Of course, becoming a recluse and a shut in, afraid to venture out of your home is a worst case scenario.

There are many stages well before this and the disorder is treatable. You can help yourself, control the attacks and reduce or eliminate it.

The two basic criteria for diagnosis are:

1. You have anxiety about being in places or situations that it is either difficult or embarrassing to leave or it would be difficult to get help if you had panic symptoms strike.

2. You avoid places or situations where you are afraid you might have an attack or experience significant distress and anxiety.

The concept of avoidance is the crucial component in a diagnosis.  You may also have panic disorder or social phobia, which have common characteristics.

Agoraphobia is a particularly hard anxiety based problem to deal with because it goes to the heart of a person´s concern for their safety and security. With this disorder, particularly in more severe cases, it is hard to feel safe anywhere.  

Elevators, theaters, sporting events, lines, the subway, the bus, shopping malls, airplanes, bridges, these all become problematic and thus, you don´t go there. You name it, you feel unsafe there, and you worry about a panic attack overtaking you. 

What if you have a panic attack and no one is there to help you? Or worse, what if you have an attack and you have people staring at you, or you have to ask someone for help? That´s just too embarrassing! 



 

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Harry asked:


People all around us feel anxious and stressed out due to the present condition of the world. Everyone has their own reason for being stressed out and you can see people wherever you look, be it a small child or an old man, having a worried look. Let’s take a look at a few examples of what makes people stressed out.

A child who has moved into a higher school would be stressed because his parents back home would expect him to excel because the amount of competition is high. A middle aged man has to toil harder by working even after his office hours to hold onto his job because his company is reducing the number of employees.

We just saw two instances which makes people suffer from anxiety and if you think anxiety is a simple word, then think again. Anxiety may cause distress and may severely affect a person’s life. The range of intensity may vary but yet the results are dangerous. You may wonder how come people do not get affected even though anxiety is quite normal. This is because although due to the present day scenario most people suffer from anxiety, people can lead a proper life without anxiety causing any major worry to their lives if it is dealt with properly.

If you are still doubtful whether anxiety therapy is needed, take a look at the problems caused by anxiety:

Ø As a victim of the most generalized type of anxiety, you may have recurring thoughts about losing everything that you posses. The symptoms are quite dangerous because people who suffer from similar experiences are bound to face problems in concentrating on their daily task.

Ø Many people develop various types of phobias that can be really dangerous and that may lead to various other mental illnesses.

The problems mentioned above are just a couple from a never ending list; the impact may vary from person to person. Anxiety therapy is extremely important because if anxiety is not dealt with properly it may cause recurring panic attack, psychological disorder, depression etc.

Here is a brief insight on ways to fight anxiety.

Behavioral Therapy:

This therapy employs techniques that work in reduction or stopping of undesired behavior. A common technique used makes use of relaxation and deep breathing that stops breathing problems that anxiety may cause.

Cognitive Therapy:

Cognitive bevavioural therapy is an excellent Anxiety therapy because it is a different but realistic approach to those who understand how anxiety causes problems since it enables them to take steps to stop the reasons that create anxiety.

Anxiety therapy should be started as soon as possible so that things are kept under control from the very start. You can find more anxiety therapies on the internet but always consult your doctor before starting any particular anxiety therapy.



 

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Jon Mercer asked:


For many people, alternative anxiety treatments can bring relief from their symptoms when medical approaches (like using anti-anxiety medications) have failed. Not everyone responds to well to prescription drug treatment for anxiety. The side effects and potential withdrawal symptoms can sometimes outweigh any perceived benefit from the drug, especially over the long-term.

Alternative anxiety treatments have the benefit of not relying on habit-forming medications, and many have been thoroughly researched in universities around the world to determine both effectiveness and safety. Although the medical community in the United States continues to focus on medication as a cure for anxiety, there is a growing movement among doctors and researchers toward a more natural or holistic approach to this common emotional problem.

Contrary to popular misconception, anxiety is not a disease or "medical disorder." Anxiety is in fact an emotional state, most commonly associated with an impending feeling of doom, apprehension, insecurity and worry. These feelings can produce very real physical anxiety symptoms. The most common of these are dizziness, breathing difficulties (hyperventilation), rapid heart beat, chest pains, and upset stomach or nausea.

To calm the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety, and its more acute cousin: the panic attack, there is growing evidence that alternative treatments are often as effective as pharmaceuticals, without the potential for harmful side effects. We'll briefly review five well-documented alternative treatments for anxiety.

1. Diet Changes to Reduce Anxiety. It is well known that caffeine can contribute to anxiety; as can excessive amounts of sugar or alcohol. Many anxiety sufferers find relief from their symptoms by simply modifying their diet. Eliminating stimulants such as caffeine and replacing them with herbal teas (for example) can make a great difference over the course of a few weeks. Chamomile Tea and Skullcap tea are two herbal blends that have long been reported to have soothing affects.

2. Natural Herbs and Supplements. St. John's Wort has received a great deal of attention in the media for its calming effects, and has been researched extensively to ensure that it is safe to use. This natural herb has also been shown to be an effective treatment for moderate depression. Melatonin is another supplement that has long been used to combat sleep disorders and insomnia. There are now several studies that suggest melatonin may also be an effective anti-anxiety treatment.

3. Guided Visualization Techniques. Evidence suggests that using visualization techniques to change the emotional state can be as effective as many prescription drugs for anxiety. These techniques can be used independently, or while listening to a guided visualization CD or tape, to assist the user in "visualizing" more peaceful harmonious feelings throughout the body. The combination of soft relaxing music and gentle guidance can be quite relaxing, and when used consistently, can help to reduce both physical and emotional anxiety symptoms.

4. Breathing Exercises. Proper breathing techniques can contribute to a more peaceful, relaxed state of well-being. As hyperventilation is a common problem among anxiety sufferers, practicing controlled breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety symptoms, and reduce the chances of hyperventilating in a high anxiety situation.

5. Relaxation Techniques and Exercises. Research suggests that practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi can help reduce anxiety. Practicing meditation has also been shown to calm the mind, promoting feelings of well-being. Tai chi in particular can be beneficial, as it encourages mindfulness and controlled breathing.

Each of these alternative anxiety treatments can be beneficial in its own right, and many natural health practitioners suggest using one or more of these treatments simultaneously, in order to affect the greatest change in the user's emotional state and eliminate the "mental environment" that allows anxiety to flourish. Remember, it is important to talk to your doctor before using natural anxiety treatments, taking herbs or supplements, or beginning an exercise program.



 

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