Treatment of anxiety disorders

Fear is an elemental human feeling, a normal degree warns of danger, and promotes better performances. However, unreasonable, chronically persistent and uncontrolled anxiety is considered pathological.

Three main types can be differentiated

• panic type anxiety, occurring in attacks.
• Panic attacks are often associated by the following physical symptoms: shivering, sense of palpitation or a quick pulse, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling of chocking, nausea, seizures, diarrhea, dizziness, depersonalization (feeling as becoming detached from own body), numb hands, shivering or flushes of heat, headache. The individual going through such any attack may be afraid of losing self-control, getting mad or experience fear of death.
• generalized anxiety is defined as permanent, constant worrying.
• phobic type of anxiety, is related to a specific subject (e.g. crowds, spiders).

Consequences of chronic anxiety

• We have learned from several large studies, that anxiety plays a role in the development of cardiovascular disorders.
• Anxious individuals turn to the healthcare system more often, and sudden cardiac death is more common among them.
• Alcohol- and drug-dependence is more common
• Rates of suicide attempts are increased
• Financially dependent from others

In times of temporary difficulties, if someone seeks to avoid dependence from sedatives, natural remedies may be tried. The best known medicinal herbs with an anxiolytic effect are hops, catnip, melissa and lavender, as well as the passion-flower. The effectiveness of these are not only supported by centuries of laic and medical observations, but also an increasing number of recent research studies.

Anxiety and depression

Many anxiety patients also suffer from depression – feeling explicit sadness, even hopelessness. Depression is associated with thought process and concentration impairment, as well as loss of feelings of pleasure. The doctor has to be informed of these symptoms as well. If a diagnosis has been established, the physician – possibly with assistance of a psychiatrist- determines the optimal therapeutic method.

Antidepressants (sedatives, anxiolytics, minor tranquillizers)

Reduce tension, anxiety, relax muscles. Side-effects: drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, shakiness and other movement disturbances.

Warning: While administered it is not allowed to drive a vehicle or operate dangerous machinery. Effects of alcohol may be enhanced as well. Sustained administration (lasting for months) may lead to psychological changes, result in dependence, while their discontinuation may cause so called withdrawal symptoms.