This article will explain what anxiety disorder is, its causes, symptoms, and therapy options available.
What Are Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder is:
- Worrying excessively without any specific reason, which has a negative physical, psychological and mental impact on your quality of life.
- Fearing and avoiding social interactions where there is a possibility of scrutiny and worrying about being humiliated or embarrassed.
- Irrational fear of anything that you believe will harm you.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety
- Phobias for specific things
Anxiety Disorder Causes
Although the exact causes aren’t known, according to research and statistics, these factors could cause anxiety disorder:
- Medical causes — heart illness, diabetes, thyroid issues, respiratory issues
- Abuse-related substance withdrawal
- A side effect of some medications
Risk Factors
- Family history: a family history of mental health disorder is a predisposing factor for anxiety disorder.
- Stressful events: physical, emotional, and mental stress can predispose you to anxiety disorder.
- Health issues: disease conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and depression, can be a risk factor for anxiety disorder.
- Substance abuse: anxiety disorder can be a withdrawal symptom in drug addicts.
- Personality: anxiety disorders can be exacerbated by personality traits like being a perfectionist.
How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed
Anxiety disorder is diagnosed according to DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Anxiety Disorders.
Symptoms and Signs of Anxiety Disorders
There are individual differences in the type and severity of anxiety disorder symptoms. Symptoms can be physical, behavioral, or psychological. It might be challenging to identify an anxiety condition because everyone experiences anxiety symptoms. If any of the following symptoms persist for a long time and have a detrimental effect on your health and quality of life, please contact a doctor.
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate and shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Muscle tension
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Gastrointestinal problems
Psychological Symptoms
- Lack of focus
- Change in appetite
- Uncontrolled panic
- Insomnia
- Irritable feeling
- Social withdrawal
- Excessive thinking
- Restlessness and unnecessary worry
Behavioral Symptoms
- Out of touch with reality
- Avoiding public places or scary situations
- Ritualistic behavior
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
These are the various treatment options for anxiety disorder, and treatment may include a combination of more than one option.
Medical treatment
There are many drugs available to treat anxiety disorders. The nature and likelihood of comorbidity with other mental and physical conditions influence drug selection.
Antidepressants
Originally it was exclusively intended to treat depression, but antidepressants have since been shown to be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines
Due to their potential for addiction, benzodiazepines are only used as a temporary anxiety therapy.
Buspirone
Buspirone is chemically distinct from benzodiazepines and is non-addictive, and is just as helpful in treatment of anxiety attacks. Buspirone has the potential to decrease white blood cells and increase the risk of infection.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a psychological counseling session with a psychologist to help allay the patient’s fears. It is a good treatment for social and other anxiety disorders without medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder, involves teaching patients a set of specialized skills that will enable them to better control their symptoms. The patient will gradually resume the activities they have been avoiding due to anxiety. The success rate of CBT is high.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Some of the natural treatments for anxiety disorder at home are:
Hydration: dehydration might result in tension, weak muscles, and anxiousness which are among the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Drinking enough water can reduce anxiety disorder symptoms.
Lavender essential oil: linalool and linalyl acetate, which are in lavender oil, have a relaxing impact on the nervous system.
Nutmeg: nutmeg helps to promote sound sleep and reduce stress.
Exercise and diet: exercise improves fitness and helps to release hormones that elevate mood and lessen anxiety.
Before using a nutritional supplement with your medications, consult your doctor to get information about possible interactions.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment
The cost in an inpatient facility is more than an outpatient facility. An inpatient facility is an anxiety disorders treatment option for patients with severe conditions. Depending on their condition, patients may stay in an inpatient facility for up to three months.
An outpatient facility is for patients with less severe conditions and allows them to maintain their daily routine while receiving treatment. The outpatient facility is cheaper than the inpatient facility.
Process and Stages of Anxiety Disorders Treatment at Dr.Vorobjev Clinic
At Dr.Vorobjev’s anxiety treatment center, the first session with one of our experts is to allay the patient’s fears and help them understand why they need assistance. The DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Anxiety Disorders will then be used in a thorough diagnostic process. Urine or blood samples may be taken to diagnose co-occurring addictions in alcohol and drug users. After that, a customized treatment plan for anxiety will be created, and the patient will receive follow-up care to help them reintegrate into society.
Is It Possible to Get Rid of Anxiety Disorders on Your Own?
Anxiety disorder is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. If you have, or you think you have an anxiety disorder, the best option is to seek professional guidance and care. If you choose to be treated at home, anxiety treatment can take a long time.
Average Duration of Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
The average duration of anxiety disorders treatment may last a couple of months depending on the severity of your condition.
Effectiveness of Anxiety Disorders Treatment
Our track record of successful cases affirms the effectiveness of our approach to treating anxiety disorders. A synergy of psychotherapy, medication and natural methods is the best treatment for anxiety, which helps most patients to get rid of the disorder and live a full life.
Cost of Anxiety Disorders Treatment
The cost of anxiety disorders treatment starts from 5,500 €. The cost depends on the length of treatment and whether you are treated in an inpatient or outpatient facility.
Doctors
Our doctors only use advanced treatment methods for anxiety disorder. They have a wealth of experience to improve your life, and be free from anxiety disorder.
Patents and Certificates
We are registered and certified anxiety disorder treatment experts. We also have specialists that are licensed to provide patients with a full continuum of care. Our doctors put a strong emphasis on each patient’s treatment and recovery while planning the necessary course of therapy for them.
Reviews
- Maria Nikonenko
„Specially came to Serbia for treatment of anxiety on the recommendation of friends. It was very comfortable to stay in the rehab. The staff and doctors speak several languages. The treatment was successful and I didn’t even expect that talking to a doctor and working in a group would affect my anxiety. I would like to mention the nurses who were always ready to help in any way they could. I was a little afraid to go home, but the post-treatment plan we made gave me the confidence to deal with my anxiety outside of the clinic as well.“
- Aleksandar Ivanovic
„My daughter was treated at this clinic. I am very grateful to the doctors for their help. It took us a lot of effort to convince her to go to therapy, but every day we see the results.“
