Managing Anxiety Symptoms: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies

Q: Managing Anxiety Symptoms: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies

Hello, A-Tian：<br>Having suffered from anxiety disorder for over ten years must have significantly impacted your daily life. <br>In recent years, the prevalence of anxiety disorders has been on the rise, leading many to seek professional medical care or pharmacological treatment.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder distress?

Hello, Doctor.
I have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety for nearly ten years.
I have undergone psychological counseling and was diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
I received short-term therapy from a counselor, but I didn't notice significant improvement, so I stopped the treatment.
My anxiety symptoms still occur intermittently, sometimes more frequently.
Recently, they seem to have increased in frequency, and whenever I experience these feelings, it is really uncomfortable.
I have been hesitant to visit a hospital because I am unsure if medication treatment will lead to other side effects, making me feel sluggish or dazed.
I would like to ask if, after nearly ten years of this condition, medication is necessary for treatment? Is it possible to fully recover? Will taking medication cause side effects or other discomforts? Additionally, if I do experience anxiety symptoms, what can I do to alleviate the discomfort? Thank you for your patient response!

A Tian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/24

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry

Hello, A-Tian:
Having suffered from anxiety disorder for over ten years must have significantly impacted your daily life.
In recent years, the prevalence of anxiety disorders has been on the rise, leading many to seek professional medical care or pharmacological treatment.
There is no need for you to worry.
In fact, tension and anxiety are instinctive physiological responses in humans, developed through evolution as reactions to danger and threats.
When an individual's physical or psychological integrity is perceived to be at risk, whether in reality or imagination, anxiety can arise.
Moderate anxiety is not only harmless but can also enhance problem-solving efficiency.
However, when the level of anxiety affects one's comfort in daily life, interpersonal relationships, work or academic performance, or leads to significant distress, it is considered pathological anxiety.
Possible causes may include: an overactive sympathetic nervous system in response to external stimuli, poor adaptability, side effects from certain medications or dietary factors, specific physical illnesses that directly or indirectly lead to anxiety, and of course, genetic and constitutional factors.
Individuals with anxiety disorders can primarily be categorized into those with physical anxiety and psychological anxiety.
Physical anxiety symptoms include: rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, dizziness, muscle tension, and trembling.
Psychological anxiety symptoms include: feelings of tension, unease, fear, and a sense of impending doom.
If anxiety severely impacts your daily life and routine, it is advisable to seek medical treatment.
Treatment options include: 1.
Pharmacotherapy: anxiolytics, antidepressants, and beta-adrenergic antagonists.
2.
Psychotherapy (behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy) and biofeedback.

In addition to medical treatment, adjusting your attitude towards life's pressures can help alleviate your emotions.
Strategies include: 1.
Avoid setting excessively high standards or expectations for yourself.
2.
Reflect on whether you are underestimating your abilities and choosing to avoid challenges.
3.
Avoid extreme views that equate lack of success with failure.
4.
Recognize that some setbacks are beyond your control and not entirely your fault.
5.
Do not overestimate the severity of consequences, as if it were the end of the world.
6.
Avoid perfectionism; do not dwell on shortcomings while neglecting the positive aspects of situations.
7.
Think long-term; current pressures will improve over time.
You mentioned enduring the torment of illness for over a decade, and I can imagine the suffering you have experienced during this time.
Our hospital has established a special outpatient clinic for psychosomatic disorders to create a therapeutic environment aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by anxiety and depression.

Wishing you peace, joy, and well-being.
Zhang Geng-Jia
March 25, 2016
Department of General Psychiatry, Chianan Psychiatric Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2016/03/24

More Info

Managing anxiety symptoms can be a complex journey, especially when you've been dealing with them for nearly a decade. It's understandable to have concerns about medication, its side effects, and whether it is necessary for your treatment. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding anxiety treatment options, coping strategies, and the potential for recovery.

Understanding Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways, including psychological symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, as well as physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, and fatigue. Given your long history with anxiety, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate in intensity and frequency.

Treatment Options
1. Psychotherapy: You mentioned having undergone short-term therapy with limited results. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. If you haven't tried CBT specifically, it may be worth considering.
2. Medication: While not everyone with anxiety requires medication, it can be beneficial for many. Common classes of medications include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are often the first-line treatment for anxiety and include medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). They can help improve mood and reduce anxiety over time.

- Benzodiazepines: Medications like Xanax can provide quick relief for acute anxiety symptoms but are generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.

- Buspirone: This is an anti-anxiety medication that can be used for chronic anxiety and may have fewer side effects compared to benzodiazepines.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can significantly impact anxiety levels. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also help reduce symptoms.

Concerns About Medication
It's natural to worry about potential side effects of medication. While some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, or changes in appetite, many find that these effects diminish over time. It’s crucial to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of medication and monitor your response to treatment.

Coping Strategies
When anxiety symptoms arise, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage discomfort:
- Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through your mouth.

- Grounding Techniques: Focus on your surroundings to help distract your mind from anxious thoughts. This can include describing objects around you or engaging your senses (e.g., noticing colors, sounds, and textures).

- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body, which can help reduce physical tension associated with anxiety.

- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for your anxiety and help you identify triggers.

The Path to Recovery
While anxiety can be a chronic condition, many people find relief through a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies. It’s essential to remember that recovery is a process, and what works for one person may not work for another.
If you feel that your symptoms are worsening or becoming unmanageable, it may be time to revisit your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They can help you explore new treatment options or adjust your current regimen to better suit your needs.

In conclusion, while medication can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety, it is not the only option. A combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life. Don't hesitate to seek help and advocate for your mental health; you deserve to feel better.

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