Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Anxiety Cures

Anxiety cures are the forms or ways in which anxiety patients can be healed fully off the ailment or the symptoms brought to unnoticeable levels. There are many forms of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder - acronym (GAD) – and these forms of treatment are psychological therapy, medication, herbal treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy and a combination of therapies.

Depending on the form of anxiety you may have someone may be treated using any one of them or using a combination of the two. Research has shown that GAD has found that the benefits of psychological treatment lasts the longest, but no single treatment is best for everyone.

This is where alpranax comes in as an anxiety cure. The medicine gently eases anxiety because it has a calming soothing formula. This drug has been proven through the research that has been carried out that someone stays focused because it does not cloud the mind. The ingredients in Alpranax affect the patient’s brain by altering the neurochemistry that causes anxiety and stress. Alpranax has been scientifically proven to also reduce panic, irritability & tension. With these advantages on its side alpranax can be used as a supplement medicine to these anxiety cure methods.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of anxiety psychological therapy treatment which involves a therapist changing the way the patient thinks. The patients are asked to explain how they feel towards certain things or occurrences that have caused them to have the anxious behavior. Alpranax can be used to ease and calm the brain without making it dull in the therapy sessions.

Medication

Alpranax can be best classified as a medicinal drug that helps anxiety patients to deal with their anxiety and other psychological ailments. The drug has five main ingredients, namely

B-Complex Vitamins – The body’s B-Vitamin levels start to decrease when the body suffers from anxiety and stress. Alpranax works to replenish these crucial B-Vitamin levels because these vitamins help the brain to function properly.
Valerian – This ingredient is an extract from the Valerian root. It deals with removing muscle tension and other physical manifestations of stress in the body.
Ashwagandha – It helps the body to adapt and to decrease the physical and mental signs of anxiety.
L-Theanine – This amino acid interacts with the brain to keep stress down.
GABA – This is a neurotransmitter that acts as a bridge between excitation and inhibition in the brain. A reduced level of this neurotransmitter leads directly to excessive mental excitation, which is also known as anxiety. Increased GABA levels reduce anxiety.
Other medications used to cure anxiety are either long term or short term depending on the different types of medication, length of treatment, side effects and possible interactions with other medicines. These medicines are categorized below.

Long-term medication includes:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – They are a type of antidepressants that increase the level of the chemical called serotonin in the brain. They can be taken on a long-term basis.
Venlafaxine – It is a different type of antidepressant. It increases the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in your brain which helps restore the chemical imbalance that at times causes GAD.
Pregabalin - This is medication is known as an anticonvulsant and it is used to treat ailments like epilepsy. It has also been found to be very useful in treating anxiety.

Short-term medication includes:

• Antihistamines 
• Benzodiazepines  
• Buspirone

Treatments for Depression - Opting for Natural Anxiety Treatments

Depression and the resulting anxiety can interrupt an otherwise productive and busy life. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting over 40 million adults over the age of 18. This is 18% of the U.S. population that suffers from some degree of anxiety. Half of those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder are also depressed. Almost one third of the country's mental health bill is spent trying to help people manage their anxiety, and many of these suffering from anxiety will end up being hospitalized and eventually on medication. Taking herbs for anxiety is an option that is beginning to appeal to more and more of those coping with mild to moderate anxiety who do not want to take the medications prescribed by to doctors.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety can be something as simple as being constantly plagued by nagging worries that do not go away or seem to have a legitimate cause. There are a wide range of anxiety disorders, from a general anxiety disorder (GAD) to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and panic disorders. In some cases sufferers may have little choice but to be under the care of a doctor and on medication, but for many general anxiety disorders, herbs for anxiety can help avoid the need for prescription medications and provide you with relief that is natural and side effect free.

Why Avoid Prescription Medications?

While the medications prescribed by the doctor can work to provide relief from anxiety they do not come without a price. These medications often have undesirable side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, nausea, decreased libido, dizziness, and headache. To make matters worse your body can become dependent on these medications making it difficult to wean off of them. One of the best reasons to avoid prescription medications and to opt for herbs for anxiety, is that prescription drugs can mask the problems you want to overcome, making it difficult if not impossible to eliminate anxiety. Herbs for anxiety offer a mild cure that can allow you to work on the problems that have caused the anxiety, and leave you with the option of overcoming the problem on a permanent basis.

Herbs for Anxiety

Chamomile - This is one of the mildest herbs for anxiety, and is perfect for those times when nervousness has taken a hold on your stomach and you need to calm down. Chamomile is mild enough to give to children, but potent enough to calm a bad case of nerves in both your stomach and your mind. Chamomile is not a long term treatment but best used as a short term solution.
Valerian Root - These herbs for anxiety are much more potent and can be used as a longer term remedy than Chamomile. While used primarily as a sleep aid, it also makes a great muscle relaxer, and for reducing mental and physical tension. Valerian root should not be used by children, pregnant women, or anyone that is taking other anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drugs.
St. John's Wort - This herb is best known for its use in fighting depression. Since anxiety is often linked to depression, it can also help to treat the anxiety. St. John's Wort is an excellent mood elevator, which can help to alleviate anxiety as well. St. John's Wort should not be used with other anti-depressant drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, or MAOIs, as it can interact with them and increase the potential side effects of these drugs.
Passionflower - These herbs for anxiety are getting a lot of attention since they work similar to Kava. Kava was once considered to be one of the best herbs for anxiety, however reports of liver problems has caused European nations to pull it from their shelves, and the U.S. to post a warning about it. Passionflower is best for mild and moderate anxiety but also shows some promise in treating severe anxiety. It works by reducing muscle tension and calming the nerves to prevent agitation and mood swings.  Passionflower should also not be used if you are taking any MAOIs.
Skullcap - Of all of the herbs for anxiety this one works best to soothe overly twitching muscles which are both a result of an overly active nervous system and a cause of anxiety. The natural sedative effects can help with insomnia, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat.

There are many herbs for anxiety than can help calm and relax you, helping you to sleep, avoid excessive worry and stress, and lift your mood. These herbs for anxiety do to not necessarily eliminate anxiety but help you to cope with it as you learn to overcome it with the help of cognitive therapy, meditation, and a number of other anxiety treatments.

Treating the Signs of Clinical Depression

While you might be feeling down or sad, would you recognize the signs of clinical depression? Most of us have days when we simply feel blue, this is quite normal. However, when the days drag into weeks or months, it might be time for you to seek help including a number of different depression and anxiety cures.

While these are in essence two different emotional disorders, they not only share many similar symptoms, many of the different anxiety cures can be used to treat clinical depression. This is true whether you are looking at pharmaceutical, psychological or natural anxiety cures.

Similar Symptoms

Both clinical depression and anxiety can manifest many of the same signs, among these are feelings of sadness or hopelessness, the desire to withdraw from society, sleep disorders, changes in appetite, and sudden loss of interest in things which were once favorable. As such many of the different anxiety cures include the same anti-depressants used to treat those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression.

One of the most noticeable differences between the two disorders is that the person with an anxiety disorder tends to worry and fear certain situations, both of which are conditions which can easily be treated with a range of anxiety cures. Those with clinical depression tend to be sullen and withdrawn, but they also worry about everything and everyone around them, thus many anxiety cures can have a pronounced positive effect.

Inability to Enjoy a Normal Life

• Whether a person has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or is showing signs of clinical depression, one of the symptoms they both seem to share is the inability to enjoy a "normal" life. In both cases they tend to withdraw into themselves, shutting out the rest of the world. Anxiety cures include anti-depressants which are intended to help the person feel better about themselves.
• This is the all-important first step in helping those suffering from both clinical depression and from an anxiety disorder overcome their lack of self-esteem. Many mental health doctors labor under the impression that both conditions are the result not only of environmental input, but of a chemical imbalance within the brain. This might help to explain why they use depression and anxiety cures on an interchangeable basis. It might also to a certain extent explain why the results of such treatments vary in their levels of success.

Switching to Natural Anxiety Cures

In the past few years much has been said with reference to using more natural depression and anxiety cures. This is slowly catching on in many circles as more evidence comes to light regarding the side effects and lack of long term success when using the drugs currently being used as depression and anxiety cures.

The majority of these natural depression and anxiety cures are based on Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine techniques which have been used for thousands of years. Some involve the use of mind and body exercises such as meditation, which is a key ingredient in both forms of medicine. Others use Tai Chi, which is a Chinese martial art consisting of breathing exercises, meditation, and the practice of dozens of movements, which are made up of hundreds of slow paced individual steps designed to be very relaxing. Holistic or naturopathic doctors often use a number of herbal and botanical supplements as depression and anxiety cures. Among these are kava root, St. John's Wort, passionflower, and 5 HTTP, all of which have long been known to provide significant levels of relief. The majority of these are known to have few or no side effects as compared to pharmaceutical drugs.

Treatment for Depression

With nearly 18% of the American population suffering from depression or anxiety disorders, finding the right type of anxiety treatment can take time. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression can become overwhelmed at the variety of anxiety treatments available. Some available treatments are counseling, prescription medication, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, and yoga. While different treatments work for one person, they may not work for others. Speaking with a qualified medical professional is extremely important to determine the correct form of treatment needed.

Counseling as Anxiety Treatment

Counseling can be a very effective method of anxiety treatment. It allows people who suffer depression and anxiety due to lifestyle choices or post-traumatic stress disorder to understand and overcome the root of the issue that has caused their depression or anxiety. There are several different types of therapies to help treat depression. One of the main types of therapies is called cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify various circumstances and the anxieties or depressions they cause. During therapy sessions the patient confronts his or her anxieties and learns to understand and overcome them.

Prescription Medications

At times prescription medications are a necessary anxiety treatment. There are a wide variety of anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications available. In order to begin treatment with prescription medications, a person must consult with a medical professional who will perform a series of tests to help determine the correct medication and dosage. The most commonly prescribed anti- anxiety medication is Alprazolam, or Xanax, which treats the chemical imbalances in the brain. Another commonly prescribed form of medication is Selective Serotonin Reptuake Inhibitors. SSRIs block the brain from re-absorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and are used for treating obsessive compulsive disorder. Most prescription medications can have potentially bothersome side effects.

All Natural Alternatives

Many people are not comfortable with the idea of taking prescription medications and seek out all natural alternatives instead. There are several different herbal anxiety treatments available through local apothecaries and even through the vitamin and supplement section of local grocery stores. St. John’s Wort is one of the most common herbal supplements taken as an anxiety treatment. It is a mood elevator and often alleviates feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Magnolia bark is another herbal supplement taken to treat depression and anxiety. In several studies it was proven to be five times stronger than Diazepam for reducing anxiety. Most herbal anxiety treatments are side effect free.

Exercise Away Anxiety

Exercise is another effective anxiety treatment. Scientists have proven that exercise is a mood elevator. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as pain killers and stress relievers, which reduces stress and anxiety. It also helps reduce insomnia which in turn reduces stress. While exercise works for some, it may not work for others.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are often used as anxiety treatments for a variety of reasons. Most importantly meditation is the practice of calming the mind and releasing stress. Through controlled breathing a person is able to release feelings of stress and anxiety. During a yoga session a person is guided through a series of poses called asanas. These poses combined with the controlled breathing of meditation have the benefit of both a physical activity and a self-soothing technique. Many people who have used yoga and meditation have reported a decrease in their stress and anxiety, making both yoga and meditation effective anxiety treatments.

With such a wide variety of anxiety treatments available it can be difficult to decide which is the correct method to use. As with all things involving health matters, it is important to speak with a medical professional to help evaluate personal levels of anxiety and depression. Once a medical professional is consulted, the correct anxiety treatments can be put into effect and the road to a happier, healthier self can begin.

Can Treatment for Anxiety Help with the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

The signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety are often considered to be related to each other. In many cases this may be due to the fact that many people who suffer from depression are often found to suffering at least some level of anxiety. At the same time many of the different forms of treatment for anxiety are similar, if not the same as those used to treat depression.

Commonly Shared Symptoms

There are a number of shared symptoms between these disorders, these can include headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, assorted pains, and a lack of energy. Where depression most often manifests itself as a feeling of sadness, lack of self-esteem, and loss of interest in those things that typically bring pleasure to the person, anxiety is best described as an overabundance of fear or worry. In order to prescribe the right treatment for anxiety, a person must first be evaluated by a professional who specializes in mental disorders.

Common Forms of Treatment for Anxiety

What many people do not realize is that many of the different forms of treatment for anxiety are the same as those used to treat the signs and symptoms of depression. Bear in mind that the way in which each person reacts to either disorder is likely to be very different. Because of this there is no one simple treatment for anxiety which is guaranteed to work for everyone. Each patient must be diagnosed and treated on an individual basis.

If you are suffering from either of these conditions, you need to take the time to learn as much as you can about the various forms of treatment. This is the only way you are likely to be able to find a treatment for anxiety which is most likely to fit in with your specific needs.

Natural, Psychological, or Pharmaceutical Treatment for Anxiety?

As you look for the right treatment for anxiety or depression, there are three different avenues you can take. These are the use of a number of pharmaceuticals, therapy sessions with a licensed psychotherapist, or one of many different all-natural forms of treatment for anxiety or depression.  
• While many doctors will turn to medication as their first form of treatment for anxiety, this may not be the best option. Far too many of the different anti-depressants and anti-anxiety have side effects which range from mild to exceptionally dangerous. One of the most common of these is becoming dependent or addicted to them. 
• A far better choice for many people as a treatment for anxiety is one of several forms of psychological therapy. These might include CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), which is a method used to teach you how to recognize the causes of your anxiety and take the necessary steps to mentally counteract them. You will need to work with a licensed therapist who can teach you how this treatment for anxiety works. 
More people are opting to use a more natural form of treatment for anxiety. These same methods can be used to treat depression. They typically include making a number of lifestyle changes such as starting an exercise regimen, changing your diet, and abstaining from things like alcohol and drinks containing caffeine. 

Mind and Body Therapy

One form of treatment for anxiety and depression which has been gaining in popularity for many years is the use of meditation as it has been proven to help you relax your mind and body, thereby reducing your stress levels and allowing you to focus on the more positive aspects of your life.

Many naturopaths are combining this treatment for anxiety with a number of herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort, B vitamins, and SAMe and achieving far better results than those accomplished using pharmaceuticals. Botanicals and herbs have few if any side effects, making them a far better choice for many people. Before beginning any form of treatment for anxiety or depression, you should always talk to your doctor. Visit us at for further information.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression disorders are far more common than the average person is likely to be aware of. In the US alone the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), estimates that 6.7 percent of Americans over the age of 18 will experience at least one of the many different depression disorders in their lifetime. The symptoms of depression can vary dramatically from one person to another based on the level and type of depression disorders they are suffering from.

Depression Disorders Defined

• Depression may be one of the most misused words in the English language to describe how we feel. Chances are good that when someone tells you they are feeling "depressed" it generally means they are having a bad day, not that they are suffering from one of the different types of depression disorders.
• True depression disorders affect approximately 25 percent of all women and 10 percent of all men. While many will only have one episode, others may suffer from many episodes over the course of their lives. More importantly, each episode can be different and may manifest as symptoms of different depression disorders each time.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Depression Disorders?

• One of the biggest problems with the symptoms of the different depression disorders is that many people may be depressed and not even realize it. In cases such as this, a person may realize that something is not right in their world, but have no clear idea exactly what it is. The symptom of depression disorders can be broken down into two main categories. These are the core symptoms and the more common symptoms, meaning those that most depression disorders tend to display.
• The two main or core symptoms of depression disorders are a pervading feeling of sadness or hopelessness. This may or may not be accompanied by crying. The other is the complete loss of interest in family, friends, and any activity which used to bring pleasure.
• Among the common symptoms seen in most depression disorders problems with sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, fatigue, sudden growth in appetite (binge or comfort eating), feeling agitated, and a sudden overwhelming interest in death and dying. This latter may or may not be the thought of dying or of suicide.

Are You Suffering from One of the Different Depression Disorders?

If you go to your doctor to see if you are suffering from one of the different depression disorders, he will ask you to fill out a questionnaire or ask you to verbally answer a series of questions concerning the various symptoms of depression. If you suffer from at least half of the common symptoms associated with depression and one of the core symptoms, you may be diagnosed as suffering from depression. At the same time these symptoms must have been present on most days over the course of at least two weeks and be interfering with your ability to function normally.

The Latest forms of Treatment

There are a number of relatively new holistic forms of treatment for depression disorders, most of which are well worth trying before you submit to taking pharmaceutical medications and risking the numerous side effects associated with them. Many people are finding eating a Mediterranean diet helps to deal with depression. Experts believe the olive oil acts as a natural anti-depressant by increasing your levels of serotonin.

The use of Omega 3 nutritional supplements has been found to help with depression disorders. However they are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders. A recent study by Zarate CA Jr., Singh JB, Carlson PJ, et al; and published in Arch Gen Psychiatry, August 2006 shows that the use of Ketamine may help treat those who are suffering from depression disorders that resist other forms of treatment. In fact most of the natural treatments have much higher success rates and have few if any side effects, none of which are known to be life threatening.

What Causes Depression?

There are many different factors which can cause a person to suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Nearly 18 percent of the American population suffers from anxiety disorders or depression. The many causes have been classified into several different categories. Any one or a combination of the categories can have an effect on whether or not a person suffers from depression or anxiety orders. The main categories are brain chemistry, heredity, personality, and life experiences.

Brain Chemistry and Depression

• Brain chemistry can play a large part on whether or not a person suffers from depression or anxiety disorders. Low levels of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters can have a profound effect on whether or not a person can process daily stresses and as such become vulnerable to depression or anxiety disorders.  The amygdala, a special cluster of sensory organs in the brain which process fear and anxiety responses, also affects whether or not a person may suffer from anxiety or depression.
• The amygdala communicates with the sensory parts of the brain to determine the appropriate response to fear, anxiety, or other stresses. Alcohol, caffeine, and drug use have a profound effect on the brain and can alter brain chemistry leading to depression and anxiety disorders. Oftentimes people who use alcohol, caffeine, or drugs experience an increase of their anxiety during the withdrawal phase and then the symptoms of their anxiety disorders cease.

How Heredity Affects Depression?

Hereditary depression or anxiety disorders are the result of certain genes passed on from parent to child. Identical twins have also been known to experience the same type of depression or anxiety. There have been several studies linking certain genes which are passed from generation to generation to the brains ability to process stress or emotions which may lead to anxiety disorders and depression.  Although a parent may suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, it does not necessarily mean the offspring will suffer the same.

Personality Traits and Depression

Individuals who have low self-esteem are often sufferers of chronic depression or anxiety disorders. Many scientists believe personality plays a large role in determining whether or not a person will develop depression or anxiety disorders. It is most often people with low self-esteem or below average coping skills who develop depression or anxiety. People who are shy or introverted can become sufferers of social anxiety disorders and depression due to feeling isolated. Children who develop anxiety disorders or depression can also suffer from long term depression or low self-esteem upon reaching adulthood. 

Life Experiences and Their Effect on Depression

It is said that life experiences determine who a person will become as they reach adulthood. The same thing goes for life experiences affecting whether or not a person will suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Exposure to certain experiences such as domestic violence, poverty, hardships, or abuse over an extended period of time can lead to a person suffering from depression or anxiety disorders later in life. People who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Use of certain drugs, alcohol, or caffeine can also contribute to the onset of depression as well. Eliminating the use of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine can aid in curing depression or anxiety disorders.

There are a wide variety of anxiety disorders and depression, however there are equally as many treatment options available to help cure them. Speaking to a qualified healthcare professional will help determine the correct course of action and the appropriate treatment. At times a combination of several different treatments is necessary. Not all anxiety disorders and depression require medication. Some can be cured using different therapies or even herbal remedies.