Anxiety is one of the most common “mental health” problems worldwide. Its symptoms can range from light, periodic experiences of tension to the nightmare of devastating, full blown attacks with racing pulse (tachycardia), feelings of being suffocated and a paralyzing fear of impending doom. It can lead to an inability to cope with even the simplest of life’s daily routines.
There are medications that can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, some of which are either ineffective or addictive or both. Some medications, like alprazolam (Xanax) can provide temporary relief, but pose a significant risk of abuse and addiction which can lead to additional problems for those suffering from anxiety. Withdrawl from drugs like Xanax can be quite dangerous.
The causes of anxiety disorders are not known. There are, however, many good reasons to believe that it is a problem rooted in brain chemistry, which is why I put “mental health” in scare quotes. In other words, it is very likely that anxiety disorders are physical ailments which get expressed as a mental or emotional problem.
As medical science develops a better understanding of anxiety we may see the day when it is treated much more effectively or even cured in most people. In the meantime there is no cure. There are, however, ways to cope with anxiety which help most people overcome the worst of its effects.
For more on that, you can read through the articles and links on this site dealing with anxiety. If direct personal service to address this problem is what you desire, feel free to schedule an appointment with Paul.