Short description of anxiety or the definition of anxiety
Anxiety is a mental disorder that is a natural response to stress by the human brain and body. Initially, it is an apprehension or a fear about what's to come. It can be seen on the first day of school, while giving a speech or when going to a job interview.
Generally, it can occur as nervousness during critical events. But if this feeling of anxiety is extreme or lasts longer than 240 days and interferes with daily routine, it may be an anxiety disorder.
Types of anxiety disorder & symptoms of anxiety disorders
- Phobia: excessive fear of particular objects, activities, and situations.
- Panic Disorder: feeling recurring panic attacks at any time. An
Individuals with such a condition may live in fear of the next attacks.
- Social anxiety disorder: it is an extreme fear of being judged by others in social events.
- Separation anxiety disorder: fear of being away from loved
ones or home.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: recurring irrational thoughts
that lead an individual to perform repetitive behaviors.
- Illness anxiety disorder: anxiety about health
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: anxiety following a
traumatic event.
What causes anxiety disorder?
The most common causes of anxiety disorder can include the following;
- Family history: Individuals who have a history of mental health issues may usually have anxiety. For instance, OCD can be passed down in the family.
- Health issues: Ailments like thyroid problems, diabetes, asthma, heart disease can also lead to anxiety. People with depression can also develop severe symptoms of anxiety disorders. People who have been suffering from depression for an extended period may initiate to underperform at work. Work-related stress can trigger anxiety.
- Stressful events: Certain unexpected events like loss of a loved one, stress at the workplace, or trouble relationship can lead to anxiety disorder.
- Substance use: Individuals who are heavy users of alcohol, drugs, and other potential substances, develop anxiety problems when the effects of the material begin to wear off.
Anxiety treatment
People who have any of given above symptoms, they may be a victim of anxiety disorder and need help managing anxiety. Treatment typically consists of medication and psychotherapy.
While medications don't cure anxiety, they can help individuals manage his/her symptoms, so the individual can function well and feel better in their day to day life.
Several drugs are available in the market for the management of anxiety disorder or symptoms associated with anxiety. And doctors try these several medications to find the right option for an individual.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are sedatives that are known for muscle relaxation and calming effects in the human mind. They work by enhancing the results of the neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the transmission of messages between the brain and cells.
They are also known as benzos that help treat several conditions associated with anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, a social anxiety disorder.
List of Benzodiazepines
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
Xanax and Anxiety
Xanax is the brand name medication for alprazolam. It belongs to the benzodiazepines class that is considered the best anxiety meds available for short-term treatment of anxiety. Xanax is a standard prescription for anxiety disorder, namely panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Xanax is the most famous psychiatric medication in the United States. More than 27 million prescriptions in 2016 were the 19th most prescribed medication in the country. People often associate Xanax and anxiety. Doctors prescribe Xanax for anxiety and depression related to stress. Depression that is a cause of concern is responsive to Xanax.
Xanax is available in different forms and strengths for the patients of anxiety disorder.
How Xanax treats anxiety?
Mechanism of action
They are believed to act primarily through the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid called GABA; Benzos bind to stereospecific receptors that facilitate the inhibitory acts of Gamma-aminobutyric acid. The mechanism of action may also affect the antagonism of serotonin and diminished liberate or turnover of acetylcholine in the CNS (central nervous system).
In other terms, we can say – benzodiazepines work by interfering neurotransmitters in the brain. GABA is one of these neurotransmitters that suppresses the activity of nerves. Medical experts believe that excessive exercise of nerves may be the
the reason behind anxiety and other psychological conditions.
Benzos are typically known for short-term treatment of anxiety. Long-term use of Benzodiazepines can produce memory problems and increase drowsiness. Benzos can also be habit-forming. So, there is a risk of the increasing epidemic of benzodiazepine misuse.
These drugs are controlled substances and should only be used on a legal prescription by a doctor.
Side effects
Also, to memory problems and drowsiness, benzodiazepine use can also cause vision problems, confusion, headaches, and feeling of depression.
If someone has taken benzos regularly for more than 14 days, it is crucial not to discontinue pills suddenly; it can lead to seizures problems in some people. Instead, they should talk to their doctor about slowly tapering off their dosage to reduce the risk of seizure.
Common side effects can include
- drowsiness
- confusion
- dizziness
- trembling
- impaired coordination
- vision problems
- grogginess
- feelings of depression
- headaches
Note- It is a shortlist of benzodiazepine side effects. They can cause specific life-threatening effects. Users should talk about their healthcare provider to other information.
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