Showing posts with label anxiety treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety treatment. Show all posts

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Anxiety Medication And Test Nerves

1. Don’t assume that just because you have test anxiety that the problem is only test anxiety. Test performance issues may also have an independent panic component. If panic attacks are ignored or left unaddressed, treatment is likely to fail.

2. The very characteristics that make some individuals successful can serve as liabilities for others. Characteristics like perfectionism and other obsessive-compulsive traits can be associated with pathological doubt, which can induce panic attacks, increase test-taking time, and lead to procrastination and avoidance of essential test preparation. If this is the case, the most effective treatment would address these characteristics, not the test anxiety itself.

3. In the case of certifications or other high stakes situations that allow multiple pass attempts, work on your test anxiety prior to your first examination. Apply Ben Franklin’s famous adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Previous examination failures can undermine (or decimate!) your confidence and make the situation into more of an uphill battle than it needs to be. If you have already failed your examination, make sure that treatment addresses any failure-related thoughts you might be experiencing.

4. The most evidence-based treatment for the above issues (test anxiety, panic, OCD traits) is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can also address any related depressive symptoms. Do not select a provider who practices in a different modality–go with the research evidence. Some providers may supplement CBT with mindfulness (which can be a nice adjunct), but mindfulness should not be the core of treatment for test anxiety.

5. Expanding on the previous idea, not all cognitive behavioral therapists are alike. Find a therapist who actually utilizes both cognitive AND behavioral interventions to treat your test-related anxiety. In addition to the cognitive therapy that needs to happen, treatment should be behaviorally-based. For test anxiety, this means completing simulated examinations in advance of your actual test date. These simulations should be designed to resemble (as closely as possible) all aspects of your upcoming examination.

6. In addition to psychotherapy, some medications can be helpful (e.g., SSRIs, etc) but it can take awhile for these medications to build up to therapeutic levels. If you want medication to be part of your treatment, it’s important to plan ahead (i.e., ~3 months) and work closely with your doctor. Furthermore, you should know that prescribing is not an exact science. Doctors cannot always predict in advance which medication will work best for you. Keep in mind that the first medication you try might have to be adjusted or replaced by another medication to help you achieve maximum benefit.

7. Although shorter-acting medications (e.g., benzodiazepines or “benzos”) can bring quick anxiety relief, they are not without significant cons. As such, it’s important to be very cautious when choosing them. Your doctor can advise you on these issues.

8. It is also important to complement any regimen for combating test anxiety with herbal medication such as A2X. The researchers at A2X Anxiety have formulated a compound that should work well with any combined approach.


a2x anxiety

Sunday, 23 March 2014

Can I take A2X with other medications?

A2X, as a natural dietary supplement, is compatible with most medications. Please consult a physician to ensure there are not prescription contra-indications.

Before taking A2X, talk your doctor if you are taking seizure medications, pain medications, muscle relaxants, other sleep or anxiety medications, or other medications that may cause drowsiness. A2X may increase the sedative effects of these drugs. Do not take A2X if you are currently taking an MAOI or have taken an MAOI within the past two weeks.

Anti-Anxiety Medication
In general, A2X can be safely taken with prescription sedatives, including benzodiazepines such as Xanax® (alprazolam), Valium® (diazepam), and Ativan® (lorazepam). Keep in mind that A2X may increase the effects of sedative medications, although this interaction is not unsafe at recommended doses. If you are taking any type of sedative medication, use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you're familiar with the effects of A2X. Some clients report that A2X potentiates anti-anxiety drugs in a positive way and allows them to obtain relief from a lower dose of medication. If you are currently taking prescription medication, we advise that you talk to your doctor before taking A2X or any new supplement.

Anti-Depressant Medication
In general, A2X can be safely combined with prescription SSRI antidepressants, including Celexa® (citalopram), Lexapro® (escitalopram), Luvox® (fluvoxamine), Paxil® (paroxetine), Prozac® (fluoxetine), and Zoloft® (sertraline), as well as non-SSRI reuptake inhibitors such as Effexor® (venlafaxine) and Wellbutrin® (bupropion). A2X should not be combined with MAO inhibitors. If you are currently taking prescription medication, we advise that you talk to your doctor before taking A2X or any new supplement.

Birth Control
A2X will not reduce the effectiveness of birth control or interact with contraceptive medication in any way. You can safely take A2X if you are currently on birth control.

Alcohol
Do not consume alcohol until you are familiar with the effects of A2X. In general, consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol is safe while taking A2X. A2X may increase the sedative effects of alcohol, so avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking A2X.

Other Supplements
Yes, in general, it is safe to take A2X if you are also taking other vitamins or nutritional supplements. Of course, we always recommend talking with your doctor before taking any new supplements.

A2X Anxiety

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Difference Between Shyness & Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a serious problem. Some people experience shyness – this is social anxiety that isn't severe enough to be considered an anxiety disorder, but still can lower your quality of life. Others experience severe anxiety where the very idea of social situations fills them with dread.

No matter what you're living with, social anxiety can make it much harder to enjoy the activities that lead to happiness and contentment, and that's why it's important that you learn a specific therapy to work in conjunction with your social anxiety disorder treatment.

As far as most psychologists are aware, there is no difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder beyond severity. Shyness may be distressing to those that want to have an easier time in public, but it can otherwise be managed fairly easily. Social anxiety disorder is often stressful enough that the person cannot live a quality life while still suffering, making therapy for social anxiety disorder absolutely essential.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective tool for combatting social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, for many it is simply too expensive, or not something they're ready to commit to right away.
That's why many people want to find techniques to help them cure their social anxiety without a therapist, and without the use of unnecessary medications.

Social anxiety disorder can also be a bit tricky, because one of the main tenants of the disorder is avoidance. Those with SAD have a tendency to do whatever it takes to avoid the social events, or leave the social events once they get there.

These behaviors cause what's known as negative reinforcement – by avoiding social situations (or leaving if they get too stressful), it essentially tells your brain that you're staying away from something frightening, and that staying away keeps you safe. Thus you're more likely to stay away in the future, and you're more likely to continue to find social situations frightening.

That's why, while it's crucial to living a quality life that you respond to your social anxiety disorder, it's equally as important to make sure that you can commit to it. If for any reason you try to avoid making the necessary changes or behaviors, you may end up reinforcing the fear further.

It starts with mindfulness. Mindfulness is not a treatment per se. But mindfulness is an awareness of oneself. You need to make sure that you're training yourself to be more aware of your own anxiety, so that you can effectively prevent it from continuing to affect you.

Anxiety causes negative thinking, and often contributes to its own development. You need to notice what it does to you and learn how to place the blame for how that feels on your anxiety and not yourself. The more you recognize anxiety symptoms as they occur, while also acknowledging that it's the anxiety causing those symptoms and not you, the easier it will be to continue treatment.

It is also important to add any social anxiety disorder treatment with a healthy, all natural supplement. A2X Anxiety is the choice of New England researchers who have attempted to strike a balance between a calmness to directly combat the paralyzing symptoms of anxiety and focus to see your action plan through.



a2x anxiety

Sunday, 9 March 2014

Cortisol, Weight Gain, and Stress.. Close Cousins

The stress hormone, cortisol, is public health enemy number one. Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels: interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease... The list goes on and on.

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels also increase risk for depression, mental illness, and lower life expectancy. This week, two separate studies were published in Science linking elevated cortisol levels as a potential trigger for mental illness and decreased resilience—especially in adolescence. 

Cortisol is released in response to fear or stress by the adrenal glands as part of the fight-or-flight mechanism. The fight-or-flight mechanism is part of the general adaptation syndrome defined in 1936 by Canadian biochemist Hans Selye of McGill University in Montreal. He published his revolutionary findings in a simple seventy-four line article in Nature, in which he defined two types of "stress": eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress).

Both eustress and distress release cortisol as part of the general adaption syndrome. Once the alarm to release cortisol has sounded, your body becomes mobilized and ready for action—but there has to be a physical release of fight or flight. Otherwise, cortisol levels build up in the blood which wreaks havoc on your mind and body.

Eustress creates a "seize-the-day" heightened state of arousal, which is invigorating and often linked with a tangible goal. Cortisol returns to normal upon completion of the task. Distress, or free floating anxiety, doesn't provide an outlet for the cortisol and causes the fight-or-flight mechanism to backfire. Ironically, our own biology—which was designed to insure our survival as hunters and gatherers—is sabotaging our bodies and minds in a sedentary digital age. What can we do to defuse this time-bomb?

The most important step you can take is in selecting the proper natural supplement to work WITH your body's natural defenses. The researchers at A2X Anxiety have been at work formulating just such a compound to naturally promote your body's defenses to anxiety and promote "good stress."

With the demands of modern day society, everyone needs a competitive edge to help combat mental overstimulation and physical under-stimulation. A2X manages to do just that in a safe, natural, and most of all - effective way.

Friday, 7 March 2014

Breaking The Cycle Of Compulsion

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that affects about 1 to 2% of the population. As its name implies, the symptoms of OCD involve obsessions that lead to compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses that may cause a great deal of anxiety or distress. People experiencing these obsessions typically find them to be disturbing and intrusive, and usually recognize that they don't make a lot of sense. In response to obsessions, people with OCD try to get rid of them by way of compulsions-acts that are done over and over again, and often according to certain personal rules. Also called rituals, compulsions are usually aimed at preventing or reducing distress and anxiety, or preventing some feared event or situation.

Obsessions and compulsions can take many forms. A few examples include: drivers who fear that they've hit a person every time they run over a pothole or bump on the road. In response to such an obsession, these persons may resort to compulsions such as retracing their routes to be sure no harm was done, or avoid the particular road altogether in the future. Individuals who fear or are obsessed with germs may wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day after touching any potentially "germy" objects, such as door handles, money, or newspapers. Often, their hands are sore and raw from repeated washing, but they can't seem to stop washing. Others who might be obsessed with order and cleanliness may compulsively arrange items in a particular order, or clean their home floors many times a day. Those who fear burglary, fires, or floods may repeatedly check door locks, stove burners, and taps to ensure that their homes are safe. Over time, such repetitive actions work less and less effectively, and the persons may experience anxiety and often depression in response to the increasing obsessions and compulsions.

Besides causing a great deal of stress, OCD symptoms may take up a lot of time (more than an hour a day for some diagnosed people) and may significantly interfere with a person's work, social life, or relationships. OCD can be a challenging problem but fortunately, very effective treatments for OCD are now available to help individuals and families lead a more satisfying life.

Luckily there has been a breakthrough in OCD treatment. Researchers at A2X Anxiety believe a key imbalance in brain chemistry is to blame for the spark that ignites compulsive behaviors. These same researchers have pinpointed two neurotransmitters that a natural compound, A2X, has been highly effective in balancing and regulating. As a result, many OCD sufferers can cope with their condition much more effectively.


a2x anxiety

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Hollywood's Anxious A-Listers

Johnny Depp? Amanda Seyfried? Kristen Stewart? Daniel Tosh?! Believe it or not, even the hollywood elite are human. All of the above struggle with extreme shyness and anxiety. 

Here are a few tips to stay young hollywood anxiety-free.

Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

When facing a current or upcoming task at your entertainment related job that makes your anxious, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

Sometimes, we can get anxious over an event that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the event in your mind. For instance, you have to perform in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself doing the event in your mind.  By doing this, you will be better prepared when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation or event.


Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket.  Whenever you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

Most importantly, take a natural supplement. Hollywood is rife with examples of celebrities cut down in their prime and ruining their looks because they "self medicated" with drugs and alcohol. Choose a natural supplement that allows you to stay calm while also focused and productive. Researchers at A2X Anxiety have formulated just such a compound. Take a look at A2X and remember that everyone goes through the same emotions you are experiencing, even hollywood royalty!

Battling Anxiety - 5 Tips For A Good Night's Rest

1) Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Increasing the amount of exercise you get each day can help to improve your ability to fall asleep as well as the quality of sleep you get. In addition, exercise offers many health benefits. Thirty minutes of exercise a day, even if taken as 3 ten-minute spurts of exercise or doing yoga and stretching exercises while watching television in the evening.  

2) Avoid taking naps during the day.

Naps, especially when taken late in the afternoon can interfere with sleeping at night. Instead of taking a nap, try taking a brisk walk to help invigorate yourself. If you must take a nap, try to take one earlier in the day and limit your nap to 30 minutes. 

3) Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.

Alcohol may help put some people to sleep but the quality of the sleep is usually poor. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can interfere with both falling asleep and staying asleep. 

4) Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.

Keeping to a set schedule will help tell your body that it is time to sleep. The longer you keep your routine, the easier you will find it is to fall asleep each night.   Create a bedtime routine to help you relax. Preparation for bedtime will help to alert your body that it is time for sleep. Think about the things that help you relax. It could be reading a book, listening to soft music, taking a warm bath or engaging in any quiet activity. Spend some time each evening, right before bedtime to wind down.

5) Take a natural supplement.

The demands of everyday life make it nearly impossible to provide your body with proper nutrition (in a reasonable amount of time.) Work and financial pressure can create stress hormones, and most of all, negative self talk. We all have discussions with ourselves all day, but we want to be mindful of what that discussion is. All of these factors can cause disregulation of brain chemistry. The answer is not in another chemical. A2X Anxiety is an effective, fast acting, natural supplement that helps to regulate brain chemistry and carry you off to a good night's rest.