Anxiety is the excessive, exaggerated worry about everyday life events. People who suffer from stress-replated disorders tend to expect everything in their lives to become a disaster and are constantly worrying about their health, financial situation, family, job, or school.
This constant worry is usually unrealistic or blown out of proportion for the situation. Everyday life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, or dread. This eventually becomes their dominant state of mind and interferes with daily function, disrupting everything and everyone in their lives.
The exact cause for anxiety is not fully known, but a number of factors are thought to play a part. Some researchers believe that genetics may be part of the cause. Anxiety can also occur if there are abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that help move information between nerve cells. If these are not balanced, the messages cannot get though the brain properly; this changes the way the brain reacts in certain situations. Environmental factors probably play the most significant role in anxiety. Traumatic events such as death of a loved one, divorce or job or life changes may lead to anxiety.
Medication is the usual treatment for anxiety. These medications form a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers. These work by relieving the physical symptoms such as muscle tension and restlessness. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium, and Ativan.
Other drugs used affect the activity of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, but does not cause sedation or lead to dependency. The major side effect is feeling overly sedated or drowsy. There is also the possibility of becoming addicted. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used because it helps patients recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.
There are many natural supplements to relieve anxiety. Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that calms the nervous system and also acts as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative. It has been recognized for years for its relaxing qualities. It elevates mood, well-being, and contentment and can produce a feeling of relaxation.
Unfortunately, there have been reports that link kava with liver damage and because of these reports, the FDA has issued a consumer advisory that addresses the rare but potential risk of liver failure that may be linked to kava products.
St. John's Wort also calms the nervous system. It is a gentle sedative and also has restorative properties. It increases the level of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system such as serotonin and dopamine.
Valerian is a mild natural sedative that may affect brain pathways the same way benzodiazepines do. Studies conducted on valerian show that effects range from several weeks to reach optimal levels to immediate results.
There also have been few side effects reported, the most noticeable being drowsiness. When used in combination with St John's Wort, it is shown to provide relief from mild to moderate anxiety. If symptoms of anxiety persist it would be wise to consider professional treatment.
There are many anxiety supplements that relieve stress-disorders. Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that calms the nervous system and also acts as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative.
