Anxiety disorder - symptoms and treatment

The reason may be an excessive load on the nervous system, which is simply not able to process everything. It is important that a person has someone to share his problem of gender independence with. Health should come first!

For some, loud screaming or crying helps, for others, long walks or sleep. If after this the patient begins to feel better, then full treatment is not required. If your health only worsens, this indicates that you need to see a doctor to solve psychological problems. The advice to you from experts is to undergo a course of treatment at the center.

Causes of a nervous breakdown

A breakdown is a defensive reaction to the fact that a person is overloaded and needs emergency help due to an external factor. A doctor should consult; the syndrome is increasingly being called acute.

The reasons are stress that regularly affects our organs or short-term shock.

Everyone falls into one group or another. People are often prone to:

• are constantly being thinned out for events that have happened to them or are about to happen in the future;
• increased desire to work;
• cannot improve relationships in the family or at work;
• with low self-esteem;
• cancer patients;
• those who are facing serious changes;
• young parents who just had children;
• experienced the loss of a loved one;
• failures in personal relationships or relationships with parents;
• lack of money for a normal existence;
• job loss;
• responsibility that cannot be handled;
• anxiety.

A breakdown begins due to negative events, but problems can begin after major events - a wedding, a move, a new job, the birth of a first child.

Men have varying degrees of stress resistance. It’s easy for one to survive life’s problems, while the other is overwhelmed by their appearance and begins to show aggression.

The Best Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

If you need over-the-counter anti-anxiety medications, consider herbal remedies. Most often, doctors give preference to this group of drugs if the patients are children and the elderly. They differ from the previous group in having a mild, moderate effect without causing drowsiness or lethargy. The magazine's editors analyzed about ten candidates for inclusion in the rating, as a result of which we present the top three.

Valerian

A herbal remedy proven over the years against neuroses, stress, and psycho-emotional disorders. Available in the form of alcohol tincture, tablets and capsules. The base is an extract of the roots and rhizomes of the valerian plant. They have moderate sedative properties due to the content of borneol essential oil, isovaleric acid, alkaloids, and valepotriates. Regular use facilitates the onset of natural sleep. Additionally, valerian extract has a weak antispasmodic, choleretic, and vasodilator effect. In addition to correcting the psycho-emotional state, Valerian regulates cardiac activity. There are no contraindications due to age or health status, except for intolerance to the composition. The dose is determined individually by the doctor.

Advantages:

• Availability;
• Free vacation;
• No contraindications;
• Beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, heart;
• No inhibition;
• Long-term use is allowed.

Flaws:

• Cumulative effect;
• Specific taste.

Doctors note a moderate, cumulative, but stable effect. The therapeutic properties are revealed only with long-term, regular use of tinctures or tablets. Unlike those previously listed on the list of anti-anxiety drugs, Valerian is allowed from the first days of life for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Persen

A herbal remedy for anxiety and stress in tablet form from the Slovenian brand Sandoz. Unlike its predecessor, here the composition is combined - 3 substances at once. This is an extract of valerian, lemon balm and mint. They guarantee an effective fight against increased excitability, irritability, insomnia, as well as a mild antispasmodic effect. We allow continuous use for 8 weeks, after which a break is necessary. The dose for an adult is 2-3 tablets three times a day. By stopping treatment, withdrawal syndrome does not occur. Age restrictions: from 12 years old; for children younger, a doctor’s supervision is required. Contraindications include low blood pressure and pathologies of the biliary tract.

Advantages:

• Combined natural formula;
• Easy to swallow tablets;
• Moderate sedative effect;
• Increased stress resistance;
• Improving sleep quality;
• No inhibition.

Flaws:

• Overcharge;
• Possible bronchospasms and constipation.

Doctors recommend Persen for school-age children to increase stress resistance. The sedative effect helps fight temper and inadequate reactions to educational measures. There is no effect of drowsiness or lethargy.

Novo-Passit

The list of sedatives for anxiety of plant origin is completed by a Czech-made remedy. The combined formula contains extract of valerian, hawthorn, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hops and other valuable herbs. They are supplemented with guaifenesin - a mucolytic, a powerful anxiolytic (antidepressant with the effect of a minor tranquilizer). Compared to previous nominees, the sedative effect without drowsiness is stronger here. Novo-Passit is appropriate for mental disorders and neuroses. Suitable for use from 12 years of age. Contraindications include myasthenia gravis, intolerance to components, gastrointestinal and liver pathologies. The daily dosage for an adult patient is a tablet three times a day, preferably before meals.

Advantages:

• Thoughtful formula;
• Convenient form of administration;
• Performance;
• Elimination of physical symptoms of anxiety;
• Improving sleep quality;
• Versatility.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Specific taste.

If we compare Novo-Passit with other nominees of plant origin, it wins in terms of the strength of its therapeutic properties and speed of action. Within 20-30 minutes you will feel relief, relaxation and calmness. To avoid nausea due to herbs, the tablets are swallowed during meals.

Signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown

Symptoms and signs of a nervous breakdown, depending on the type of disorder, have common symptoms that are characteristic of the types of breakdowns. Among the consequences:

1. lack of appetite, sleep, energy;
2. constant irritability, anxiety, nervousness;
3. the appearance of negative thoughts;
4. fear of tomorrow;
5. change in performance;
6. constant desire to sleep;
7. poor concentration;
8. memory problems;
9. negative thoughts;
10. manifestation of apathy;
11. headache;
12. pressure;
13. changes in mood, anxiety;
14. panic attacks, fatigue;
15. problems with the cardiovascular system;
16. phobias.

A person’s behavior changes greatly, but the disease affects all organs. The disease is accompanied by symptoms: headache, shortness of breath, heart problems, poor appetite, blood pressure fluctuations, and mental changes. It is advisable to contact a psychologist.

Diagnosis of nervous breakdowns

Development occurs at the moment when the patient is simply no longer able to bear the load. The psyche simply becomes uncomfortable working in the same conditions; it asks for possible methods of help. And a person tolerates everything that happens to him, although the state has already reached its peak. Emotions are overwhelming, anything can be expected at any moment. Explosions occur, although everything could be fine for many years. But a critical moment has begun, everything needs to be corrected so that your organs no longer experience this feeling.

It’s all because of the reason that was the beginning of the occurrence. The tank was filling very slowly, but surely, and at one point it simply exploded from overfilling and would not be able to work.

There are two models of behavior in a difficult situation:

• Explode for any reason. At the same time, the patient splashes out his emotions and shows indignation. Strong scandals and conflict situations are characteristic of this type and the reasons for divorce.
• Accumulate all the grievances in yourself, like in a big vessel. He endures all insults until the last moment. Apathy towards everything, a depressive state, and a reluctance to communicate with anyone may begin. A mental problem begins to appear, if of course it was not there before.

But how can we avoid the danger of overfilling that same vessel and cope with the consequences? You can avoid this by becoming aware of your feelings, emotions, experiencing and accepting them.

Rating of anti-anxiety remedies

During the selection process, we studied the doctors’ recommendations on what medications can be used to cope with anxiety, irritability, and attacks of fear. Offers from pharmaceutical companies and availability in different regions of the country were taken into account. There were several dozen applicants in sight, each assessed according to a number of criteria:

• Type of medicine – tranquilizer, antipsychotic, herbal complex;
• Composition – active ingredients, their origin;
• Principle of action – pharmacological properties of substances;
• Efficiency – speed of action, how long the effect lasts;
• Treatment regimen - release form, ease of administration, course duration;
• Safety – digestibility, risks of adverse reactions;
• Restrictions – contraindications due to age, health status;
• Vacation - free, by prescription, price;
• Consequences – presence/absence of withdrawal syndrome, drowsiness, lethargy;
• Manufacturer – domestic, imported medicine.

As a result of evaluating all criteria, 9 nominees were selected who received the best recommendations from doctors and experts. They were distinguished by their availability in pharmacies and the number of positive customer reviews. The strengths and weaknesses of each medication confirm its effectiveness against psycho-emotional disorders.

In a hospital or at home?

It is easier to prevent a breakdown than to treat it. During a breakdown, not everyone knows how to calm a person down. Just a few years ago, to calm the patient, they poured a bucket of cold water on him, if, of course, there was cold water nearby. If this does not help, you need to contact an ambulance.

Screaming will not help; a person is not able to control his actions. A raised voice can only make things worse, which should not be allowed.

Everyone decides for themselves where it is better to treat the disease - in a hospital or at home. If, for example, the breakdown was caused by the situation in the family, then it would be logical to send the patient to the hospital. The psyche may simply not cope if this happens again.

In other situations, having relatives nearby can have a positive effect on the patient’s well-being. Any drug is prescribed after a comprehensive examination. The patient must be under the supervision of a doctor; many drugs can be addictive. After treatment, it takes another month to recover.

But vice versa, it is better to treat a nervous breakdown at home in women and men. We need to understand what led to this state. If, for example, constant tension arises at work, you need to take a vacation or quit altogether, there is nothing more valuable than health. If the cause is overwork, you need to build a more gentle schedule for yourself, which will include 8 hours of sleep, a walk in the fresh air during the day, and proper nutrition.

When treating at home, you need to consult with a therapist to draw up an action plan. Treatment within the walls of the home is aimed at relaxation and distracting the patient from the problem. The method is safe for life and health.

The best tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are powerful drugs designed to suppress emotions. The therapeutic effect is expressed in the fact that after taking the pills a person becomes calm, indifferent to various events around him, even somewhat inhibited. A prescription from a doctor and his recommendations are important here, as there are risks of developing side effects. Appropriate in the fight against increased excitability, anxiety, neurosis, and sleep disorders. We selected 4 nominees from several dozen with the best balance of effectiveness and safety.

Noofen

The rating opens with a weak tranquilizer with a nootropic, psychostimulating effect from the Latvian company Olainfarm. The basis of the composition is aminophenylbutyric acid, it is characterized by an antihypoxic, antiamnestic effect. Correct use of capsules improves memory, learning, attention, relieves excitability and psycho-emotional stress, improves sleep quality and performance. Acts as a catalyst for the action of sleeping pills and neuroleptics. Most often, mild but effective Noofen is prescribed to children, since it has a small list of contraindications and adverse reactions. There are no age restrictions. Vacation is strictly according to doctor's prescription. The recommended dose for a child is 250 mg three times a day, for an adult 500 mg with the same frequency.

Advantages:

• Lasting therapeutic effect;
• No dependence, addiction;
• Large list of indications;
• Admissibility in pediatrics;
• Minimal risks, restrictions;
• Improvement from the first days of use.

Flaws:

• Price;
• A doctor's prescription is required to purchase.

Doctors widely use Noofen in psychiatric and drug treatment practice, and use it in outpatient and inpatient settings. Increased susceptibility to therapy was noted in patients. Recommended for complex treatment of mental disorders.

Afobazole

The next position is occupied by a sedative anti-anxiety drug produced in Russia by the Pharmstandard company. Prescribed to combat stress, anxiety, anxiety. A selective tranquilizer with a pronounced neuroprotective effect contains fabomotizol, a substance with anxiolytic action. It normalizes sensitivity to receptor inhibitory mediators and protects nerve cells. The stimulating effect improves mood and performance. Unlike the previous drug, it is sold freely, without a prescription. There is an age restriction - admission is allowed to persons over 18 years of age. The tablets are taken three times a day for a month, after which they take a two-week break. Afobazole is a benzodiazepine of the latest generation, which does not interfere with the performance of professional duties, driving vehicles, and does not cause drowsiness.

Advantages:

• Safety;
• No adverse reactions;
• Free sale;
• Not addictive;
• There is no effect on concentration or memory;
• Drivers are allowed.

Flaws:

• Age limit;
• The therapeutic effect is only on the 5-7th day of administration.

Doctors actively use Afobazole for certain psychosomatic disorders and help patients cope with anxiety and insomnia. For sustainable results, several courses are carried out with breaks. Among its analogues, it is distinguished by its low toxicity and minimal risk of adverse reactions.

Phenibut

Domestic medicine for normalizing the psycho-emotional state. It is prescribed to children and adult patients with difficulty falling asleep, feelings of fear and anxiety, and other neurotic conditions. In terms of composition and principle of operation, it is classified as a nootropic. That is, in addition to the tranquilizing effect, the tablets improve attention and mental abilities. The main component is aminophenylbutyric acid. In addition to its beneficial effect on cognitive functions, it improves cerebral circulation and helps cope with depressive and stressful periods. Compared with other anxiolytics, there is much less risk of adverse reactions. The minimum dose is 20-80 mg three times a day, the maximum is 250 mg. Dispensed with a prescription, age limit – from 2 years.

Advantages:

• Improving cerebral circulation;
• No addiction;
• Suitable for children;
• Protecting the liver from the effects of alcohol;
• Good compatibility with other drugs;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• Long-term use is harmful to the liver;
• Gradual withdrawal only.

The effect of Phenibut is noted within an hour, the effect lasts for several more hours. Unlike previous remedies, doctors approve of improving the functioning of cerebral vessels, which is especially important for the elderly. With abrupt withdrawal, apathy and a reverse effect in the form of irritability and insomnia may occur.

Mebicar

The last tranquilizer on the list of remedies for anxiety and restlessness is a nootropic. Contains the component of the same name, characterized by a stress-protective, anxiolytic effect. Does not interfere with coordination of movements, does not cause drowsiness, allowing a person to drive a vehicle and lead an active lifestyle. Indications will be any neurotic disorders against the background of debilitating psycho-emotional, physical, neuropsychic stress. Additional properties that compare favorably with analogues are improvement of oxygen supply to tissues, protein synthesis, regulation of potassium in the blood, reduction of blood viscosity, assistance with speech pathologies. The maximum daily dose is 10 g. Age limit is from 18 years.

Advantages:

• Lack of sleepiness;
• Good tolerance;
• High bioavailability;
• Beneficial effect on blood;
• Improvement of cognitive functions;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Long course of treatment;
• Contraindicated for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

After taking the tablets, the effect occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for another 4 hours. Most often, Mebicar is used in the treatment of anxiety conditions due to autonomic dysfunction. Efficiency is noted in psychiatric, neurological practice and dermatology.

Consequences

The emotional state has a direct connection with the physical state. If a nervous breakdown has been detected, symptoms begin to appear: problems with the heart, problems with the digestive system, dizziness. A breakdown may begin in a patient who has attempted to commit suicide.

If the problem is not diagnosed, it begins to accumulate like a snow globe. The patient begins to have communication problems, becomes more hot-tempered, irritable, and his psychological state worsens.

A breakdown leads to drug addiction or taking excessive amounts of alcohol, and promiscuous sexual relations. The search begins for a method of discharge, getting rid of all the negativity that has accumulated in the form of an internal factor. It is necessary to get help from a psychotherapist in time.

Specifics of treatment

Nervous breakdowns do not appear out of nowhere. This is a long-term disease that has not been treated for years, or prolonged stress that the patient has experienced. To get rid of an ordinary nervous breakdown, you need to reconsider your life, get rid of the cause - treat the underlying disease, limit your communication with those who bring you to such a state.

This lengthy process can take a month or even more. There are medications that will help the patient during periods of treatment. Those who are treated at home without a doctor’s prescription cannot even imagine the harm they are causing to their body.

The disorder appears for various reasons; the treatment of a nervous breakdown, especially in women, must be approached in a comprehensive manner.

What is the best remedy for anxiety?

With periodic influxes of increased anxiety, fear, irritability and stress, the help of highly targeted medications is necessary. The VyborExpert project team selected popular pharmacy offers taking into account medical practice and patient reviews. A comparative analysis will help you choose which one to buy:

• Afobazole is an anti-anxiety drug that is compatible with alcohol and is permitted for the driver;
• Mebikar is a highly bioavailable tranquilizer nootropic that improves blood composition;
• Persen is a combined natural complex without inhibition or addiction;
• Novo-Passit is a well-thought-out, fast-acting formula for universal use;
• Aminazine is a well-tolerated antipsychotic that regulates mood.

An expert review will help you choose the appropriate pill option that can calm neurosis, anxiety and irritability in terms of composition, price, manufacturer and effectiveness. However, only a doctor should prescribe this or that drug.

Non-drug ways to deal with a nervous breakdown

• Sports activities. Sports exercises will help you calm down and recharge yourself with positivity. This method has not harmed more than one patient. Sport improves heart function, brain function, and sleep.
• Relaxation programs: meditation, yoga, body massage. Relieve tension, relax the body, get rid of negative thoughts. Do it at least 2 times a week.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. No matter how strange it may sound, it helps. Alcohol, drugs, coffee - all this affects the nervous system.
• Proper nutrition, essential vitamins.

With the help of drugs and medicines

1. Medicine offers drugs with sedative effects. Dizziness and heart problems can be treated with medication. These are not pills that will cure your relapse, but they will make you feel much better. Medicinal use is one of the most effective.
2. Preparations based on plant extracts have a calming component.
3. Vitamins. When you are stressed, you especially need to enrich yourself with vitamins such as group B, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, so that depletion does not occur.
4. Biologically active additives. They contain extracts of soothing plants.
5. Antidepressants. Strong drugs that should never be used without a prescription. They have many side effects, so they are prescribed in emergency situations.

The best antipsychotics

The last group of the expert rating is drugs that reduce anxiety - antipsychotics. The principle of action is to forcefully inhibit the activity of the nervous system. Prescribed by doctors to people with mental disorders, depression, amnesia, delusional states, schizophrenia, and agitation. Under the supervision of a doctor, antipsychotic medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. After studying reviews, medical practice and experience, and offers from pharmaceutical companies, we selected 2 leaders.

Zeldox

An antipsychotic drug from the German pharmaceutical company Pfizer+ from the group of atypical antipsychotics. The active ingredient is ziprasidone, a powerful antagonist of serotonin and dopamine receptors. The list of indications includes prevention and treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. It is fast-acting - relief of well-being is noted 15 minutes after taking the tablet or injection, and lasts up to 2-4 hours. Demonstrates 100% bioavailability when the solution is administered intramuscularly. The solid form is taken with meals, the average dose is 40 mg twice a day. Treatment of patients under 18 years of age, during pregnancy, lactation, with caution in case of liver pathologies, diabetes mellitus is prohibited.

Advantages:

• Performance;
• Stopping panic attacks;
• Normalization of appetite;
• Pronounced therapeutic effect;
• High bioavailability;
• New generation drug.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Withdrawal syndrome.

Such a serious medicine is not suitable for self-medication; it is sold with a doctor's prescription. The imported antipsychotic does not have cheap analogues or generics. But it returns patients with complex anxiety and depressive disorders to normal life.

Aminazine

An effective antipsychotic that inhibits hyperactivity of the nervous system. Using the correct dosage helps relieve agitation, anxiety, and irritability without causing drowsiness. The list of indications contains different types of psychomotor agitation - hallucinations, delusions, neurosis, fear with panic attacks, alcoholic psychosis, etc. Available in the form of tablets and injection solution. The active ingredient is chlorpromazine hydrochloride, a phenothiazine derivative. It is characterized by a sedative, antiemetic effect, acts as a dopamine antagonist, and promotes the release of prolactin. Doctors note a weak antihistamine effect and a decrease in blood pressure. The dosage is determined by the doctor individually - from 25 to 600 mg per day. In comparison with the predecessor of the review, Aminazine is approved for children from 1 year of age.

Advantages:

• Good tolerance;
• Removal from alcohol binge;
• Used by pediatricians;
• Pronounced effect;
• Mood regulator;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• Side effects at high dosages;
• Prescription holiday.

In medical practice, Aminazine has found application for the rapid relief of psychotic conditions, one of which is associated with excessive alcohol intake. Treatment is prohibited for hypotension, thromboembolism, glaucoma, severe diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

Restoration of the nervous system after a long course of treatment

In order to consolidate the therapeutic effect, you need to completely reconsider your lifestyle. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition, making sure that the diet contains plenty of fruits, fiber and carbohydrates. In addition, take vitamins regularly after consulting your doctor. Pay attention to reducing the amount of coffee and tea you drink, replacing it with juice. Eliminate bad habits from your life. If a person plays sports every day, then his health will be much better. If possible, go on vacation.

How to protect yourself from breakdown

The most important thing is to correctly identify the disease and begin treatment for the breakdown from any side. Unfortunately, many people accept the appearance of irritability, insomnia, bad mood and a number of other factors as a phenomenon with which absolutely everyone lives. Therefore, you should not contact a neurologist. But that's not true! It is important for your loved ones to be there at this moment when it is difficult to survive everything! Experts require that treatment be started as early as possible.

Stress is not a normal condition and must be treated! Don’t be afraid to disturb the doctor with your trivial questions - sleep disorders, mental disorders, tearfulness, forgetfulness, memory impairment, dizziness, and more. These are all points that can be resolved at the formation stage. But if you do not pay attention to them, then you can wait for clinical depression, which can only be gotten rid of with the strongest drugs, the use of certain tranquilizers.