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A Guide To What Works For Anxiety Disorders - Mental Health First Aid

A Guide To What Works For Anxiety Disorders - Mental Health First Aid

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ARE THERE ANY RISKS?Azapirones can cause a number of side-effects, including drowsiness,dizziness, nausea, weakness, insomnia and lightheadedness.RECOMMENDATIONThere is mixed evidence for the effectiveness of azapirones for thetreatment of anxiety disorders. These drugs appear to be effective forpeople with GAD. However, they are not helpful for Panic Disorder.There is not enough evidence yet as to whether they are useful forSocial Phobia.Beta-blockersOur ratingGAD?Panic Disorder and AgoraphobiaOur ratingPTSD and ASD? Specific Phobias ?Social Phobia OCD?WHAT ARE THEY?Beta-blockers are drugs that can help reduce some symptoms ofanxiety, such as a fast heart rate, rapid breathing or tremor (shakes).They are mainly used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure.However, they are also used for Social Phobia and performance anxiety(e.g. stressful events such as public speaking or performing). They canbe prescribed only by a doctor.HOW ARE THEY MEANT TO WORK?Beta-blockers act on the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. They reduce aperson’s heart rate caused by over-excitement, physical activity or anxiety.DO THEY WORK?GADSeveral studies have compared a beta-blocker to placebo (dummy)pills and/or other anxiety drugs in people with chronic anxiety. Theresults have been mixed. Some studies showed that the beta-blockerwas better than placebo pills, while others showed that they were nomore effective than placebo pills. In most studies, beta-blockers werenot as effective as the other anti-anxiety drugs.PTSD and ASDThere have only been small case studies in which beta-blockers havebeen used to treat PTSD in adults and children. These studies showthat PTSD symptoms, especially hyperarousal (feeling wound up andedgy), are reduced after taking these drugs. However, these were lowqualitystudies with no comparison groups.Social PhobiaTwo studies have compared a beta-blocker to placebo pills or anotheranxiety treatment over several months. In both studies, the betablockerwas no better than a placebo. In one of the studies, the betablockerwas less effective compared to an antidepressant drug.Panic Disorder and AgoraphobiaOne study compared a beta-blocker, a benzodiazepine and a placeboin people with Panic Disorder over five weeks. The results showed thatthe beta-blocker was no better than the placebo in reducing anxietysymptoms or the number of panic attacks.18

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