Recently there have been calls for a decrease in the prescription of anti anxiety medication such as Xanax (Alprazolam) and other benzodiazapines. While this class of drugs are highly effective in reducing anxiety there are concerns about side effects including the potential for addiction. Fortunately anxiety and panic are both highly treatable by psychological methods including hypnotherapy; and hypnotherapy is completely safe. Why is hypnotherapy such an ideal treatment for anxiety conditions?

Firstly lets look at what anxiety actually is. In our evolutionary history (and that of most other animal species) it was important for us to develop mechanisms that would for example: protect us from danger, allow us to develop societies and relationships, be motivated to thrive and so on. These responses are facilitated by an appropriate amount of anxiety. Our brain takes care of our ability to respond to our external environment and regulates our response to our environment by a number of neurochemical means.

We have all heard of the 'fight or flight' response. This is a very primitive but useful response that enables us to react quickly to alarming events. Other anxiety responses can include embarrassment or shame which can be useful in helping us to integrate into society. We also need a certain level of anxiety to motivate us to work, strive or even to get out of bed in the morning. These responses are known as 'adaptive'.

The flip side of this is that from time to time our responses can be exaggerated, meaning that we overreact to a stimulus. An example of this would be social anxiety.  Further, sometimes we can experience anxiety with the absence of any stimulus at all. An example of this type of reaction might be a panic attack, which really serves no function and may be brought on with a stimulus that is completely non threatening.  In our modern world responses can also be inappropriate, for example, a fight or flight reaction to a large telephone bill.

The reasons why some people can have 'maladaptive' responses varies. Reasons can include learned anxiety responses (having anxious parents can pre dispose one to anxiety), trauma and even low confidence or self esteem. There is also a link between depression and anxiety.

Regardless of the cause, anxiety and panic are highly treatable; but how do we know if we are experiencing anxiety?

Anxiety has a variety of presentations and can sometimes be confused with other conditions (see your doctor if in doubt). Broadly, anxiety symptoms fall into two categories. The first category is psychological symptoms. These symptoms can include worry, fear, feelings of trepidation, phobias or wanting to avoid certain situations. The second category is physical symptoms. These symptoms can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness and even irritable bowel. Interestingly we can experience some symptoms and not others, some people can have only psychological symptoms while some only physical symptoms. Many people have a few of each symptom. 

It is obviously very important to distinguish the physical symptoms of anxiety from other possible causes, and that is why it is necessary to consult with your physician. If you are already taking anti anxiety medication then this should not be reduced or stopped without medical supervision. Most medications of this type need to be reduced slowly and your doctor can advise you on this.

Whether anxiety presents as a physical or psychological condition the causal factors have thier origin in the mind. Causal factors are often a mixture of conscious and subconscious programmes. Fortunately these are programmes that can be changed and there are a number of options to address this from a psychological approach. Common and effective treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group therapy and even counselling. One of the best approaches is Hypnotherapy.

Why hypnotherapy? Well the answer is easy. Good hypnotherapy, when done properly, will enable you to unlock the phenomenological experience of anxiety and make changes on a subconscious, emotional level. Hypnotherapy can also utilise the wonder of hypnotic suggestion, which can be remarkably effective in the alleviation of the symptoms of anxiety.

A good hypnotherapist will also help you to modify your thinking patterns as well as encourage you to modify unhelpful behaviours. One of the reasons hypnotherapy is so useful in anxiety disorders however is because it usually involves deep relaxation which is essentially the opposite of anxiety.

All these factors make hypnotherapy an obvious and effective treatment for all kinds of anxiety disorders. The bonus is that hypnotherapy is relatively low cost, free of side effects and can produce long term and even unexpected benefits.

For more information on hypnotherapy and anxiety treatment in Sydney see http://www.hypnosisparramatta.com.au/stress-anxiety-treatment/