Nursing Interventions and Pharmacological Treatments

- The nursing interventions for anxiety disorders are aimed at reducing anxiety, promoting coping skills, enhancing self-esteem, and improving quality of life

- Some of the nursing interventions include:

• Establishing a therapeutic relationship with the client based on trust, empathy, and respect
• Assessing the client’s level of anxiety, triggers, coping mechanisms, and support system
• Providing a safe and calm environment for the client
• Encouraging the client to express feelings and concerns without judgment or criticism
• Educating the client about the nature, causes, and treatment of anxiety disorders
• Teaching the client relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or meditation
• Assisting the client to identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts and replace them with positive or realistic ones
• Helping the client to set realistic and achievable goals and reinforce small steps of progress
• Referring the client to other resources such as psychotherapy, support groups, or community services

- The pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders are aimed at reducing the symptoms and enhancing the effects of psychotherapy. Some of the pharmacological treatments include:

• Antidepressants: such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that increase the availability of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain that regulate mood and anxiety . Examples are fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, imipramine, or phenelzine .
• Anxiolytics: such as benzodiazepines or buspirone that enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits anxiety and induces relaxation . Examples are diazepam, alprazolam, or buspirone .
• Beta-blockers: such as propranolol or atenolol block the effects of adrenaline and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety such as palpitations, tremors, or sweating.
• Anticonvulsants: such as gabapentin or pregabalin modulate the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that mediates excitatory signals in the brain that may contribute to anxiety.
• Antihistamines: such as hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine have sedative effects and reduce anxiety by blocking histamine receptors in the brain .