Anxiety Disorders - Tree of Life Natural Medicine

Jul 30 0

Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Teens with Homeopathy

Posted by Andrew J. Kaufmann, ND

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition wherein the patient is plagued with intrusive and repetitive thoughts, or obsessions, which in turn produce incredible anxiety, resulting often in the need to perform some sort of behavior, action, or ritual to manage the anxiety. It is characterized by patients being mentally preoccupied by something. A common OCD obsession involves excessive concern Treat obsessive compulsive disorder with homeopathy in Mesa, AZ over germs and cleanliness, which in this case may create the compulsion, or need to repeatedly wash the hands. Though many patients are aware that these thoughts and behaviors are irrational, they are unable to control them. It can be a debilitating and all consuming brain disorder, and without management, many patients are unable to function normally and lead productive lives.

Fortunately, homeopathy offers several effective remedies for those suffering from this condition, especially teens, and works with the philosophy that the mind and body are powerfully linked, and must be treated as a whole. Homeopathy can be instrumental in managing the disorder, and controlling the unwanted thoughts and behaviors.

In contrast to psychiatric prescription drugs, which can become a lifelong crutch, in addition to often creating several undesirable side effects, homeopathic remedies are completely natural, and as a result, non-toxic. As opposed to merely treating symptoms, homeopathy works to reestablish equilibrium in the mind and the body, whereby thoughts and behaviors become more manageable as the brain’s symmetry is restored.

Several different homeopathic remedies are available in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, based on an assessment of the presenting symptoms. Determining the most fitting and appropriate remedy requires a thorough evaluation from a well educated and qualified homeopathic physician. It is never wise to self diagnose and treat.

Living with OCD is anything but pleasant. However, it is possible to break the pattern of being controlled by one’s thoughts and actions, and to become truly liberated and capable of living life to the fullest. Please contact us to schedule a consultation to review your symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment options.

Apr 28 0

Treating OCD Naturally

Posted by Andrew J. Kaufmann, ND

Image courtesy of Michelle Meiklejohn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What is OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?

OCD is an anxiety based disorder where repeated actions or thoughts relieve tension. Everyone feels the need to go back and double check whether the door is locked or the coffee pot is off. But those with OCD have an uncontrollable need to repeatedly check things or perform rituals and routines over and over. The thoughts and activities typically interfere with normal life.

How many people suffer from OCD?

Between the ages of 18 and 54, approximately 2.3% of the U.S. population are treated for OCD in a given year. It affects men and women equally.

What are the traditional treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is traditionally treated with psychotherapy, medications or a combination of both.

Psychotherapy: One type of psychotherapy typically used is called exposure and responsive prevention. It works to teach a person to react to stressful situations with less fear and anxiety so that obsessive thoughts and compulsive activities are not necessary.

Medications: Typically antidepressants and/or antianxiety medications are prescribed. It takes up to 10 to 12 weeks for these medications to be effective and often produces side effects such as: headache, nausea or difficulty sleeping. Please note that antidepressants have been given a “black box” warning by the FDA (the most serious possible) because they can cause suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts in some individuals.

How is OCD treated naturally without harmful side effects?

Homeopathic treatments are based on the understanding that the mind and body are dynamically interconnected and that both directly influence each other. It is the most effective way to rebalance a person’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, allowing OCD behaviors to diminish over time. Treatments are developed for each individual by a highly trained homeopathic doctor. This includes a complete medical history, physical and mental constitutional analyses and consideration of any miasmatic tendencies which are believed to be a predisposition or susceptibility to chronic disease.

The following are common treatments:

Natrum Muriaticum – Obsessive about being in control and alone.
5-HTP – Stimulates the productions of serotonin (low serotonin levels exacerbate OCD symptoms)
Arsenicum Album – Obsessive about appearance. Fear of illnesses
Inositol – Calms patient throughout the day and makes it easier to sleep at night (primarily effective on undermethalyted/high-histamine patients).
Calcarea Carbonica – Obsesses about natural disasters and social problems.
Carsinosin – Obsessive about diseases, for self and family.
Hyoscyamus – Obsessive about sex and obscene gestures. Also picks at fingers and clothes.

The above list are only a few of the many numerous treatments for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder. Please consult with a trained homeopathic doctor to obtain a treatment specific to your symptoms.

Disclaimer: No statements on this website are intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any condition or disease but rather are given for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a licensed, trained health care provider when using any dietary supplements, herbal, homeopathic, over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs or making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Aug 28 0

How To Ease Back To School Anxiety With Homeopathy

Posted by Andrew J. Kaufmann, ND

Back to school anxiety in children can be treated with homeopathy in Mesa, AZ It’s that time of the year – when children may experience back to school anxiety about starting a new grade. Some kids may even be starting a new school or beginning school for the first time. Parents or guardians may be looking for ways to help reduce that anxiety. Homeopathy treats back-to-school anxiety very effectively through nutrition, medicines, and talking.

Nutrition

First of all, it’s important a child has reduced sugar intake, especially during anxious times. Anxiety makes the adrenals work as it causes high production of adrenaline and cortisol. These glands also have to work hard with a high sugar intake, so frequent sources of protein are important in taking the load off adrenal glands and balancing blood sugar.

The following vitamins are also very helpful in treating anxiety:

Vitamin C – supports the adrenal glands.

B Vitamins – very important for the nervous system.

Magnesium – helps a child be calm at night for restful sleep and is important for many systems in the body.

Medicines

Homeopathic medicines can be very effective for back-to-school anxiety and they are also perfect to use with other types of anxiety that may be associated with going to a doctor or dentist appointment.

Aconite – Used when a child is very fearful and is restless. There may be a scared expression and trouble sitting still.

Argentum Nitricum – Used when a child has an anticipatory anxiety and feels very nervous. They are likely to have diarrhea and flatulence with the anxiety.

Arsenicum Album – Used when a child is very restless and insecure with their anxiety. They may show a degree of exhaustion but you know this fatigue has an emotional basis and is linked to anxiety.

Calcarea Carbonica – Used when a child is happy and easy-going for the most part, but can get very anxious and worry about small things when there is time to think.

Calcarea Phosphorica – Used when a child has headaches and/or tummy aches that prevent them from going. They may deny that there is anything wrong at school but they have the convenient ‘illness’ that allows them to stay at home. This is often times used for younger children.

Gelsemium – Used when a child feels weak and cowardly right before an event like a first day or exam because they feel the task ahead is too much to handle. Gelsemium should also be tried first before other homeopathic medicines when a child’s anxiety symptoms are hard to define.

Lycopodium – Used when a child is fearful about failing but covers it by looking overly confident on the outside. Performance is great but the child suffers extreme anxiety on the inside.

Pulsatilla – Used when a child tends to be very clingy, sensitive and highly emotional, needing lots of affection and support during times of change.

IMPORTANT: An experienced homeopath should be consulted for proper dosing.

Talking

A parent or guardian can help reduce a child’s anxiety by talking in the following ways:

Reassuring – Letting a child know that anxiety is normal will, in itself, help reduce anxiety.

Reflecting – This is done by observing a child and relaying the observations to open up conversation. A good way to do this is by saying something like “I could tell there was some anxiety when you were getting ready for school….is there anything in particular you are worried about?”

Validating – Explaining that anxiety is temporary and will get better will help a child realize that there is hope in overcoming the anxiety.

Showing Love – Making a child feel loved is the best provision a parent can provide that will help alleviate anxious feelings.

Apr 13 0

Treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) with Homeopathy

Posted by Andrew J. Kaufmann, ND

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety condition that develops when an individual experiences or witnesses any event that produces extreme fear; such as a murder, physical abuse or even a severe motor accident.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts about the event, feeling detached and unable to connect with loved ones, depression, being overly aware of danger and anger outbursts.

How many people suffer from PTSD?

Simply going through a traumatic event does not mean you will develop PTSD. Currently, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. A much smaller percent of individuals develop PTSD, as follows (based on US population figures):

7-8% of the population will develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
About 5.2 million adults will experience PTSD each year.

Who is most likely to develop PTSD?

History of physical or sexual abuse
Working in a high risk situation such as a policeman, fireman or active military personnel
History of depression or other psychological disorder
Alcohol or drug abuse
Non-existent or poor support system
Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD
Veterans
Survivors of terrorism, car wrecks, fires or other unexpected events

What’s the long term prognosis for PTSD sufferers?

The long term prognosis for PTSD sufferers varies greatly and depends on many factors. Your ability to cope with stress, temperament, preexisting depression, support network, use of alcohol and/or drugs to cope, general stress level and the ability to remain in treatment can all affect the long term outlook.

In general, with proper treatment:

30% will recover completely
40% will get better, with only less intense symptoms remaining

What are typical treatment methods?

Cognitive behavior therapies – Techniques are learned to help cope with thoughts and feelings of the events. Gradual exposure to events and places reminiscent of the traumatic event may be suggested to build up a tolerance and lessen fear.
Stress management therapy – Techniques are taught to relax and overcome fear and anxiety.
Psychotropic medications for depression and anxiety are prescribed.

Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil).
Benzodiazepines, a group of medications sometimes used for anxiety, including lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax). These drugs have sedating properties and may cause drowsiness, constipation, or nausea. Do not take them if you have narrow angle glaucoma, a psychosis, or are pregnant. They also interact with other drugs, including some antidepressants (such as Luvox).
Dopamine-blocking agents, such as neuroleptics. There is some evidence of increased dopamine presence in children and adults with PTSD.

Can PTSD be treated naturally with homeopathy?

Homeopathy has proven to be very effective in the treatment of PTSD. Homeopathy gives doctors the ability to treat each patient’s symptoms specifically rather than prescribing a “blanket” medication that treats a range of symptoms. This approach eliminates the negative side effects of traditional psychotropic drugs and offers a more gentle and individualized treatment plan.

The following list are examples of how homeopathic treatments and herbs can treat specific symptoms and should not to be considered a treatment plan. If you, or someone you know, suffers from PTSD it’s best to consult with a homeopathic doctor for individualized treatment. There are many factors when determining exactly which treatment is prescribed.

Stramonium is effective for nightmares and night terrors.
Gelsemium eases the fear that something bad will happen in the future.
Aconitum eases reoccurring panic after the event.
Amica for chronic conditions such as depression.
Hops can ease anxiety and stress.
Green tea boosts the immune system and can assist PTSD suffers to resist illnesses.
Valerian promotes calmness and relaxation.

As mentioned earlier, the list above is a very limited list of possible treatments. A specific treatment plan should be developed by a trained homeopathic doctor based on the patient’s symptoms, severity of those symptoms and medical history.

Disclaimer: No statements on this website are intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any condition or disease but rather are given for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a licensed, trained health care provider when using any dietary supplements, herbal, homeopathic, over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs or making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

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