People suffering from alcohol and drug addiction are unable to withstand stress. Along with the physiological characteristics of the disease, they are exposed to mental disorders that affect their mood and quality of life. Depression becomes one of the reasons why people return to intoxicating habits. Therefore, in complex treatment, it is necessary to pay special attention to psychotherapy, combining it with drug treatment for depression.
Psychotherapists at the Ultramed clinic will help you cope with emotional stress that arises in crisis situations. And also for those who cannot withstand the modern rhythm of life and resort to “folk treatment”, which entails an even more serious deterioration in well-being. It is recommended to seek help from a psychotherapist in the following cases:
- alcoholism
- addiction
- relative's illness
- death of a loved one
- loss or problems at work
- divorce or family problems
- communication problems
Call us now:
+7 (812) 454-00-50
Prices for Ultramed clinic services
No matter how much a person takes pharmaceutical drugs, it is impossible to do without consulting a professional narcologist. Only a psychotherapist is able to assess the problem (illness) and find the right way out of the current situation (including medication). An experienced specialist will help restore relationships at work and in the family, find a common language with people around you and restore the joy of a full life.
Ultramed clinic specialists provide consultation and treatment of the following mental disorders:
- long-term stress
- psychological problems
- depressive state
The result of working with a psychotherapist will be a new perspective on problem solving. A person will stop turning to alcohol to relieve stress or avoid difficult life situations. The psychotherapist will also advise the patient’s family members, tell them how to behave with him, how to restore harmony in the family and help a loved one on the path to getting rid of addiction.
Treatment of stress and depression: types of stress
The onset of a mental disorder is influenced by many factors. Situations that can traumatize the psyche arise in our lives all the time, and even strong people are not always able to resist them. Such stresses are divided into the following types:
- physical - caused by overwork and extreme external conditions
- metabolic - caused by diabetes, uremia, high blood lipids and obesity
- immune - associated with infections, against the background of a weakened immune system
- endocrine - occur with hyperactivity of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland
It is important that stress does not become chronic. This is associated with the risk of physiological complications when stressor substances are produced in excess in the body. Lack of oxygen and nutrients negatively affects the functioning of the genitourinary system, intestines and liver. Vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs are also affected. As a result, a person begins to get sick often.
Treatments for Anxiety
The main method of treatment is psychotherapy accompanied by an experienced psychologist or psychotherapist. In some cases, simple reassurance is enough for the patient to reduce anxiety. If this does not help the person, then medications are prescribed to help restore the patient’s normal condition.
Group treatment for anxiety
The group method of combating therapy is one of the most popular. It is important to note that it has been successfully practiced for many years in the USA and Western Europe. Before taking part in such an event, many people think about how effective it is and what exactly they have to do.
Typically, group therapy based on psychoanalysis is used to treat anxiety. During classes, people actively communicate with each other and understand the experiences. A psychologist at such an event only accompanies the process and tries not to interfere with it unless absolutely necessary. The main idea of therapy is the opportunity for each person to see from the outside their own experiences, reactions to emerging events, as well as interactions with other people.
Taken together, group therapy, along with other conventional treatments, produces excellent results and long-lasting positive improvements.
Treatment of stress and depression: anti-anxiety medications
In the treatment of depression, drugs that differ in the active substance are used. They can be natural, plant-based or created in laboratory conditions, affecting brain receptors. An experienced psychotherapist will tell you which medicine to use in a particular case.
Antidepressants are divided according to the principle of their effect on the human body into the following types:
- stimulants
- balanced action drugs
- sedatives
Such drugs are sold strictly according to a doctor's prescription. They are used in cases where the patient experiences rapid heartbeat, anxiety, irritability and high excitability. Indications include lethargy, melancholy, apathy, suicide attempts and deep depression. Self-administration of antidepressants is prohibited.
What happens after taking a sedative?
What happens after you take a sedative? Within ten minutes to half an hour:
- in the central nervous system, the course of excitation processes slows down, and inhibition processes intensify. You calm down, an acute reaction to an irritating factor is replaced by indifference;
- the body copes with the manifestations of stress - hand tremors go away, sweating disappears, the pulse slows down, cramps in the intestines go away, and discomfort in the stomach goes away. In the evening it becomes easier to fall asleep, healthy deep sleep comes.
There are medications that can be taken by both children and adults. The list of medications allowed at a particular age depends on the type of nervous disorder and the method of its correction chosen by the doctor, taking into account the physiological characteristics of the patient.
In courses of treatment for neuroses, neurasthenia and other disorders, doctors combine powerful sedatives with psychiatric drugs. You cannot prescribe such medications yourself, even if you can buy them at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Any sedatives must be prescribed by a doctor
Treating Stress and Depression: Natural Medicines
If the stage of the disease allows, psychotherapists recommend taking herbal medicines. They are safe and have sufficient effect for treatment. Some of them are familiar to many from home medicine cabinets and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription:
- Valerian tincture
- motherwort
- "Negrustin"
- "Persen"
- "Novo-Passit"
Valerian tincture copes well with the stress that haunts us every day. The drug contains a plant extract that helps slow the heartbeat and calm the nervous system. Valerian relieves insomnia by providing a hypnotic effect.
Motherwort has a contraindication - it should not be taken by people with hypotension. The drug has a sedative effect, relieves stress and anxiety, but helps lower blood pressure. Motherwort is effective in treating irritability and neurasthenia.
The drug "Negrustin" contains St. John's wort extract. The effect of this herb on the human body helps to increase efficiency and raise general tone. Negrustin is used in the treatment of mild depression.
"Persen" is a drug that relieves stress and anxiety. It contains a complex of herbal extracts that have a positive effect on a person’s emotional state: valerian, peppermint and lemon balm. In addition, Persen helps overcome irritability and normalize sleep.
The composition of the drug "Novo-Passit" includes extracts of the following medicinal herbs: motherwort, St. John's wort, valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, hops and black elderberry. It has the properties of the drugs described above and copes well with stress. Taking Novo-Passit not only improves your well-being, but also has a positive effect on sleep.
Safety of Phenazepam
Phenazepam is a relatively safe drug. But this statement is only true if the patient takes it in accordance with the dosage and in cases prescribed by the doctor. Some drug addicts use the medicine together with the drug to enhance the effect. This is a very dangerous combination that can lead to death. There are also known fatal cases after using Phenazepam and other psychostimulants.
The half-life of Phenazepam from the body does not exceed 10 hours. However, in some patients, especially those with liver disease, this time almost doubles. To safely take Phenazepam, you should wait 2 to 3 days after your last drink.
Alcohol dependence increases the risk of developing dependence on this tranquilizer. Therefore, in case of alcoholism, the drug is prescribed with great caution and for a short time. It is ideal if the patient takes Phenazepam to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Subsequently, the patient is prescribed sedatives that have a milder effect.
Alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited during treatment with Phenazepam. Only a doctor can tell you when you can drink alcohol after undergoing treatment.
Treatment of stress and depression: powerful drugs
In severe cases, after examination by a doctor, the patient may be prescribed potent anti-depression medications. They have a calming effect by acting on brain receptors. Some of the most common and effective drugs are:
- Nialamid
- Bethol
- Iprazide
- Trinylcypromine
- Dosulepin
- Selegilin
- Anafranil
- Incazan
These drugs are used strictly under the supervision of a doctor. They have many contraindications and side effects. When used independently, they can not only worsen the condition of a depressed person, but also cause serious damage to the body as a whole. As a result of non-prescription use of the above drugs, the patient may develop dependence (pharmacy addiction).
What sedatives are there?
According to the type of effect on the body, sedative tablets, drops and mixtures are divided into:
- Sedative drugs. These are natural sedatives based on valerian, mint, lemon balm, motherwort, and combination preparations. This group also includes bromine-based drugs.
- Tranquilizers. Drugs that affect the psyche. They are needed when a person needs to get rid of unmotivated anxiety, fear, emotional stress, and various mental disorders.
- Neuroleptics. Strong sedatives used in psychiatry.
- Normotimics. Psychotropic drugs that doctors prescribe to patients with mental illness.
Soothing agents are of natural and artificial origin
When a person wants to buy a good sedative without a prescription, he will most often be recommended a sedative. Compared to tranquilizers, neuroleptics and mood stabilizers, such drugs are weaker, but they are relatively harmless - they work gently and have a minimal number of side effects. However, you should not extend the recommended course - addiction to sedatives may occur.
Treatment of stress and depression: psychostimulants and nootropics
Drugs in this category normalize the processes of thinking and remembering. They stabilize brain activity and increase its resistance to stressful situations. Treatment of stress and depression with the help of psychostimulants and nootropics can relieve the patient of lethargy, drowsiness and depression. With uncontrolled use (not under medical supervision) of drugs in this category, the following side effects may occur:
- tremor
- tachycardia
- sweating
- hypertension
- dry mouth
- headache
In modern psychotherapy, there are many names of psychostimulants and nootropics. Their use is due to the relief of depression and other mental disorders. If the disease is advanced, then you cannot do without the use of these potent drugs. In addition, psychotherapists recommend including a variety of relaxation programs in the treatment program:
- massage
- pool
- walks in the open air
Treatment of anxiety
To get rid of an obsessive state, psychologists and psychotherapists use a treatment complex consisting of consultations and, if necessary, the use of medications. Treatment development is carried out on a purely individual basis and depending on the type of anxiety disorder.
When the condition worsens, medications are prescribed. Depending on the symptoms manifested, several groups of tablets can be distinguished:
- Psychotropic substances - tranquilizers. Help relieve panic and constant feelings of tension. You can also get rid of suicidal intentions, as well as reduce aggressive behavior
- Antidepressants. Restores a stable emotional background, eliminates possible anxiety states and exacerbations
- Neuroleptics. This is relevant if the patient is in an inadequate condition. The effects of drugs are carried out on certain areas of the brain, which help to control the situation and show rationality in thinking.
- Sedatives. They have a calming effect, help reduce nervous tension, normalize sleep, and reduce the level of excitability.
- Nootropics help maintain the patient’s performance at the proper level, and also promote normal blood circulation
- Beta and alpha blockers. They help deactivate the receptors that perceive adrenaline. Helps improve the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.
Psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment. To do this, psychotherapists use various techniques, depending on the complexity of the disease and its progression. For treatment, hypnosis is used as an auxiliary method.
Treatment of anxiety in adults
The treatment program is developed individually, depending on the patient’s condition. So, for example, for some people it is enough to carry out persuasion techniques, as a result of which their condition significantly improves, but in advanced situations it is simply impossible to do without the use of medications.
Rational type beliefs often involve the use of psychotherapeutic techniques. In addition, the specialist constantly accompanies the patient, and also teaches how to cope with emerging exacerbations and interact normally with other members of society.
As with an anxious depressive state, many patients may be prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics, and nootropics.
It is important to note that the patient’s work on his own condition is no less important. You can do breathing exercises or yoga, and walk in the fresh air as much as possible. It is not recommended to abuse alcohol or smoke cigarettes, as this reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Anxiety in children
Psychologists and psychotherapists work with children at any stage of anxiety development. However, often one or both parents are included in the process to help improve and speed up the restoration of the child’s normal condition. And although an individual treatment plan is developed for each child, the general scheme is as follows:
- Psychotherapy. Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy is used to work. As a result, the child must learn to cope with assigned tasks and stressful conditions.
- Family psychotherapy. To eliminate the anxious state as quickly as possible, not only individual techniques are used, but also work with entire families and proper monitoring of the condition by a psychologist or psychotherapist. If there are difficulties in contact between family members
- The use of medications is possible only if the child cannot cope with anxiety even with the support of a psychotherapist. As a rule, anxiolytics are extremely rarely used under the age of 18 years.
Treatment of anxiety during menopause
Menopause is a transitional state of the female body as a result of hormonal changes. As a result, not only pathological changes in the functioning of the body, but also in the emotional state can be observed. The most well-known and popular method is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, its use is possible only if you have first consulted with a specialist.
Non-hormonal drugs are also often used to help overcome depression and reduce anxiety. Also one of the popular types of treatment is the use of SSRIs. But the drug often causes a decrease in libido. If side symptoms are diagnosed, then bupropion or duloxetine can be used as a replacement.
Treatment of stress and depression: tranquilizers (anxiolytics)
When depression provokes obsessive states, severe fears and unreasonable anxiety, tranquilizers are used in treatment. They are prescribed in short courses (1-2 weeks). Long-term use of such drugs is addictive and reduces the effectiveness of drug treatment.
Tranquilizers, in addition to restoring the nervous system and improving sleep, relieve seizures and relax skeletal muscles. The drugs are contraindicated in patients suffering from glaucoma. While taking them, you should not drink alcohol or anxiolytics (the latter under medical supervision). When combined with tranquilizers, anxiolytics can cause amnesia.
Below are some side effects when taking tranquilizers:
- drowsiness
- attention disorder
- constipation
- hypotension
- slow reaction
- urinary incontinence
- weakened libido
- breathing problems (even to the point of stopping)
Modern medicine uses the following drugs to treat stress and depression of a clinical nature:
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Bromazepam
- Phenazepam
- Freesium
- Alprazolam
What is Phenazepam
This drug was first synthesized in 1974. Doctors trust it due to its high effectiveness. However, throughout the entire period of its use, doctors have to deal with the consequences of uncontrolled use of the drug. Self-medication with Phenazepam leads to the development of addiction. Many pharmacies sell the medicine without a prescription, even though it is a prescription drug. Failure to comply with the dosage regimen and the combination of Phenazepam leads to serious consequences.
Action and pharmacological characteristics of the drug
Phenazepam acts on the GABAergic system. Its main neurotransmitter is gamma-aminobutyric acid, which plays key roles in the processes of excitation and inhibition. Phenazepam enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Action of the drug:
- relieves anxiety;
- has anxiolytic activity;
- promotes sleep;
- calms;
- relaxes muscles;
- relieves cramps.
Since alcohol acts on the GABAergic system in a similar way, drinking alcohol during treatment with Phenazepam increases the activity of the drug. At the same time, a person feels drowsiness, extreme fatigue, his reactions and speed of thinking slow down.
Dosage
Phenazepam is quickly absorbed from the digestive tract. Its maximum concentration in the blood is observed approximately an hour and a half after oral administration. Over a relatively long period of time, the patient’s sleep improves and anxiety and restlessness are eliminated.
The daily dose of Phenazepam is 0.75 – 1.5 mg. It is divided into several stages. In a neuropsychiatric hospital setting, it is possible to increase the daily dose to 5 mg, and in severe cases to 10 mg.
The drug cannot be discontinued immediately, as the patient develops withdrawal syndrome. The dosage is reduced gradually.
Indications and contraindications
Phenazepam is indicated for:
- phobias;
- panic attacks (also used for prevention);
- psychosis;
- insomnia;
- premedication in order to prepare for surgery using local anesthesia;
- neurasthenia;
- neuroses;
- schizophrenia (only as part of complex drug treatment);
- treatment-resistant form of epilepsy in combination with drugs that eliminate convulsions;
- arrhythmias;
- autonomic dysfunctions.
Phenazepam is contraindicated in:
- individual intolerance;
- severe respiratory diseases;
- chronic liver diseases in the stage of decompensation;
- closed-angle form of glaucoma;
- severe forms of depression;
- state of shock.
Treatment of stress and depression at the Ultramed clinic
A large number of drug names presupposes knowledge of their properties and individual characteristics of the course of the disease. Based on the above information, you can understand that contacting a professional psychotherapist is the best way to find the right medication to treat stress and depression. Do not self-medicate - trust the professionals and do not delay visiting a doctor.
If you experience anxiety, nervous breakdowns or apathy, you should immediately contact a specialist to avoid the serious consequences of prolonged depression. Our clinic employs experienced psychotherapists who will help you get rid of stress and depression, even if it has become clinical. At the clinic, you will receive comprehensive treatment that takes into account the condition of internal organs affected by the influence of prolonged experiences and rapid heartbeat.
Call us and we will answer all your questions - the Ultramed clinic hotline is open around the clock, seven days a week, seven days a week!
Adjuvant therapy
When recovering from a drunken state, great attention is paid to stabilizing the functioning of internal organs.
In this case, the following may be prescribed:
- Pharmaceuticals containing sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium - these minerals are necessary for the functioning of internal organs, and with prolonged alcoholism, their deficiency occurs. A prominent representative of this group’s means of breaking up binge drinking is Methusol. Administered intravenously, it has a rehydrating, diuretic, detoxifying, and antioxidant effect. With its help, rapid replenishment of circulating blood volume during hypovolemia is achieved, blood viscosity is reduced, its rheological properties are improved, and tissue dehydration is prevented. Exhibits a hemodynamic effect, promotes cell adaptation to lack of oxygen.
- Hepatoprotectors necessary for the protection and restoration of liver cells. This can be Heptral, Essentially, administered intravenously. An excellent effect is provided by Remaxol®, containing succinic acid, meglumine, riboxin, methionine, nicotinamide, sodium, potassium, magnesium chlorides, sodium hydroxide. It reduces bilirubin, improves the release of direct bilirubin into bile and the oxidation of cholesterol.
- Nootropics – improve brain function. The most commonly administered drug is Piracetam.
