What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications for the long term.
Treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam) can help with anxiety symptoms but should only be used in short-term doses to avoid dependence. Consult your physician to find out which treatment options are best for you.
Medications
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. There are many kinds of medications that can help you feel more relaxed. These include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is based on your diagnosis, medical history and goals you have along with your symptoms, tolerance, and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by impacting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep. It can take a few weeks to begin working, but they tend to be very effective and can offer long-term relief from anxiety. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs your doctor may recommend beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by promoting muscle relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They are usually used to control immediate symptoms and may be addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers are medicines that reduce blood pressure and heart rate They are usually prescribed for those with heart problems. However they can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety too, especially if the anxiety is related to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is one example. It is a beta-blocker.
In some cases doctors may prescribe mirtazapine as an antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and an increase in sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Try avoiding foods that are known to trigger or worsen anxiety, like caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Instead, focus on eating healthy and ensuring you get enough sleep. Try yoga, meditation, or tai chi. All of these have been proven to ease stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for example can assist you in managing your thoughts and feelings. treatment of anxiety focused on trauma and EMDR therapy are other evidence-based approaches that can help you deal with anxiety. Finding a mental healthcare professional that you trust to reduce your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, anxiety can turn into problematic if it is experienced on a regular basis and starts to interfere with your health or daily routine. If you are struggling with anxiety frequently, it's important to seek out help from an expert in mental health.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to think about:
1. Exercise: A few stretching exercises or jumping jacks could go a long way toward making you feel more calm. The movement triggers the release our good friend endorphins which are the collective "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try a little exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils. According to a study published in the journal Phytomedicine Inhaling the aroma of diluted oils like lavender or other calming oils can have a calming affect. You can find calming oils in a variety of forms, including inhalers, oils for use on your skin or in herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Limiting caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety because they can trigger anxiety or raise heart rate. It may also lead to insomnia, which can further cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can help manage your anxiety and other health issues. Adding fish, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet can be a great way to start.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the maximum benefit. It's also helpful to find a quiet place free of distractions so you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs like ashwagandha can help reduce the level of cortisol, a hormone, in your body, which can be a major cause of anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these supplements in your treatment program.
FDA-approved medication for anxiety disorders may be effective in combination with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine; and also TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone is anxious at times and that's a good thing - it's your brain's way of alerting you to possible danger. People with anxiety disorders, however, are prone to excessive anxiety and stress that can affect their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are used to combat anxiety.
The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that trigger anxiety and work on changing them. It is a short-term therapy, and many people see improvement in their symptoms within 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you find the best therapy for your situation and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders can be due to chemical imbalances within the brain. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Prozac) are frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also helpful for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) may be beneficial too.
The majority of medications are prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and to make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. They can reduce physical anxiety symptoms such as shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines are able to calm nerves and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, such as small doses of those used to prevent epilepsy seizures can ease the trembling and tingling that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can aid in treating anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation. For example exercising can be a powerful anxiety reliever and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A regular diet of healthy food and taking a good amount of rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to help reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to make sure that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all experience moments of fear or anxiety however, when they get out of control and cause disruption to everyday life, you may suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment for an anxiety disorder typically includes a course of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders comprise antidepressants and benzodiazepines. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is possible to test a variety of drugs until you find one that works. Antidepressants take time to take effect and you might need to be patient when beginning them.
Talk therapy or counseling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists who are licensed can be found in local mental health clinics or online platforms which let you access mental health care from the comfort of home. These options offer a range of benefits that traditional in-person therapy can't, including flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise burns stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and aids in getting an excellent night's rest. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every day of the week. A balanced diet that incorporates various vegetables, fruits and lean protein can help reduce anxiety. It is also important to stay clear of substances that can trigger or worsen your anxiety, such as marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
You can also lower your anxiety by practicing exposure therapy. This technique involves gradually exposing you situations or objects that you are scared of, through relaxation techniques and coping statements. When you are at a point of readiness take on the challenge of staying in the situation you are afraid of for longer periods of time. Once you are able to do this, you can appreciate that your fears are usually unfounded and that you can cope.
Other lifestyle changes can enhance your overall quality of life, for example, learning to recognize and manage negativity, taking a break when reading, watching or listening to the news or other items that could trigger anxiety, and joining a group of people who have similar anxiety-related symptoms.