What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be addressed with therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research suggests that psychological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders over the long haul.
Medications such as 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 prevent dependence. Talk to your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Medications
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. A variety of medications can help you feel more calm. These include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will prescribe you a medication that is based on the diagnosis, medical history and goals you have, as well as your symptoms, tolerance and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety drugs doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. It can take some time to start working, but they are known to be very efficient and provide long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are widely used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you do not respond to SSRIs your doctor may recommend beta blockers or benzodiazepines. These drugs relax muscles and reduce the activity of brain cells, which can ease anxiety. They're usually used short-term to control immediate symptoms and are addictive. Common benzodiazepines are lorazepam, diazepam and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are drugs that reduce blood pressure and heart rate and are typically prescribed for those with heart problems. However they are also useful for people with anxiety, as well, particularly in cases where anxiety is connected to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is an example of beta blockers.
In certain situations your doctor might prescribe an atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine, which can treat depression and anxiety. This medication can cause weight gain, sedation, and dry mouth.
You can also include natural remedies and diet modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can create anxiety or worsen it like caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Concentrate on eating healthy and getting enough rest instead. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi. All of these have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress.
Support groups for anxiety can also be helpful, and therapy interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you to manage your thoughts and feelings and conquer your anxiety. Other evidence-based methods that can aid in managing anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. Finding a mental health professional you can trust to reduce your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, anxiety can develop into problematic if it is experienced on a regular basis and begins to affect your daily life or health. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently it's a good idea to talk to an expert in mental health for support.
There are many natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to try:
1. Exercise: Stretching or jumping Jacks can help you feel calmer. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try a little exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of lavender diluted or other calming oils may have a calming effect, according to a 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming essential oils in many different forms, including inhalers oils for your skin, and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol: Too much caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety because they can trigger anxiety or raise heart rate. It can also lead to insomnia, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can help reduce anxiety and other health issues. Begin by incorporating fish, chia seeds and walnuts into your daily diet.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can boost your mood and reduce anxiety, but it's important to work with an experienced practitioner to get the most benefit. It's also helpful to find a quiet place without distractions so that you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha can help lower the levels of the hormone cortisol within your body. This can be a major contributor to anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these supplements in your treatment program.
FDA-approved medicines for anxiety disorders could be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs like escitalopram and citalopram as well as SNRIs such as paroxetine and mirtazapine; and TCAs, like tofranil or clomipramine.
Therapy
Everyone is anxious at times, and that's a good thing - it's the brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. However, those with anxiety disorders have a high level of anxiety and stress that interfere with their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are utilized to combat anxiety.
The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. It's also known as cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy teaches you to identify the thought patterns that lead to anxiety and then work to change them. This is a short-term therapy and many patients experience improvements in their symptoms after a few sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you choose the right therapy for your diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. iampsychiatry.com can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs, also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are beneficial for managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) may also prove beneficial.
These medications are usually prescribed in combination with psychotherapy to lessen the severity of anxiety symptoms and make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines can calm the nervous and help treat anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants can help relieve anxiety symptoms, including shaking, tingling and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help with anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation. For example, exercise can be an effective anxiety reliever and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A regular diet of healthy food and getting enough rest can also reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and dietary supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your physician prior to starting any of these treatments to make sure they're safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all experience moments of anxiety or fear, but when they get out of control and cause disruption to your daily routine, you could suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are the most common medications used to treat anxiety disorders. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may be necessary to try a variety of medications until you find one that is effective. Antidepressants take time to work, so you may need to be patient when starting them.
Counseling, also known as talk therapy in general, is an effective treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists are licensed in local mental health clinics or online platforms which allow you to receive treatment for mental health from the comfort of your home. These options offer a range of benefits that traditional in-person therapy does not offer, including the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety symptoms, particularly when they involve removing nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and can help you get a good night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of physical exercise on a daily basis. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that trigger or worsen your anxiety, such as marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
Exposure therapy can also reduce anxiety. This technique involves gradually exposing you to situations or objects which you fear, using relaxation techniques and coping statements. If you are ready, challenge yourself to stay in the situation you are afraid of for longer periods of time. Once you have done this, you will realize that your fears might not be as real as you believe.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your quality-of-life, such as learning to recognize and manage negativity and taking a break while watching, reading, or listening to the news or other events that can cause anxiety or stress, and joining a community of people with similar anxiety-related symptoms.