5 Best Treatment For Anxiety Lessons From The Professionals
What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can often be treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Research suggests that psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medications in treating anxiety disorders in the long run.
The use of medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam), can help with anxiety, but they should be used short-term to prevent dependence. Talk to your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Medicines
The use of medications is one of the tools used by psychiatrists to treat anxiety, along with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. A variety of medications can help you feel more calm. They include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will prescribe you a medication that is based upon the diagnosis and medical history as well as the goals you have and also your symptoms, tolerance, and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety medication doctors prescribe. They work by impacting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. It can take them a few weeks before they start working however once they do, anxiety will be reduced for a long period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you're not responding to SSRIs, your doctor may suggest other options like benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by promoting muscle relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They are typically employed to manage symptoms that are immediate and are also addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers are drugs which reduce heart rate and blood pressure They are usually prescribed for those with heart conditions. They can also be helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is connected to a high-intensity pulse. Propranolol is an example of a beta blocker.
In certain situations, a doctor may prescribe mirtazapine as an atypical antidepressant that treats anxiety and depression. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and the feeling of sedation.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and dietary changes in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that cause anxiety or make it worse like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Focus on eating healthily and ensuring you get enough rest. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi. All of these have been shown to help with stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for example can assist you in managing your thoughts and emotions. Psychotherapy 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
Anxiety is part of our human experience and everyone feels occasionally. However, anxiety can turn into a problem if it occurs regularly and begins to affect your health or daily routine. If you're experiencing anxiety on a regular basis, it's worth reaching out to an expert in mental health to seek help.
The good news is that a range of natural remedies can help ease anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Exercise: Stretching or doing jump at jacks can help you feel calmer. Movement releases endorphins which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try to squeeze some exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the fragrance of lavender diluted or other calming oils can be calming according to a study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming essential oils in many different forms, including inhalers and oils for your skin and herbal teas.
3. Limiting social anxiety disorder treatment or Alcohol: Too much caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety due to the fact that they can cause anxiety or raise heart rate. It can also cause sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Having a nutritious diet high in vitamins and nutrients can help you manage anxiety and other health issues. Start by adding fish, chia seeds and walnuts into your daily diet.
5. Meditation: Practicing meditation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety, but it's important to partner with a seasoned practitioner to get the most benefits. It is also beneficial to find a quiet place free of distractions so you can concentrate on your breath.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs such as ashwagandha can help reduce the amount of the hormone cortisol in your body. This can be a major factor in anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment plan.
FDA-approved medication for anxiety disorders may be effective in combination with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram, Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as mirtazapine and paroxetine; and also TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to be anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you of the possibility of danger. People suffering from anxiety disorders, however, experience a lot of anxiety and worry that interferes with their daily life. Anxiety treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy is the most popular form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that cause anxiety and work on changing these patterns. It is a short-term treatment and a lot of people notice improvements in their symptoms after 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
The kinds of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety vary, but some examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy and hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you choose the right therapy for your particular diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also useful for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants like mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could be beneficial too.
These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and to make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are frequently used to treat high blood pressure and alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes called minor tranquillisers or sleep pills, can relax the nervous system and are useful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, like low doses of those used to prevent epilepsy seizures, can help relieve the tingling and trembling that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help with anxiety by decreasing stress levels and increasing relaxation. Exercise can be a great anxiety reliever and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consistently eating healthy meals and ensuring you get enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety, but you must consult your doctor before beginning any of these treatments to be sure that they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all experience moments of fear or anxiety, but when they get out of control and cause disruption to everyday life, you may suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The medications most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is possible to try a variety of medications until you find one that is effective. Antidepressants can take a while to begin working and you might need to be patient when beginning them.
Talk therapy or counseling is an effective treatment for anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed psychotherapists in local mental health clinics, or online platforms which let you receive mental care from the comfort of your home. These options provide a number benefits that traditional in person therapy does not, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like abstaining from alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and can help you get a good night's sleep. Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. A balanced diet that includes various vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that can create anxiety or cause it to worsen like caffeine, marijuana and illegal drugs.
Exposure therapy can also reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects you fear, by using relaxation techniques and coping phrases. Once you feel at ease you can stay longer in a feared environment. When you've completed this, you'll realize that your fears might not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your quality-of-life, such as the ability to recognize and control negative emotions, taking a break when watching, reading or listening to the news or other items that might cause anxiety or stress, and joining a community of people with similar anxiety-related symptoms.