What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated with therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research has proven that psychological therapies like cognitive behavior therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders in the long term.
The use of medications such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines like diazepam and alprazolam are able to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should only be used for a limited duration to avoid dependence. Speak to your doctor to determine which treatments are most suitable for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. There are many kinds of medication that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, including SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest an appropriate medication based upon your diagnosis, medical history as well as your goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety drugs doctors prescribe. They work by impacting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that influences sleep and mood. They may take a few weeks to begin working, but they tend to be extremely efficient and provide long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are frequently used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you aren't responding to SSRIs your doctor may suggest other options including benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They are generally used to treat immediate symptoms and may be addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers are medications that lower heart rate and blood pressure, and they're commonly prescribed to people suffering from heart issues. They are also beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is related to a high-intensity pulse. Propranolol is one example. It is beta-blocker.
In some instances doctors may prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant to treat both depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and sedation.
Natural remedies and diet changes can also be part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that trigger or worsen anxiety like caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Instead, focus on eating healthy and ensuring you get enough sleep. Meditation, yoga or tai-chi have all been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for instance, can assist you in managing your thoughts and emotions. EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy are other methods based on research that can help you cope with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health provider you trust and who will help you reduce the symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxiety is a part of the human experience, and everyone experiences them from time to time. Anxiety can become a serious problem if it's experienced on a regular schedule and starts to affect your health or your daily routine. If you experience anxiety frequently, it's worth seeking out support from an expert in mental health.
There are a number of natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to think about:
1. Exercise: Stretching or jumping Jacks can help you feel calmer. Moving stimulates the release of our good friend endorphins which are the "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try to squeeze some exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils. According to an article in the journal Phytomedicine, inhaling the scent of diluted oils, such as lavender or other calming oils can be calming. There are calming oil in many forms, including inhalers, oils for use on your skin or in herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Limiting caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen, as they can cause anxiety or raise heart rate. It can also cause insomnia and can trigger anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can help you manage anxiety as well as other health issues. Add chia seeds, fish and walnuts to your diet could be a great place to begin.
5. Meditation: Meditating can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. However, it's essential to work with a practitioner with experience to get the most effective results. It's also helpful to have a quiet space with no distractions so that you can concentrate on your breath.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like Ashwagandha, may help lower your body's level of cortisol. This hormone can be a major cause of anxiety. Consult your physician about including these herbs in your treatment plan.
A variety of medications are FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs such as escitalopram or citalopram and SNRIs, like paroxetine and mirtazapine; and TCAs, like clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious at times and that's a great thing because it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. People with anxiety disorders, however, experience excessive anxiety and stress that interferes with their daily life. IamPsychiatry and medication are used to treat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, is the most common form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy can help you identify the thoughts patterns which lead to anxiety, and then work to change the patterns that cause anxiety. This is a short-term therapy and many people notice improvement in their symptoms after 8 to 10 sessions.
The types of psychotherapy to combat anxiety differ and include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and hypnotherapy. Your therapist will assist you to choose the right therapy for your particular diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medication can help control these imbalances. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Serotonin-related narcotics, also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also beneficial for managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can also prove beneficial.
Alongside psychotherapy medication is prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms and increase their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, usually used for high blood pressure, can alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines can calm the nervous and can help with anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants are used to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms, such as trembling, tingling, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can aid in treating anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. For example, exercise can be an effective anxiety reducer and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eating healthy meals regularly and taking enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to help reduce anxiety. Talk to your doctor first to make sure that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You may have an anxiety issue if your fear or anxiety is out of control. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). You may need to try several different medications before you can find one that is effective for you. Antidepressants take time to work and you might need to be patient when starting them.
Talk therapy or counseling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed therapists through local mental health clinics, or via online platforms that allow you to access mental health services from the convenience of your own home. These options offer advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't, like the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like abstaining from alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help manage anxiety. Exercise burns stress chemicals, improves relaxation and can help you get an excellent night's rest. Make sure you do 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. A healthy diet that includes various vegetables, fruits, and lean protein can also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that may trigger anxiety or worsen it, such as caffeine, marijuana, and illegal drugs.
You can also lower anxiety by engaging in exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to things or situations that you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping phrases. When you are at a point of readiness, challenge yourself to stay in the dreadful situation for longer periods of time. When you've completed this, you'll realize that your fears may not be as real as you believe.
Other lifestyle changes can improve your overall quality of life, for example, learning to recognize and manage negative emotions, taking a break when watching, reading or listening to the news or other items that can cause anxiety or stress, and joining a community of people who have similar anxiety-related symptoms.