What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety is often treated by therapy, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications in the long run.
The use of medications such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines like diazepam or alprazolam are able to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, health anxiety treatment should only be used for a short period of time to avoid dependence. Consult your physician to determine which treatments are best for you.
Medicines
Medicines are among the instruments psychiatrists employ to combat anxiety, as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are many kinds of medications that 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 along with your symptoms, tolerance and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and mood. It can take them a few weeks before they begin to work however once they do, the anxiety can be relieved for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs Your doctor might suggest alternatives like benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines promote muscle relaxation and slow the activity of brain cells, which can reduce anxiety. They're typically used to treat immediate symptoms and are addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers reduce heartbeat and blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to those who suffer from heart problems. They can also be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is related to a rapid pulse. Propranolol is one example. It is a beta-blocker.
In certain situations doctors might prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant to treat both depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can create anxiety or worsen it like caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Concentrate on eating healthy and ensuring you get enough rest. Meditation, yoga or tai chi have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance can aid you in managing your thoughts and feelings. Other evidence-based methods that can aid you in overcoming anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as EMDR therapy. 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 moment. However, anxiety can develop into an issue if it happens regularly and starts to interfere with your daily life or health. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently it's a good idea to talk to a mental health professional for support.
There are a variety of natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to try:
1. Exercise: Stretching, or jumping jacks will help you feel more calm. Moving releases endorphins that are an overall 'happy-hormone' which helps to reduce stress. Try to get some exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils. According to a study published in the journal Phytomedicine Inhaling the aroma of diluted oils such as lavender or other calming ones can be calming. 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: Too much caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety due to the fact that they can cause nervousness or raise heart rate. It can also cause sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as other health issues. Adding fish, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet could be a great place to begin.
5. Meditation: Practicing meditation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the greatest benefit. It's also helpful to find a quiet place without distractions so that you can concentrate on your breath.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs like Ashwagandha can lower the levels of the hormone cortisol within your body, which can be a major contributor to anxiety. Talk to your doctor about incorporating these herbs into your treatment program.
Many medications are FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders and can be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram, Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine or paroxetine; and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious at times, and that's a good thing because it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. However, those with anxiety disorders have a high level of tension and anxiety that affect their daily routine. Psychotherapy and medication are used to treat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-known form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy teaches you to recognize the thought patterns that trigger anxiety and work on changing them. This is a short-term therapy and many patients see improvement in their symptoms after 8 to 10 sessions.
The specific types of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety are different however some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy, and the hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you determine the most effective therapy for your situation and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders are linked with brain chemical imbalances. 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 typically 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 also be helpful.
Medications are often prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and make them more receptive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are frequently used to treat high blood pressure and reduce physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, also known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can calm the nervous system and are helpful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms, including the sensation of tingling, trembling, and other signs.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can complement anxiety treatments by decreasing stress levels and encouraging relaxation. For instance exercising can be a powerful anxiety reducer and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consistently eating healthy meals and ensuring you get enough rest also can help reduce anxiety. You may also consider trying herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety, but consult your doctor before beginning any of these treatments to be sure they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You may have an anxiety problem if your fear or anxiety gets out of hand. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes a course of therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.
The most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). You may have to test several different medications before you can find one that is effective for you. Antidepressants can take a while to take effect so you might have to be patient when beginning them.
Counseling, or talk therapy in general, is an effective treatment for anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You can find licensed therapists through local mental health clinics or online platforms that permit you to access mental health services from the at-home comforts of your home. These options offer a number of benefits that traditional in-person therapy cannot provide, such as the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise can help to reduce stress chemicals, relax you and promotes a good night of sleep. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise most days of the weeks. A balanced diet that incorporates a variety vegetables, fruits and protein lean can help to reduce anxiety. You should also avoid substances that increase or worsen your anxiety like marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
You can also reduce anxiety by practicing exposure therapy. This technique involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects you dread, using relaxation techniques and coping statements. When you are at a point of readiness to do so, try to remain in the dreadful situation for longer durations. After you've done this, you'll realize that your fears might not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes that can enhance your quality of life include learning to recognize and manage negative thoughts by taking a break from watching, reading, or listening to news or other activities that can cause anxiety and joining a support group for people who have the similar anxiety symptoms that you do.