What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Research has proven that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders in the long run.
Certain medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines such as diazepam and alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should be used for a brief time to avoid dependency. Consult your physician about the best treatment for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety through medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are many types of medication that can help you feel more relaxed like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will recommend the right medication based on your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety drugs doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep. They may take some time to start working, but they tend to be extremely efficient and provide long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are frequently employed, such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you do not respond to SSRIs your doctor may suggest beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by encouraging relaxation of muscles and the activity of brain cells. They are typically used to treat immediate symptoms and are also addictive. Common benzodiazepines are lorazepam, diazepam, and clonazepam.
Beta blockers lower heartbeat and blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to those with heart conditions. However, they can be useful for people with anxiety, as well, particularly in cases where anxiety is connected to a heartbeat that is fast. Propranolol, for example, is beta-blocker.
In severe anxiety treatment might prescribe an antidepressant atypically called mirtazapine to treat anxiety and depression. This medication can lead to weight gain, sedation, and dry mouth.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that trigger or worsen anxiety like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Focus on eating healthily and getting enough rest instead. Yoga, meditation or tai-chi have all been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can aid you in managing your thoughts and feelings. Other proven methods to aid in managing anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. Finding a mental healthcare provider you can trust to reduce your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to moment. Anxiety can be a serious problem if it is regularly experienced and starts to affect your health or daily life. If you are struggling with anxiety frequently, it's important to seek out help from an expert in mental health.
The good news is that a variety of natural remedies can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here are some alternatives to think about:
1. Exercise: A few jump jacks or stretching exercises can help in making you feel more relaxed. Movement releases endorphins which are an overall 'happy-hormone' which helps to reduce stress. Try to squeeze some exercise in each day.
2. Essential Oils. According to an article published in the journal Phytomedicine Inhaling the aroma of diluted oils such as lavender or other soothing ones can be calming. There are essential oils for relaxation in a variety of different forms, such as inhalers, oils for your skin, and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol: Too much caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen due to the fact that they can cause nervousness or raise heart rate. It can also cause insomnia and can trigger anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help manage anxiety, as well as other health issues. Add chia seeds, fish, and walnuts to your diet can be a great way to start.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can boost your mood and ease anxiety. However, it is essential to work with a professional with experience to get the best results. It is also essential to find a quiet space without distractions so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like Ashwagandha, can reduce your body's level of cortisol. This hormone could be a major reason for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about incorporating these into your treatment program.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well in conjunction with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine; and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) like clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious from time to time and that's a great thing - it's the brain's way of alerting you to the possibility of danger. However, people with anxiety disorders experience a lot of worry and tension that interfere with their lives. Treatment for anxiety consists of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular method of treating anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy helps you to recognize the thought patterns that cause anxiety and then work to change the way you think about them. This is a short-term treatment, and many people notice improvements in their symptoms after 8 to 10 sessions.
The specific types of psychotherapy that combat anxiety differ and include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you select the best therapy for your specific diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help control these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also beneficial to manage anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can also prove beneficial.
In conjunction with psychotherapy, medications are prescribed to ease anxiety symptoms and increase their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may help alleviate physical anxiety symptoms, like a fast heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines are often known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can calm the nervous system and are useful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, like low doses of those used to stop seizures in epilepsy, can help relieve the trembling and tingling caused by anxiety-related conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can be used in conjunction with treatment for anxiety by decreasing stress levels and increasing relaxation. For example exercising can be an effective anxiety reducer and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A regular diet of healthy food and ensuring you get enough rest also can help reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to ensure that these treatments are safe for your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
You could have an anxiety issue when your anxiety or fear becomes out of control. Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are among the most frequently 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 works for you. You may have to be patient with antidepressants since they take time to work.
Counseling or talk therapy is a proven treatment for anxiety, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed therapists through local mental health clinics or through online platforms that allow patients to receive mental health care in the convenience of your own home. These options provide a variety of advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't provide, such as flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help reduce anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and helps you get the best night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every days of the week. A healthy diet containing various fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that may cause anxiety or make it worse like caffeine, marijuana and illegal drugs.
Exposure therapy can also help to reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects you dread, employing relaxation techniques and coping phrases. If you are ready to do so, try to remain in the dreadful situation for longer periods of time. Once you are able to do this, you can realize that your fears are typically unfounded and that you can cope.
Other lifestyle changes that can enhance your quality of life include being able to recognize and control negative thoughts, taking a break from watching, reading, or listening to the news or other activities that can cause anxiety, and joining a support group for those who experience the same anxiety symptoms as you do.