What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety is often treated by therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research has proven that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than drugs in treating anxiety disorders over the long haul.
The use of 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 reduce dependence. Speak to your doctor to find out which treatment options are the best for you.
Medications
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. A variety of medications can help you to feel more calm. These include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will prescribe you a medication that is based on your 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 affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects sleep and mood. They can take several weeks before they begin working, but they tend to be very efficient and offer long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are widely used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you are not responding to SSRIs your doctor may recommend beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by encouraging relaxation of muscles and reducing brain cell activity. They are typically used for short-term use to treat immediate symptoms and are addictive. The most common benzodiazepines include lorazepam diazepam, and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are medicines which reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and they're commonly prescribed to people suffering from heart issues. However they are also useful for people suffering from anxiety as well, particularly in cases where anxiety is connected to a heartbeat that is fast. Propranolol is one example of beta blockers.
In certain instances, your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant atypically called mirtazapine, which can treat anxiety and depression. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain and an increase in sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that cause anxiety or make it worse such as alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Instead, focus on eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep. Meditation, yoga or tai chi have been proven to decrease stress and anxiety.
Support groups for anxiety can be helpful, as can therapies like cognitive behavior therapy can teach you to manage your thoughts and feelings and conquer your fears. Psychotherapy focused on trauma and EMDR therapy are other evidence-based approaches that can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health provider you trust and who can assist you in reducing the symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to the. However, anxiety can turn into a problem if it occurs frequently and becomes a problem in your health or daily routine. If you're struggling with anxiety frequently it's a good idea to talk to a mental health professional for help.
The good news is that a wide range of natural remedies can help ease anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to try:
1. Exercise: A few stretching exercises or jumping jacks could go a long way toward making you feel more calm. Moving releases endorphins that are an overall 'happy-hormone' which helps reduce stress. Try to do a little daily exercise.
2. Essential oils. According to an article in the journal Phytomedicine Inhaling the aroma of diluted oils, such as lavender or other calming ones can be calming. There are calming oils in a variety of forms, including inhalers, oils for use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol Consuming excessive alcohol or caffeine can increase anxiety as it can trigger jitteriness and increase heart rate. It can also lead to insomnia which can cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients can help manage your anxiety as well as other health issues. Start by adding fish, chia seed, and walnuts to your diet.
5. Meditation: It is a great way to improve your overall mood and reduce anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the greatest benefits. anxiety treatment therapy is also essential to have a quiet area that is free of distractions, so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha, may help lower your body's level of cortisol. This hormone could be the main reason for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these supplements in your treatment program.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and can be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; the SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to feel anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you of potential danger. However, people suffering from anxiety disorders experience excessive feelings of anxiety and stress that interfere with their daily routine. Psychotherapy and medications 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 type of therapy helps you recognize the thought patterns which lead to anxiety, and then work to change the patterns that cause anxiety. It is a short-term therapy and many patients see improvements in their symptoms after between 8 and 10 sessions.
Psychotherapy is used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you determine the best therapy for your needs and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders are connected with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help control these imbalances. SSRIs are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also helpful to manage anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can also prove beneficial.
Alongside psychotherapy prescriptions are made to decrease anxiety symptoms and increase their responsiveness to other treatments. Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like a rapid pulse or shaking. Benzodiazepines can calm the nervous and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants can help relieve anxiety symptoms, including trembling, tingling, and other signs.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can help with anxiety by decreasing stress levels and encouraging relaxation. Exercise is an excellent anxiety reliever, and it's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eating healthy meals regularly and getting enough rest can also reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety, but consult your doctor before beginning any of these treatments to make sure they're safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all have moments of anxiety or fear however, when they get out of control and interfere with your everyday life, you could suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment for an anxiety disorder usually involves medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
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 works. You may have to be patient when taking antidepressants because they require time to take effect.
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 that permit you to receive treatment for mental health from the comfort of home. These options provide a variety of advantages that traditional in-person therapy does not offer, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise helps to burn stress chemicals, relax you and helps you get the ability to sleep well. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. A healthy diet that includes various fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to reduce anxiety. You should also avoid substances that can trigger or worsen your anxiety, such as marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
Exposure therapy can also help reduce anxiety. This technique involves gradually exposing you situations or objects that you are scared of, through relaxation techniques and coping strategies. If you are ready to do so, try to remain in a feared situation for longer durations. Once you're able do this, you can realize that your fears are usually not based on reality and that you can cope.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your quality of life, such as learning to recognize and manage negative emotions or taking a break when watching, reading, or listening to the news or other items that could trigger anxiety, and joining a group of people who have similar anxiety-related symptoms.