5 Best Treatment For Anxiety Lessons From The Pros
What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can often be treated by therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than prescription medications over the long-term.
The use of medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, like diazepam and alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should only be used for a limited duration to avoid 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, as are psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are a variety of medicines that can help you feel calmer like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest the right medication based on your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medication doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for sleep and mood. It can take several weeks before they begin working, but they tend to be extremely effective and can offer long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are frequently utilized, 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 promote muscle relaxation and slow down the activity of brain cells, which can ease anxiety. They are usually used to treat immediate symptoms and can be addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers are medications that reduce heart rate and blood pressure They are usually prescribed for people with heart conditions. They are also beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, especially if their anxiety is linked to a rapid pulse. Propranolol is an example of beta blockers.
In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant that is atypical, such as mirtazapine to treat depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain and an increase in sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and diet modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that are known to trigger or worsen anxiety, such as alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Instead concentrate on eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep. Meditation, yoga or tai-chi have all been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups for anxiety can also be helpful, and therapy interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions and conquer your anxiety. Psychotherapy focused on trauma and EMDR therapy are other methods based on research that can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health practitioner that you trust and who can assist you in reducing your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, anxiety can develop into problematic if it is experienced regularly and starts to interfere with your health or daily routine. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently, it's worth reaching out to an expert in mental health to seek help.
There are a number of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few jump jacks or stretching exercises can be a big help in making you feel more relaxed. Movement triggers the release of endorphins, our best friend, which are one of the "happy hormones" that help reduce stress levels. Try to squeeze some exercise in each 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 oils can have a calming affect. You can find calming oils in a variety of forms, such as inhalers, oils to use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can cause anxiety to become more severe, as it can cause nervousness and raise heart rate. It can also lead to insomnia which can cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins can help manage your anxiety, as well as other health issues. Start by adding fish, chia seeds and walnuts into your diet.
5. Meditation: Practicing meditation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to get the most benefit. It is also beneficial to have a space without distractions so that you can concentrate on your breath.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha can reduce the level of the hormone cortisol in your body. treatments for anxiety can be a major factor in anxiety. Consult your physician about including these herbs in your treatment plan.
Several medications are FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders and could be effective when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) like clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to feel anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you of potential danger. People with anxiety disorders, however, experience excessive anxiety and stress that can affect their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are utilized to alleviate anxiety.
The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. It's also called talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and then work to change these patterns. This is a short-term treatment and many patients experience improvements in their symptoms after between 8 and 10 sessions.
The types of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety are different however some examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy as well as hypnotherapy. Your therapist will assist you to select the best therapy for your particular diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are linked with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medication can help control these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Prozac) are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also effective to manage anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) can also be helpful.
Medications are often prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to lessen the intensity of anxiety symptoms and to make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are frequently used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, also called minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can relax the nervous system and are helpful in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, such as low doses of those used to prevent seizures in epilepsy can ease the tingling and trembling that is associated with some anxiety conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can be used in conjunction with treatment for anxiety by decreasing stress levels and encouraging relaxation. Exercise is an excellent anxiety reliever and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regularly eating healthy meals and taking enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You may also consider trying herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your physician prior to beginning any of these treatments to be sure that they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You could have an anxiety disorder when your anxiety or fear gets out of hand. Anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
The medications most commonly used 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 drugs before finding one that is effective for you. You may have to be patient when taking antidepressants as they require time to take effect.
Talk therapy, or counseling generally, is an effective treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists are licensed in local mental health clinics or online platforms which permit you to receive mental care from the comfort of home. These options provide a number advantages that traditional in-person therapy cannot, such as the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety symptoms, particularly if they involve eliminating nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. Exercise helps to burn stress chemicals, reduce anxiety and promotes an excellent night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. It is also important to stay clear of substances that cause or worsen anxiety like marijuana and illegal drugs as well as caffeine.
You can also lessen anxiety by engaging in exposure therapy. This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects you fear, by using relaxation techniques and coping strategies. When you are at a point of readiness take on the challenge of staying in the situation you are afraid of 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 that can enhance your life quality include learning to recognize and manage negative thoughts and 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 suffer from the same anxiety symptoms as you.