What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be managed through natural treatments, therapy and lifestyle modifications. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medication over the long-term.
Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines like diazepam and alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should be used for a short duration to avoid dependence. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety using psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. There are many kinds of medicines that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, including 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 which is a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. They can take several weeks before they begin working, but they are known to be extremely effective and can provide long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are commonly used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs, your doctor may suggest alternatives, such as benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and the activity of brain cells. They're typically used to control immediate symptoms and are addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are 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 issues. They can also be helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is related to a fast pulse. Propranolol is one example. It is a beta-blocker.
In some instances doctors may prescribe mirtazapine as an antidepressant to treat anxiety and depression. This medication can cause weight gain, sedation and dry mouth.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and diet modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can create anxiety or worsen it such as alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet and ensuring you get enough rest. Meditation, yoga, or tai-chi have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups for anxiety can be helpful, as can therapies like cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions and conquer your anxiety. Psychotherapy focusing on trauma and EMDR therapy are other evidence-based approaches that can help you cope with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health practitioner that you trust and who will work with you to minimize the symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxious feelings are part of our human experience and everyone experiences them from time to time. However, anxiety can develop into an issue if it happens frequently and starts to interfere with your health or daily routine. If you're experiencing anxiety regularly It's worth speaking to a mental health professional to seek help.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few jump jacks or stretching exercises can go a long way toward making you feel more calm. Moving stimulates the release of our good friend endorphins, which are one of the collective "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try a little exercise 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 soothing ones can be calming. You can find calming oils in a variety of types, such as inhalers, oils to use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Limiting caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen due to the fact that they can cause nervousness or raise heart rate. It may also lead to insomnia, which can further contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A diet that is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help you reduce anxiety, as well as other health issues. Incorporating fish, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet may be a great place to begin.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety, but it's crucial to work with an experienced practitioner to get the most benefits. It is also essential to have a space with no distractions, so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha, can help reduce the cortisol levels in your body. This hormone can be the main cause of anxiety. Consult your physician about including these in your treatment program.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram, Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as mirtazapine and paroxetine; and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and that's a good thing - it's your brain's way of alerting you to the possibility of danger. People with anxiety disorders, however, experience excessive anxiety and worry that can affect their daily lives. Treatment for anxiety consists of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-known method of treating anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you identify the thoughts patterns that trigger anxiety and then work to change these patterns. This is a short-term treatment 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 as well as hypnotherapy. Your therapist will assist you to determine the appropriate therapy for your particular diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are linked with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medication can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters) such as citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram, and paroxetine are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are effective in managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants like mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) can also be helpful.
The majority of medications are used in conjunction with psychotherapy to lessen the intensity of anxiety symptoms and make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers, which are typically used to treat high blood pressure, can help alleviate physical anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines can calm the nervous and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, including low doses of the ones used to prevent epilepsy seizures can ease the trembling and tingling caused by anxiety-related conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can aid in treating anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. For example, exercise can be a great anxiety reliever and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Regularly eating healthy meals and getting plenty of rest also can help reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and dietary supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your physician prior to beginning any of these treatments to make sure they're 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 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 have to test several different drugs before finding one that works for you. You may have to be patient when taking antidepressants as they require time to work.
Counseling, or talk therapy in general, is an effective treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You can find licensed psychotherapists in local mental health clinics, or online platforms that allow you to receive mental care from the comfort of home. These options offer a variety of benefits that traditional in person therapy can't, like flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, can help manage anxiety. Exercise can help reduce stress chemicals, eases tension and helps you get the ability to sleep well. Make sure treatment for anxiety do 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. A healthy diet with diverse fruits, vegetables and lean proteins may also 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 method involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects that you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping statements. Once you feel comfortable, try to stay longer in a feared environment. Once you're able accomplish this, you will appreciate that your fears are typically unfounded and that you can be able to cope.
Other lifestyle changes that can improve your life quality include the ability to recognize and manage negative thoughts and taking a break from watching, reading or listening to the news or other things that might cause anxiety, and joining a support group for people who suffer from the similar anxiety symptoms that you do.