What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated with therapies, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Research suggests that psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication for treating anxiety disorders over the long haul.
The use of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam and alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, they should only be used for a brief period of time to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about which treatments are right for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety using psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Many types of medications can help you feel calmer. They include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will suggest an appropriate medication based upon your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are often the first anti-anxiety drugs doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep. It could take a few weeks before they begin to work, but once they do, the anxiety can be relieved for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the 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 usually employed to manage symptoms that are immediate and may be addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers decrease blood pressure and heartbeat and are usually prescribed to those who suffer from heart problems. They can also be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is connected to a fast pulse. anxiety treatment meds Iampsychiatry is one example. It is beta-blocker.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and sedation.
Natural remedies and diet changes can also be part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that are known to trigger or increase anxiety, such as alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Instead concentrate on eating a balanced diet and ensuring you get enough sleep. Meditation, yoga or tai chi have been proven to decrease anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can aid you in managing your thoughts and emotions. Other evidence-based methods that can aid you in overcoming anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as EMDR therapy. Finding a mental healthcare provider who you can trust to alleviate your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. Anxiety can become a serious problem if it is experienced on a regular schedule and starts to impact your health or your daily life. If you're struggling with anxiety regularly it's a good idea to talk to a mental health professional to seek help.
The good news is that a wide range of natural remedies can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few jump jacks or stretching exercises can help in helping you feel calmer. Moving stimulates the release of endorphins, our best friend which are among the "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try to fit a few workouts in every day.
2. Essential oils. According to an article in the journal Phytomedicine, inhaling the scent of diluted oils, such as lavender or other soothing ones can have a calming affect. You can find calming oils in various forms, such as inhalers, oils for use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol: Too much caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety due to the fact that they can cause jitteriness or increase heart rate. It may also lead to insomnia, which can further cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins can help you manage anxiety, as well as other health issues. Start by adding fish, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet.
5. Meditation: Meditating can improve your mood and ease anxiety. However, it is essential to work with a professional with experience to get the most effective results. It is also beneficial to have a quiet space with no distractions so that you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like ashwagandha, can help reduce your body's level of cortisol. This hormone can be the main cause of anxiety. Consult your physician about including these herbs in your treatment plan.
Several medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and can be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram the escitalopram and fluoxetine, SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine or paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) like clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to be anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you to possible danger. However, people with anxiety disorders have a high level of tension and anxiety that can affect their daily lives. Anxiety treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication.
The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. It's also called talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy teaches you to recognize the thought patterns that lead to anxiety and to work towards changing the way you think about them. This is a short-term therapy and many people see improvement in their symptoms after between 8 and 10 sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in many different ways. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you choose the right therapy for your diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram sertraline, escitalopram, Zoloft and paroxetine are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also beneficial for managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants like mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could be beneficial too.
Alongside psychotherapy medication is prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms and improve their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may relieve physical anxiety symptoms like a fast heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines are able to calm nerves and help treat anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, including small doses of those used to stop seizures in epilepsy can ease the tingling and trembling that is that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can complement anxiety treatment by helping to reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation. Exercise is a great anxiety-reducing tool and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and getting enough rest can also reduce anxiety. You can also use herbal remedies and dietary supplement to reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to confirm that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You could have an anxiety issue when your anxiety or fear gets out of hand. Treatment for an anxiety disorder typically includes a course of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medications 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 is effective. You may have to be patient with antidepressants as they require time to work.
Counseling, or talk therapy generally is a proven treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed therapists through local mental health clinics or online platforms that allow patients to receive mental health care from the at-home comforts of your home. These options offer benefits that traditional in person therapy does not, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, particularly those that involve cutting out alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Exercise helps to burn stress chemicals, relax you and helps you get a good night of sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every days of the weeks. A balanced diet that includes various vegetables, fruits and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. You should also avoid substances that can increase or worsen your anxiety like marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
You can also lower anxiety by engaging in exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing you situations or objects which you are scared of, through relaxation techniques and coping strategies. When you are comfortable you can stay longer in a fearful environment. Once you have done this, you'll realize that your fears may not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes can improve your quality-of-life, such as the ability to recognize and control negative thoughts, taking a break when reading, watching, or listening to the news or other events that can cause anxiety and joining a group of people who share similar anxiety symptoms.