What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be managed through natural treatments, therapy and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than prescription medications over the long-term.
Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam), can help with anxiety symptoms but should be used short-term to prevent dependence. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Medicines
Medications are one of the tools used by psychiatrists to treat anxiety, as are psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are a variety of medications that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, including SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest the right medication based on your medical history, diagnosis as well as your goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by impacting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that influences sleep and mood. They may take a few weeks to begin working, but they are known to be extremely efficient and offer long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are commonly used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you're not responding to SSRIs your doctor may suggest other options, such as benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by promoting muscle relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They're usually used short-term to control immediate symptoms and are addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers lower heartbeat and blood pressure. They are commonly prescribed to people with heart conditions. They can also be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety, particularly when their anxiety is connected to a fast pulse. Propranolol is an example of a beta blocker.
In some instances doctors might prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant to treat both anxiety and depression. This medication can trigger weight gain, sedation, and dry mouth.
Natural remedies and dietary changes are also part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can cause anxiety or make it worse such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Concentrate on eating social anxiety treatment and getting enough rest instead. Try meditation, yoga or tai-chi, which have been proven to reduce anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for example, can aid you in managing your thoughts and feelings. Psychotherapy focused on trauma and EMDR therapy are two other proven methods that can help you deal with anxiety. Finding a mental healthcare professional who you can trust to reduce your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time the. However, anxiety can become a problem if it occurs regularly and begins to affect your daily life or health. If you're experiencing anxiety frequently It's worth speaking to a mental health professional for help.
The good news is that a wide range of natural remedies can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to think about:
1. Exercise: A few stretching exercises or jumping jacks could be a big help in helping you feel calmer. Movement releases endorphins which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try to get in a bit of daily exercise.
2. Essential Oils. According to an article in the journal Phytomedicine and Phytomedicine, inhaling the scent of diluted oils such as lavender or other calming ones can be calming. You can find calming oils in a variety of forms, such as inhalers, oils for use on your skin or in herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can increase anxiety as it can trigger anxiety and jitteriness, as well as increase heart rate. It can also cause insomnia and can trigger anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A healthy diet high in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as any other health issues. Add chia seeds, fish and walnuts to your diet may be a great way to begin.
5. Meditation: Meditating can boost your mood and decrease anxiety. However, it is crucial to partner with a professional with experience to get the most effective results. It is also essential to have a space that is free of distractions, so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs such as ashwagandha can help reduce the amount of the hormone cortisol within your body. This can be a major factor in anxiety. Consult your physician about incorporating these into your treatment plan.
A variety of medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs, like escitalopram and citalopram; SNRIs, such as mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs such as clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone is anxious every now and then and that's a good thing because it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. Individuals with anxiety disorders however, experience excessive worry and tension which can affect their daily lives. The treatment for anxiety is psychotherapy and medication.
The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, which is also called talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy helps you identify the thoughts patterns that cause anxiety and then works to alter these patterns. It is a short-term treatment and a lot of people notice improvements in their symptoms after 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
The types of psychotherapy that treat anxiety are different however some examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy, and the hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you find the best therapy for your needs and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders can be due to chemical imbalances within the brain. Antidepressant medications can help control these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as 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 effective in the management of anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also be helpful.
These medications are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy to reduce the severity of anxiety symptoms and make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like a fast heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines, also called minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can calm the nervous system and are helpful in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, such as small doses of those used to stop seizures in epilepsy, can help relieve the tingling and trembling that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help with anxiety by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. For instance, exercise can be a powerful anxiety relieving agent and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Regularly eating healthy meals and taking a good amount of rest also can help reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your physician prior to starting any of these treatments to be sure that they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Every person experiences moments of fear or anxiety however, when they get out of control and interfere with everyday life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medications 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 need to try several different drugs before finding one that is effective for you. Antidepressants can take a while to take effect so you might have to be patient when you first start them.
Counseling or talk therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists who are licensed can be found through local mental health clinics or online platforms that allow you to access mental health services in the at-home comforts of your home. These options offer a range of benefits that traditional in-person therapy cannot offer, including the flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Lifestyle changes, such as cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help manage anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, helps relax and aids in getting an excellent night's rest. Try to do 30 minutes of physical exercise on a daily basis. A healthy diet with diverse fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that could cause anxiety or make it worse like marijuana, caffeine, and illegal drugs.
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 phrases. If you are ready take on the challenge of staying in the dreadful situation for longer periods of time. Once you have done this, you'll realize that your fears may not be as real as you believe.
Other ways to improve your quality of life include the ability to recognize and manage negative thoughts, stopping reading, watching or listening to news or other things that could create anxiety, and joining a support group for people who experience the same anxiety symptoms as you do.