What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated through treatments, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research shows that psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders over the long haul.
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 reduce dependence. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatments are best for you.
Medications
Medicines are among the instruments psychiatrists employ to treat anxiety, along with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are treatment anxiety of medicines that can help you feel more relaxed like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest an appropriate medication based upon your diagnosis, medical history as well as your goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood and sleep. It can take them a few weeks before they start to show results, but once they do, the anxiety will ease for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you're not responding to SSRIs Your doctor might suggest alternatives like benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by promoting muscle relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They are usually used to treat immediate symptoms and can be addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers reduce heartbeat and blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to those who suffer from heart problems. However they are also useful for people with anxiety, too, especially in cases where anxiety is connected to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is an example of a beta blocker.
In certain situations, a doctor may prescribe mirtazapine as an atypical antidepressant to treat both depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and an increase in sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and dietary changes in your treatment plan. Try avoiding foods that are known to trigger or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Instead, focus on eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep. Yoga, meditation, or tai-chi have been proven to reduce anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can assist you in managing your thoughts and emotions. EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy are other evidence-based approaches that can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to locate a mental health professional you trust and who will help you reduce your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, anxiety can turn into a problem if it occurs frequently and starts to interfere with your life or health. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently, it's worth reaching out to a mental health professional for support.
There are a variety of natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to try:
1. Exercise: A few stretches or jumping jacks can help in making you feel more calm. The movement triggers the release endorphins, our best friend which are among the collective 'happy hormones' that help reduce stress levels. Try to do a little exercise each day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling a scent of diluted lavender or other calming oils can have a calming effect, according to a 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine. You can find essential oils that are calming in different forms, such as inhalers oils for your skin, and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen, as they can cause jitteriness or increase heart rate. It can also cause insomnia, which can further cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help manage your anxiety and other health issues. Start by adding fish, chia seeds, and walnuts into your daily diet.
5. Meditation: Practicing mediation can boost your mood and ease anxiety. But, it's crucial to partner with a professional who has experience to get the most effective results. It is also important to have a space without distractions so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha, can reduce the level of cortisol in your body. This hormone can be the main reason for anxiety. Consult your physician about incorporating these herbs into your treatment plan.
FDA-approved medications for anxiety disorders could be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. This includes SSRIs, such as citalopram and escitalopram and SNRIs, like mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs such as tofranil or clomipramine.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious from time to time and that's a good thing - it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. However, people suffering from anxiety disorders have a high level of anxiety and stress that can affect their daily routine. Treatment for anxiety consists of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you recognize the thought patterns that trigger anxiety and then works to alter the patterns that cause anxiety. It is a short-term therapy, and many people see improvements in their symptoms after 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in many different ways. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you select the best therapy for your particular diagnosis and the situation.
Many anxiety disorders are connected with brain chemical imbalances. Antidepressant medication can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake suppressors) such as citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram, Zoloft, and paroxetine are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also effective in managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could be beneficial too.
These medications are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy to lessen the intensity of anxiety symptoms and make them more receptive to other treatments. Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms such as shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, also known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can calm the nervous system and can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, such as small doses of those used to stop seizures in epilepsy, can help relieve the tingling and trembling caused by anxiety-related conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can be used in conjunction with treatment for anxiety by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Exercise is an excellent anxiety reliever, and it's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and getting plenty of rest also can help reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and dietary supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your doctor before beginning any of these treatments to be sure they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all have moments of fear or anxiety However, when they become out of control and become a problem in your daily routine, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes a course of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders. 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 with antidepressants because they require time to take effect.
Counseling, also known as talk therapy in general, is an effective treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists who are licensed can be found through local mental health clinics, or via online platforms that allow you to receive mental healthcare from the convenience of your own home. These options offer a range of advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't provide, such as the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, such as cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise can help to reduce stress chemicals, relax you and helps you get the ability to sleep well. Try to do 30 minutes of physical exercise on a daily basis. A healthy diet that includes various vegetables, fruits and protein lean can help to reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that may create anxiety or cause it to worsen like caffeine, marijuana, and illegal drugs.
You can also lower anxiety by engaging in exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to things or situations that you dread, employing relaxation techniques and coping statements. When you are comfortable, try to remain longer in the feared environment. Once you are able to accomplish this, you will be aware that your fears are often unfounded and that you can be able to cope.
Other lifestyle changes can enhance your overall quality of life, for example, being able to recognize and manage negativity or taking a break when watching, reading or listening to news or other things which might cause anxiety, and joining a group of people with similar anxiety-related symptoms.