What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can often be treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication for treating anxiety disorders in the long haul.
The use of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam) can assist with anxiety symptoms but should only be used for short-term use to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about which treatment is best for you.
Medicines
The use of medications is one of the instruments psychiatrists employ to combat anxiety, as well as psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are many kinds of medicines that will help you feel calmer and more relaxed, including 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 typically the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for sleep and mood. It can take them a few weeks before they begin to work however once they do, the anxiety will ease for a long period of time. SSRIs are widely employed, such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs, your doctor may suggest other options including benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and the activity of brain cells. They are generally used to control immediate symptoms and are also addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam diazepam, and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are drugs which reduce blood pressure and heart rate and are typically prescribed for those with heart problems. However, they can be useful for people with anxiety, too, especially if the anxiety is related to a rapid heartbeat. Propranolol for instance, is a beta-blocker.
In certain situations doctors might prescribe mirtazapine as an antidepressant that treats depression and anxiety. This medication can trigger weight gain, sedation and dry mouth.
Natural remedies and diet changes can also be part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can cause anxiety or make it worse such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Concentrate on eating healthy and ensuring you get enough rest. Yoga, meditation or tai chi have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups for anxiety can also be helpful, as can therapy interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you how to manage your thoughts and emotions and conquer your fears. Psychotherapy focused on trauma and EMDR therapy are other methods based on research that can help you cope with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health provider that you trust, and who will work with you to minimize your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxious feelings are part of our human experience and everyone feels at times. However, anxiety can develop into problematic if it is experienced on a regular basis and starts to interfere with your life or health. If you are struggling with anxiety frequently, it's important to seek out help from an expert in mental health.
The good news is that a variety of natural remedies can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to think about:
1. treat generalized anxiety disorder : Stretching, or jumping Jacks can make you feel more relaxed. Exercise releases endorphins, which are an overall 'happy-hormone' which helps to reduce stress. Try to get a few workouts in every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the fragrance of lavender in diluted form or other calming oils may be calming according to a study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming oils in various forms, such as inhalers, oils for use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol Consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol can increase anxiety because it can trigger nervousness and raise heart rate. It can also cause insomnia, which could further cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A diet high in nutrients, vitamins and other nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as any other health issues. Incorporating fish, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet may be a great way to begin.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. However, it's important to work with a practitioner with experience to get the most effective results. It is also essential to have a space that is free of distractions, so you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs like Ashwagandha can lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone, in your body, which could be a major contributor to anxiety. Consult your physician about incorporating these herbs into your treatment program.
A variety of medications are FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders and can be effective when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram, Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; the SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as mirtazapine and paroxetine; and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to be anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you of the possibility of danger. People suffering from anxiety disorders, however, are prone to excessive worry and tension which affects their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are used to treat anxiety.
The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, which is also called talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy can help you recognize the thought patterns that trigger anxiety and then work to change them. It is a short-term treatment, and many people see improvement in their symptoms within 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 will assist you to select the best therapy for your particular diagnosis and the situation.
Many anxiety disorders are connected with brain chemical imbalances. Antidepressant medications can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake suppressors) such as citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram and paroxetine are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also useful for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could also be helpful.
Alongside psychotherapy medication is prescribed to ease anxiety symptoms and improve their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes called minor tranquillisers or sleep pills, can relax the nervous system and can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety-related attacks. Anticonvulsants can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms, such as trembling, tingling, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can be used in conjunction with treatment for anxiety by decreasing stress levels and increasing relaxation. Exercise can be a great anxiety-reducing tool and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regularly eating healthy meals and taking enough rest can also help reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety, but consult your physician prior to beginning any of these treatments to make sure that they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You may have an anxiety issue when your anxiety or fear becomes out of control. Anxiety disorders are treated with 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). You may need to try several different medications before you can find one that is effective for you. Antidepressants can take a while to take effect so you might have to be patient when starting them.
Talk therapy, or counseling in general is a successful treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists who are licensed can be found in local mental health clinics, or online platforms that allow you to access mental health care from the comfort of home. These options provide a number advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't, like flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, can help reduce anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and aids in getting a good night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every days of the weeks. A healthy diet that includes various fruits, vegetables and protein lean can also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that may cause anxiety or make it worse, such as caffeine, marijuana and illegal drugs.
Exposure therapy can also help reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects that you are afraid of, employing relaxation techniques and coping statements. If you are ready take on the challenge of staying in the dreadful situation for longer durations. After you've done this, you will realize that your fears might not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes that can enhance your quality of life include being able to recognize and control negative thoughts, taking a break from watching, reading, or listening to news or other activities that can create anxiety, and joining a support group for those who suffer from the same anxiety symptoms as you.