What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety is often treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medication for the long term.
The use of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam) can help with anxiety symptoms, but should only be used in short-term doses to prevent dependence. Consult your physician to find out which treatment options are best for you.
Medications
Psychiatrists treat anxiety through medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are a variety of medicines that will help you feel calmer like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medication that is based upon the diagnosis, medical history and goals you have and also your symptoms, tolerance and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and mood. It could take a few weeks before they start to show results however once they do, anxiety can be relieved for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you are not responding to SSRIs your doctor may suggest beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by encouraging relaxation of muscles and decreasing brain cell activity. They are usually used to treat immediate symptoms and can be addictive. Common benzodiazepines are lorazepam, diazepam, and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are medicines which reduce heart rate and blood pressure They are usually prescribed to people suffering from heart problems. However, they can be useful for people with anxiety, too, especially if the anxiety is related to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is one example. It is a beta-blocker.
In certain situations your doctor might prescribe an atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine to treat 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. Instead concentrate on eating a balanced diet and ensuring you get enough rest. Try meditation, yoga or tai-chi, which have been shown to help with stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for instance 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 natural anxiety treatments can trust to help you minimize your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time the. However, anxiety can turn into problematic if it is experienced regularly and becomes a problem in your life or health. If you're struggling with anxiety on a regular basis, it's worth seeking out support from a mental health professional.
The good news is that a wide range of natural remedies can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Here are some alternatives to think about:
1. Exercise: A few stretching exercises or jumping jacks could help in making you feel more calm. Moving stimulates the release of endorphins, our favorite 'good friend which are the 'happy hormones' that help reduce stress levels. Try to get in a bit of exercise each day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling a scent of lavender diluted or other calming oils could be calming, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Phytomedicine. You can find essential oils that are calming in different forms, such as inhalers and oils for your skin and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can increase anxiety as it can trigger jitteriness and increase heart rate. It can also cause insomnia and can trigger anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Having a nutritious 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: Practicing mediation can boost your mood and decrease anxiety. However, it is important to work with a professional who has experience to get the most effective results. It is also beneficial to find a quiet place with no distractions so that you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs like ashwagandha can help reduce the level of cortisol, a hormone, in your body, which can be a major factor in anxiety. Speak to your doctor about including these herbs in your treatment program.
FDA-approved medicines for anxiety disorders may be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. They 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 also TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to feel 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 routine. Psychotherapy and medication are utilized to treat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy, is the most common method of treating anxiety disorders. This kind of therapy helps you identify the patterns of thought that trigger anxiety and then work to change the patterns that cause anxiety. This is a short-term treatment and many patients notice improvement in their symptoms after between 8 and 10 sessions.
The kinds of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety are different however some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy and hypnotherapy. Your therapist will assist you to choose the right therapy for your specific diagnosis and circumstance.
Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like citalopram (Celexa), the 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 beneficial to manage anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could also be helpful.
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 alleviate physical anxiety symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines, also called minor tranquillisers or sleep pills, can help calm the nervous system and are useful in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, like small doses of those used to prevent epilepsy seizures can ease the tingling and trembling caused by anxiety-related conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help with 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 ensuring you get enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also make use of herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to help reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to confirm that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Every person experiences moments of fear or anxiety, but when they get out of control and interfere with your daily routine, you could have an anxiety disorder. Treatment for an anxiety disorder usually involves 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 could be necessary to test a variety of drugs until you find one that is effective. You may have to be patient when taking antidepressants since they take time to work.
Talk therapy, or counseling generally is a successful treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You can find licensed therapists through local mental health clinics or through online platforms that permit patients to receive mental health care from the convenience of your own home. These options provide a variety of benefits that traditional in-person therapy cannot provide, such as flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety symptoms, especially if they involve eliminating alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Exercise burns stress chemicals, helps relax and helps you get the best night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise every days of the week. A healthy diet with various vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that could create anxiety or cause it to worsen like caffeine, marijuana and other illegal substances.
Exposure therapy can also help reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects which you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping statement. Once you feel comfortable, try to stay longer in a fearful environment. When you've completed this, you will see that your fears might not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your overall quality of life, for example, being able to recognize and manage negative thoughts, taking a break when watching, reading, or listening to the news or other things which could trigger anxiety, and joining a group of people with similar anxiety symptoms.