What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be managed by therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders over 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. However they should be used for a limited duration to avoid dependence. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatments are the best for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. There are many types of medicines that can help you feel more relaxed like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will recommend a medication based on your medical history, diagnosis goals, symptoms, and tolerance.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety medication doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and mood. They may take several weeks before they begin working, but they tend to be extremely efficient and offer long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are frequently used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you're not responding to SSRIs Your doctor might suggest alternatives including benzodiazepines and beta blockers. These drugs relax muscles and reduce the activity of brain cells, which can help ease anxiety. They're usually used short-term to treat immediate symptoms and are addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers decrease heartbeat and blood pressure. They are commonly prescribed to people suffering from heart issues. They are also beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, especially when their anxiety is related to a high-intensity pulse. Propranolol, for example, is a beta-blocker.
In certain situations, your doctor may also prescribe an atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine, which can treat anxiety and depression. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and the feeling of sedation.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and diet modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods known to trigger or worsen anxiety, such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Concentrate on eating anxiety treatment dogs and getting enough rest instead. Yoga, meditation or tai-chi have all been proven to decrease anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you manage your thoughts and feelings. EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy are other methods based on research that can help you cope with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health provider you trust and who will work with you to minimize your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxious feelings are an aspect of human experience and everyone experiences at times. Anxiety can become a serious issue if it's frequent and begins to affect your health or your daily routine. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently it's a good idea to talk to an expert in mental health for help.
The good news is that a range of natural remedies can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Exercise: Stretching, or jumping at jacks can make you feel more relaxed. Movement triggers the release of our good friend endorphins which are among the "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try to fit a few workouts in every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of lavender diluted or other calming oils can provide a relaxing effect, according to a 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming essential oils in many different forms, such as inhalers and oils for your skin and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety, as they can cause jitteriness or increase heart rate. It can also trigger insomnia which can cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A diet high in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help manage anxiety, as well as other health issues. Incorporating fish, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet could be a great place to start.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can improve your mood and ease anxiety. However, it's important to work with a professional with experience to get the most effective results. It is also beneficial to find a quiet place free of distractions so you can concentrate on your breath.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha can reduce the amount of the hormone cortisol within your body. This can be a major contributor to anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment plan.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine, SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine; and also TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious at times and that's a good thing - it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. However, people with anxiety disorders have a high level of worry and tension that can affect their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are utilized to alleviate anxiety.
The most commonly used treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. It's also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy helps you identify the patterns of thought that trigger anxiety and then works to alter these patterns. This is a short-term treatment and many patients experience improvement in their symptoms after between 8 and 10 sessions.
The types of psychotherapy to combat anxiety differ, but some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy and the hypnotherapy. Your therapist will assist you to determine the appropriate therapy for your diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs, also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also effective in managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also be beneficial.
In conjunction with psychotherapy, medications are prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms and increase their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, usually used for high blood pressure, may help alleviate physical anxiety symptoms, like a fast heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines can calm the nervous and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, including low doses of those used to prevent seizures in epilepsy can ease the trembling and tingling that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can complement anxiety treatment by helping to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. For instance, exercise can be an effective anxiety relieving agent and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A regular diet of healthy food and taking enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety, but consult your physician prior to beginning any of these treatments to make sure they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all have moments of fear or anxiety, but when they get out of control and become a problem in your daily routine, you could suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are treated using therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are 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. Antidepressants take time to work, so you may need to be patient when starting them.
Talk therapy, or counseling in general is a successful treatment for anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Therapists who are licensed can be found 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 offer advantages that traditional in-person therapy does not, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, particularly when they involve removing caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Exercise burns stress chemicals, improves relaxation and helps you get a good night's sleep. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. A healthy diet with diverse vegetables, fruits and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. You should also avoid substances that can trigger or worsen your anxiety like marijuana or illegal drugs, caffeine and.
You can also lower anxiety by engaging in exposure therapy. This technique involves gradually exposing you to things or situations that you fear, using relaxation techniques and coping statement. When you feel ready, challenge yourself to stay in the situation you are afraid of for longer periods of time. When you're able to do this, you can realize that your fears are typically unfounded and that you can manage.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your overall quality of life, for example, learning to recognize and manage negativity, taking a break when reading, watching or listening to news or other things which might cause anxiety, and joining a group of people with similar anxiety-related symptoms.