What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can often be treated by therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medication over the long-term.
Medications such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, like diazepam or alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, they should only be used for a brief period of time to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about the best treatment for you.
Medicines
Medicines are among the tools psychiatrists use to treat anxiety, along with psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are a variety of medications that will help you feel calmer and more relaxed, including SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest an appropriate medication based upon your medical history, diagnosis, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety drugs doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. It may take some time before they start working, but once they do, the anxiety can be relieved for a long time. SSRIs are frequently used, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs Your doctor might suggest other options including benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines relax muscles and slow down the activity of brain cells, which can ease anxiety. They are typically used to control immediate symptoms and can be addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam diazepam, and clonazepam.
Beta blockers decrease blood pressure and heartbeat and are commonly prescribed to people with heart conditions. However they can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety too, especially in cases where anxiety is connected to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is one example of a beta blocker.
In some cases doctors may prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant to treat anxiety and depression. This medication can cause weight gain, sedation and dry mouth.
Natural remedies and diet changes are also a part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that trigger or worsen anxiety such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Instead, focus on eating healthy and getting plenty of rest. Try meditation, yoga or tai chi, which have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can assist you in managing your thoughts and emotions. Other proven methods to help you deal with anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. The most important thing is to find a mental health practitioner you trust and who can help you reduce your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, anxiety can turn into problematic if it is experienced frequently and starts to interfere with your daily life or health. If you're struggling with anxiety on a regular basis, it's important to seek out help from a mental health professional.
The good news is that a variety of natural remedies can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Exercise: Stretching, or jumping jacks will help you feel calmer. Moving stimulates the release of endorphins, our best friend which are among the 'happy hormones' that help reduce stress levels. Try a little daily exercise.
2. Essential oils. According to an article in the journal Phytomedicine, inhaling the scent of diluted oils like lavender or other calming ones can be calming. You can find essential oils for relaxation in a variety of different forms, such as inhalers, oils for your skin and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol Consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to become more severe because it can trigger anxiety and jitteriness, as well as increase heart rate. It can also lead to insomnia and can trigger anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as other health issues. Incorporating fish, chia seeds and walnuts to your diet could be a great place to begin.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. But, it's crucial to partner with a professional who has experience to achieve the best results. It's also helpful to find a quiet place free of distractions so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like Ashwagandha, can reduce the cortisol levels in your body. This hormone could be an important reason for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment plan.
A variety of medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well in conjunction with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram, the escitalopram and fluoxetine, SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine or paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to be anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you to possible danger. However, people with anxiety disorders have a high level of anxiety and stress that can affect their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are used to combat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy is the most well-known form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you recognize the thought patterns that trigger anxiety and then work to change them. It is a short-term therapy and many patients see improvement in their symptoms in 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 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, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Prozac) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs, also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also effective in managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can also be helpful.
In conjunction with psychotherapy medication is prescribed to ease anxiety symptoms and increase their responsiveness to other treatments. Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. They can reduce physical anxiety symptoms such as a rapid pulse or shaking. Benzodiazepines can ease nervousness and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, such as small doses of those used to prevent epilepsy seizures, can help relieve the tingling and trembling caused by anxiety-related conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help with anxiety by decreasing stress levels and encouraging relaxation. Exercise is an excellent anxiety reliever, and it's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consistently eating healthy meals and getting plenty of rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also make use of herbal remedies and diet supplements to reduce anxiety. Consult your physician first to ensure that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
We all have 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 anxiety disorders usually involves medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
The most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants and benzodiazepines. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may be necessary to try several different drugs until you find one that works. You may need to be patient with antidepressants as they require time to work.
Talk therapy, or counseling in general is a successful treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed psychotherapists in local mental health clinics or online platforms which permit you to receive treatment for mental health from the comfort of home. These options provide a variety of advantages that traditional in-person therapy does not provide, such as the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, can help manage anxiety. Exercise reduces stress-related chemicals, helps relax and can help you get an excellent night's rest. Try to do herbal treatment for anxiety of physical activity on a daily basis. A balanced diet that includes various vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. It is also important to stay clear of substances that increase or worsen your anxiety like marijuana and illegal drugs as well as caffeine.
Exposure therapy can also reduce anxiety. This technique involves gradually exposing yourself to situations or objects which you fear, using relaxation techniques and coping statement. When you are at a point of readiness to do so, try to remain in the dreadful situation for longer periods of time. When you're able to do this, you will be aware that your fears are often unfounded and that you can cope.
Other lifestyle changes that can enhance your quality of life include learning to recognize and manage negative thoughts and having a break from watching, reading, or listening to news, or other things that might cause anxiety, and joining a support group for those who experience the similar anxiety symptoms that you do.