What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be managed through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications in the long run.
The use of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines, like diazepam or alprazolam are able to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should be used for a brief period of time to avoid dependence. Consult your physician to determine which treatments are most suitable for you.
Medicines
Medicines are among the tools psychiatrists use to combat anxiety, as well as psychotherapy 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 suggest an appropriate medication based upon your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are often the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep. It can take a few weeks to begin working, but they are known to be very effective and can provide long-term relief from anxiety. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs your doctor may suggest alternatives including benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing brain cell activity. They are generally used to treat immediate symptoms and can be addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam diazepam and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are medications that lower heart rate and blood pressure They are usually prescribed for those with heart conditions. However they can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety too, especially if the anxiety is related to a rapid heartbeat. Propranolol is one example of beta blockers.
In some cases doctors may prescribe mirtazapine as an antidepressant to treat both anxiety and depression. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain and the feeling of sedation.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Try avoiding foods that are known to trigger or increase anxiety, like caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Instead concentrate on eating a balanced diet and taking plenty of rest. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi, which have been proven to ease stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for example, can aid you in managing your thoughts and feelings. Other evidence-based methods that can aid you in overcoming anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as EMDR therapy. The most important thing is to find a mental health practitioner you trust and who will work with you to minimize the symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, anxiety can turn into an issue if it happens on a regular basis and begins to affect your life or health. If you're experiencing anxiety frequently, it's worth reaching out to a mental health professional for help.
There are many natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few stretches or jumping jacks can help in helping you feel calmer. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try to fit some exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of lavender in diluted form or other calming oils may be calming, according to a 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are 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 excessive alcohol or caffeine can make your anxiety worse as it can trigger anxiety and jitteriness, as well as increase heart rate. It could also lead to sleepiness, which can cause anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A healthy diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help you manage your 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: It is a great way to boost your mood and reduce anxiety, but it's important to partner with a seasoned practitioner to reap the greatest benefit. It is also beneficial to have a quiet space free of distractions so you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha, may help lower the level of cortisol in your body. This hormone is an important reason for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment program.
FDA-approved medication for anxiety disorders may be effective when used in combination with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs such as escitalopram or citalopram and SNRIs, like paroxetine and mirtazapine; and TCAs, such as tofranil or clomipramine.
Therapy
It's normal to feel anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you to the possibility of danger. However, people with anxiety disorders experience a lot of tension and anxiety that affect their daily routine. Anxiety treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication.
The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy. It's also known as cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy helps you identify the thoughts patterns that trigger anxiety and then works to alter these patterns. It is a short-term therapy, and many people see improvement in their symptoms within 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you find the best therapy for your needs and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders can be due to chemical imbalances within 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 frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also helpful to manage anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could also prove beneficial.
In conjunction with psychotherapy prescriptions are made to reduce anxiety symptoms and increase their responsiveness to other treatments. Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and can alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like a rapid pulse or shaking. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can relax the nervous system and are useful in the treatment of anxiety-related attacks. Anticonvulsants are used to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms, such as trembling, tingling, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help with anxiety by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. For instance, exercise can be an effective anxiety relieving agent and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eating healthy meals regularly and taking enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to treat anxiety, but make sure you consult your physician prior to starting any of these treatments to be sure they are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You could be suffering from an anxiety problem if your fear or anxiety gets out of hand. Treatment for an anxiety disorder usually involves medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are the most common medications used to treat anxiety disorders. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It may be necessary to try a variety of medications until you find one that works. Antidepressants take some time to begin working, so you may need to be patient when beginning them.
Talk therapy or counseling is a proven treatment for anxiety, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists are licensed in local mental health clinics or online platforms which allow you to receive mental care from the comfort of home. These options offer benefits that traditional in person therapy cannot, such as the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, can help manage anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, improves relaxation and can help you get a good night's sleep. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. A healthy diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that trigger or worsen your anxiety like marijuana or illegal drugs, caffeine and.
treatment for generalized anxiety can also lower your anxiety by practicing exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing yourself things or situations that you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping strategies. When you are at a point of readiness take on the challenge of staying in a feared situation for longer periods of time. After you've done this, you will see that your fears may not be as real as you believe.
Other lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life, such as being able to recognize and manage negative emotions and taking a break while reading, watching, or listening to the news or other items that might cause anxiety and joining a group of people who have similar anxiety-related symptoms.