What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can often be treated through natural treatments, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Research shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders in the long term.
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 short duration to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about the best treatment for you.
Medicines
The use of medications is one of the tools psychiatrists use to treat anxiety, as are psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications. There are a variety of medication that can help you feel more relaxed, such as SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta blockers. Your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is based on the diagnosis and medical history as well as the goals you have, along with your symptoms, tolerance and tolerance to the medication.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and mood. It can take several weeks before they begin working, but they are known to be very effective and can provide long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are commonly employed, such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs your doctor might suggest beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing brain cell activity. They're typically used to treat immediate symptoms and are addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers lower blood pressure and heartbeat and are typically prescribed to patients who suffer from heart problems. However they can be beneficial for people with anxiety, as well, particularly when the anxiety is linked to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol for instance, is a beta-blocker.
In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant atypically called mirtazapine to address both depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and sedation.
Natural remedies and dietary changes can also be part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods known to trigger or worsen anxiety, like caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Focus on eating healthily and getting enough sleep. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi, which have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for example can help you manage your thoughts and feelings. Psychotherapy focusing on trauma and EMDR therapy are two other proven methods that can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to locate a mental health professional that you trust, and who can help you reduce the symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxiety is a part of the human experience and everyone feels occasionally. Anxiety can be a serious problem if it is experienced on a regular schedule and starts to impact your health or daily life. If you're suffering from anxiety frequently it's a good idea to talk to an expert in mental health for help.
There are a number of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few stretches or jumping jacks can be a big help in making you feel more relaxed. Moving stimulates the release of our good friend endorphins, which are one of the collective "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try to fit some exercise 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 many forms, including inhalers, oils to use on your skin or in herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol: Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to become more severe, as it can cause anxiety and jitteriness, as well as increase heart rate. It can also cause insomnia, which could further contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and other nutrients can help you manage anxiety, as well as other health issues. Incorporating fish, chia seeds and walnuts to your diet could be a great way to begin.
5. I Am Psychiatry : Practicing meditation can improve your overall mood and reduce anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the greatest benefit. It's also important to have a space with no distractions, so that you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like Ashwagandha, can reduce the level of cortisol in your body. This hormone can be the main cause of anxiety. Consult your physician about including these in your treatment plan.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and could be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine or paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine or tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious at times, and that's a good thing - it's your brain's way of alerting you to possible danger. However, people with anxiety disorders experience excessive feelings of anxiety and stress that interfere with their lives. The treatment for anxiety is psychotherapy and medication.
The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy can help you identify the thoughts patterns that trigger anxiety and then works to alter these patterns. It's a short-term solution and many patients see improvement in their symptoms in 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy can be used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you determine the appropriate therapy for your specific diagnosis and circumstance.
Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medication can help control these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake suppressors) such as citalopram sertraline, escitalopram, and paroxetine are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also helpful in the management of anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can also be beneficial.
In conjunction with psychotherapy medication is prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms and increase their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms such as shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes called minor tranquillisers or sleep pills, can relax the nervous system and are helpful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, like low doses of those used to prevent epilepsy seizures, can help relieve the tingling and trembling associated with some anxiety conditions.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can complement anxiety treatment by helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Exercise can be a great anxiety reliever, and it's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and getting enough sleep can also help reduce anxiety. You can also use herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to ensure that these treatments are safe for your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
You may have an anxiety issue if your fear or anxiety becomes out of control. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, therapy 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). You may have to test several different drugs before finding one that is effective for you. Antidepressants take some time to take effect so you might have to be patient when beginning them.
Talk therapy, or counseling in general, is an effective treatment for anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists are licensed in local mental health clinics, or online platforms which allow you to receive mental care at home from your couch. These options offer a number of advantages that traditional in-person therapy does not provide, such as flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, especially if they involve eliminating caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Exercise helps to burn stress chemicals, reduce anxiety and promotes a good night of sleep. Try to do 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the weeks. A balanced diet that includes various fruits, vegetables and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that may create anxiety or cause it to worsen, such as caffeine, marijuana and other illegal substances.
You can also lessen your anxiety by practicing exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects that you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping phrases. Once you feel at ease, try to stay longer in a feared environment. Once you are able to do this, you will be aware that your fears are often not true and you are able to manage.
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 news or other things which could trigger anxiety, and joining a group of people who have similar anxiety-related symptoms.