What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?

Anxiety can be treated through therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications over the long-term.

Certain medications, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam may help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, they should only be used for a limited period of time to avoid dependence. Speak to your doctor to find out which treatments are most suitable for you.

Medicines

Psychiatrists treat anxiety through medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are many kinds of medications that can help you feel more calm. These include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will suggest a medication based on your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.

SSRIs are usually the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by impacting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects sleep and mood. They may take several weeks before they begin working, but they tend to be very efficient and provide long-term relief from anxiety. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).

If you don't respond to SSRIs, your doctor may suggest alternatives, such as benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines promote muscle relaxation and slow the activity of brain cells, which can reduce anxiety. They're usually used short-term to treat immediate symptoms and are addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) ocd and anxiety treatment clonazepam (Valium).

Beta blockers decrease blood pressure and heartbeat and are usually prescribed to those who suffer from heart problems. They are also beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, particularly if their anxiety is linked to a high-intensity pulse. Propranolol is one example of beta blockers.

In certain situations, your doctor may also prescribe an atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine to treat anxiety and depression. This medication can lead to weight gain, sedation and dry mouth.

Natural remedies and dietary changes can also be part of your treatment plan. Try avoiding foods that are known to trigger or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, caffeine and. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet and ensuring you get enough rest. Meditation, yoga or tai-chi have all been proven to decrease stress and anxiety.

Support groups for anxiety can be helpful, and therapy interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you how to manage your thoughts and emotions and overcome your anxiety. Other proven methods to aid you in overcoming anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. Finding a mental health professional who you can trust to reduce your symptoms is the most important thing.

Natural Remedies

coe-2022.pngAnxiety is a part of the human experience, and everyone experiences them from time to time. However, anxiety can become an issue if it happens frequently and begins to affect your daily life or health. If you experience anxiety regularly, it is 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 options to try:

1. Exercise: A few stretches or jumping jacks can help in helping you feel calmer. Movement triggers the release of our good friend endorphins, which are one of the collective "happy hormones" that reduce stress levels. Try to get in a bit of exercise every day.

2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of lavender diluted or other calming oils can have a calming effect, according to a 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming oils in various types, such as inhalers, oils to apply on your skin or on your body, as well as herbal teas.

3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol: Too much caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety because they can trigger anxiety or raise heart rate. It can also cause sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.

4. Nutrition: Having a nutritious diet high in vitamins and nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as other health issues. Add chia seeds, fish and walnuts to your diet may be a great place to start.

5. Meditation: Practicing meditation can improve your overall mood and reduce anxiety, but it's important to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the maximum benefits. It's also important to have a space with no distractions, so you can concentrate on your breathing.

6. Supplements: Certain herbs such as ashwagandha can help lower the levels of cortisol, a hormone, in your body, which could be a major cause of anxiety. Discuss with your doctor about incorporating these herbs into your treatment plan.

Several medications are FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders and could be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram Escitalopram, and fluoxetine; SNRRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine or tofranil.

Therapy

It's normal to be anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you to potential danger. However, people with anxiety disorders experience excessive feelings of anxiety and stress that interfere with their daily lives. The treatment for anxiety is psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular method of treating anxiety disorders. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and to work towards changing the way you think about them. It is a short-term therapy and many people experience improvements in their symptoms after a few sessions.

Psychotherapy is used to treat anxiety in many different ways. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you determine the best treatment for your particular situation and diagnosis.

Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medications can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, Zoloft and paroxetine are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety without medication anxiety disorders. SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are useful for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also prove beneficial.

In conjunction with psychotherapy, medications are prescribed to ease anxiety symptoms and increase their responsiveness to other treatments. Beta-blockers are frequently used to treat high blood pressure. They can alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines, also called minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can help calm the nervous system and can be helpful in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms, including shaking, tingling and other symptoms.

Natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help with anxiety by decreasing stress levels and increasing 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 getting enough sleep can also reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to confirm that these treatments are safe for you.

Lifestyle Changes

You may have an anxiety issue If your anxiety or fear gets out of hand. Treatment for an anxiety disorder typically includes a course of treatment, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are the most commonly 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 works for you. You may need to be patient with antidepressants since they require time to take effect.

Talk therapy or counseling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists who are licensed can be found through local mental health clinics or through online platforms that permit you to access mental health services from the at-home comforts of your home. These options offer advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't, like the flexibility and affordability.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, particularly if they involve eliminating nicotine, alcohol and caffeine. Exercise burns stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and aids in getting a good night's sleep. Try to do 30 minutes of physical exercise most days of the week. A healthy diet containing various vegetables, fruits and lean proteins may also reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that can cause or worsen anxiety, such as marijuana and illegal drugs as well as caffeine.

Exposure therapy can also help to reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing you situations or objects which you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping statements. Once you feel at ease you can stay longer in a fearful environment. When you're able to do this, you can realize that your fears are usually unfounded and that you can be able to cope.

Other lifestyle changes can boost your overall quality of life, for example, learning to recognize and manage negative thoughts or taking a break when reading, watching or listening to the news or other items that could trigger anxiety and joining a group of people who have similar anxiety symptoms.human-givens-institute-logo.png