What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be managed by therapy, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. Research has proven that psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective than medications in treating anxiety disorders in the long run.
Treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam), can help with anxiety, but they should only be used for short-term use to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about which treatments are right for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. There are many types of medication that can help you feel calmer like SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest a medication based on your diagnosis, medical history goals, symptoms, and tolerance.
SSRIs are typically the first anti-anxiety medication doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. They can take a few weeks to begin working, but they tend to be extremely efficient and offer long-term relief from anxiety. SSRIs are widely utilized, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa).
If you are not responding to SSRIs your doctor may recommend beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines relax muscles and reduce the activity of brain cells, which can ease anxiety. They are usually used to treat immediate symptoms and are also addictive. Common benzodiazepines are lorazepam, diazepam and clonazepam.
Beta blockers lower heartbeat and blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to those with heart conditions. They can also be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety, particularly if their anxiety is linked to a rapid pulse. Propranolol is one example of beta blockers.
In certain instances your doctor could prescribe an antidepressant that is atypical, such as mirtazapine to address both anxiety and depression. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and an increase in sedation.
Natural remedies and diet changes are also part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that are known to trigger or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, caffeine and. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. Meditation, yoga, or tai-chi have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Support groups and cognitive behavior 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 as well as EMDR therapy. Finding a mental healthcare provider who you can trust to help you minimize your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Anxiety is a part of our human experience, and everyone feels occasionally. Anxiety can be a serious problem if it's experienced on a regular schedule and starts to impact your health or your daily life. If you experience anxiety frequently, it's worth seeking out support from an expert in mental health.
The good news is that a variety of natural remedies can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Here are a few options to think about:
1. Exercise: A few stretching exercises or jumping jacks could be a big help in making you feel more calm. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try to get in a bit of exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils. According to an article published in the journal Phytomedicine Inhaling the aroma of diluted oils such as lavender or other calming ones can be calming. There are essential oils for relaxation in a variety of different forms, such as inhalers oils for your skin and herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Limiting caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, as they can cause jitteriness or increase heart rate. It may also lead to sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A healthy diet that is rich in nutrients, vitamins and other nutrients can help you manage your anxiety as well as any other health issues. Begin by incorporating fish, chia seed, and walnuts into your diet.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can improve your mood and ease anxiety. But, it's essential to work with a professional with experience to get the most effective results. 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 cortisol levels in your body. This hormone can be the main cause of anxiety. Consult your physician about including these supplements in your treatment program.
Several medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. This includes SSRIs, such as escitalopram or citalopram and SNRIs, like mirtazapine and paroxetine; and TCAs, such as tofranil or clomipramine.
Therapy
It's normal to feel anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you of the possibility of danger. However, people with anxiety disorders have a high level of anxiety and stress that affect their lives. Anxiety treatment consists of psychotherapy and medication.
The most popular treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy helps you recognize the thought patterns which lead to anxiety, and then work to change the patterns that cause anxiety. It is a short-term therapy and a lot of people notice improvements in their symptoms after 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 will assist you to select the best therapy for your diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressant medication can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters) such as citalopram escitalopram, sertraline, Zoloft and paroxetine are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also beneficial in the management of anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) can also prove beneficial.
In conjunction with psychotherapy prescriptions are made to decrease anxiety symptoms and improve their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, usually used for high blood pressure, may relieve physical anxiety symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines are often known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can relax the nervous system and can be helpful in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants, including small doses of those used to prevent seizures in epilepsy, can help relieve the trembling and tingling that are common to anxiety disorders.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can complement anxiety treatment by helping to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Exercise is an excellent anxiety reliever and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and taking enough rest can also reduce anxiety. You can also use herbal remedies and dietary supplement to reduce anxiety. Consult best herbal treatment for anxiety to ensure that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You may have an anxiety disorder if your fear or anxiety becomes out of control. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, 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). You may need to try various drugs before you find one that is effective for you. Antidepressants can take a while to begin working, so you may need to be patient when starting them.
Counseling or talk therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists who are licensed can be found through local mental health clinics, or via online platforms that permit you to access mental health services from the at-home comforts of your home. These options offer a variety of advantages that traditional in-person therapy can't, like the flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, especially those that involve cutting out caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, improves relaxation and helps you get an excellent night's rest. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise most days of the weeks. A healthy diet with various vegetables, fruits and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. It is also important to stay clear of substances that can trigger or worsen your anxiety, such as marijuana, illegal drugs and caffeine.
Exposure therapy can also help reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself things or situations that you are afraid of, employing relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Once you feel at ease and relaxed, you should try to stay longer in a feared environment. When you've completed this, you will see that your fears might not be as real as you think.
Other ways to improve your life quality include being able to recognize and control negative thoughts by stopping watching, reading, or listening to the news or other things that might create anxiety, and joining a support group for people who experience the similar anxiety symptoms that you do.