What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is often 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 and alprazolam) can assist with anxiety, but they should be used short-term to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about which treatment is best for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. There are many kinds of medications that can help you feel calmer, such as SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will recommend 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 altering serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that influences sleep and mood. It can take them several weeks before they start working, but once they do, the anxiety will ease for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you don't respond to SSRIs your doctor may suggest other options like benzodiazepines or beta blockers. Benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and decreasing brain cell activity. They are generally employed to manage symptoms that are immediate and are also addictive. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are lorazepam diazepam, and Clonazepam.
Beta blockers are medicines which reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and they're commonly prescribed for people with heart problems. However they are also useful for those suffering from anxiety particularly when the anxiety is linked to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol is an example of a beta blocker.
In certain instances your doctor might prescribe an atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine, which can treat depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain and sedation.
You can also incorporate natural remedies and dietary modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods that are thought to cause or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, caffeine and. Concentrate on eating healthy and ensuring you get enough rest. Try yoga, meditation or tai-chi, which 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 evidence-based methods that can aid you in overcoming anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. Finding a mental healthcare professional who you can trust to help you minimize your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Anxiety is part of our human experience, and everyone experiences at times. Anxiety can become a serious issue if it's frequent and begins to affect your health or daily life. If you are struggling with anxiety regularly, it is worthwhile seeking help from an expert in mental health.
There are many natural solutions that can reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to consider:
1. Exercise: A few jump jacks or stretching exercises can help in helping you feel calmer. Movement triggers the release of our good friend endorphins, which are one of the 'happy hormones' that help reduce stress levels. Try to do a little exercise each day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of diluted lavender or other calming oils can provide a relaxing effect according to a study in the journal Phytomedicine. You can find calming oils in various types, such as inhalers, oils for use on your skin, or herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen due to the fact that they can cause anxiety or raise heart rate. It can also cause sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: A healthy diet that is rich in nutrients, vitamins and other nutrients can help manage your anxiety, as well as other health issues. Adding fish, chia seeds and walnuts to your diet can be a great way to start.
5. Meditation: The practice of meditation can improve your mood and ease anxiety. However, it is crucial to partner with a professional with experience to get the most effective results. It is also beneficial to have a space without distractions so that you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, like ashwagandha, can help reduce the level of cortisol in your body. This hormone can be the main factor in anxiety. Talk to your doctor about incorporating these herbs into your treatment plan.
FDA-approved medications for anxiety disorders could be effective when used in combination with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram escitalopram, and fluoxetine; the SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine and paroxetine; and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
It's normal to feel anxious at times. Your brain is alerting you to possible danger. However, those with anxiety disorders experience excessive feelings of worry and tension that interfere with their daily routine. Psychotherapy and medication are utilized to combat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-known method of treating anxiety disorders. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and work on changing them. It is a short-term treatment and many patients see improvement in their symptoms within 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
Psychotherapy is used to treat anxiety in a variety of different ways. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you determine the appropriate therapy for your diagnosis and situation.
Many anxiety disorders are connected with brain chemical imbalances. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as citalopram sertraline, escitalopram, Zoloft and paroxetine are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also beneficial for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also be helpful.
Alongside psychotherapy, medications are prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms and increase their sensitivity to other treatments. Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can help alleviate physical anxiety symptoms, like a fast heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines are able to calm nerves and assist in treating anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as the sensation of tingling, trembling, and other signs.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can be used in conjunction with treatment for anxiety by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Exercise is a great anxiety reliever, and it's recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and taking a good amount of rest also can help reduce anxiety. You can also use herbal remedies and diet supplements to ease anxiety. Consult your doctor first to make sure that these treatments are safe for you.
Lifestyle Changes
You could be suffering from an anxiety issue if your fear or anxiety becomes out of control. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
The most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders comprise antidepressants and benzodiazepines. 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 might need to be patient with antidepressants as they require time to take effect.
Talk therapy or counseling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists who are licensed can be found in local mental health clinics, or online platforms which let you receive treatment for mental health from the comfort of your home. These options offer advantages that traditional in-person therapy cannot, such as flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise burns stress chemicals, promotes relaxation and can help you get an excellent night's rest. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. A balanced diet that incorporates diverse fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that can create anxiety or cause it to worsen like caffeine, marijuana and illegal drugs.
Exposure therapy can also help to reduce anxiety. This technique involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects you fear, by using relaxation techniques and coping phrases. Once you feel comfortable and relaxed, you should try to remain longer in the feared environment. Once you're able do this, you will realize that your fears are usually not true and you are able to manage.
Other lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life include being able to recognize and control negative thoughts by taking a break from reading, watching or listening to news, or other activities that can create anxiety, and joining a support group for those who experience the similar anxiety symptoms that you do.