What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be treated with therapies, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. Research shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavior therapy are more effective than medications in treating anxiety disorders in the long term.
Certain medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, like diazepam and alprazolam are able to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However they should be used for a limited duration to avoid dependence. Consult your physician about which treatment is best for you.
Medications
Medicines are among the tools psychiatrists use to treat anxiety, as are psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. There are a variety of medications that will help you feel calmer, such as SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will recommend a medication based on your medical history, diagnosis goals, symptoms, and tolerance.
SSRIs are often the first anti-anxiety medication doctors prescribe. They work by affecting serotonin which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sleep and mood. They may take several weeks before they begin working, but they tend to be extremely effective and can offer long-term relief from anxiety. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you are not responding to SSRIs your doctor may suggest beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and the activity of brain cells. They are usually used to control immediate symptoms and can be addictive. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan) diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Valium).
Beta blockers decrease blood pressure and heartbeat and are commonly prescribed to people who suffer from heart problems. However they are also useful for those suffering from anxiety as well, particularly if the anxiety is related to a fast heartbeat. Propranolol, for example, is beta-blocker.
In certain situations doctors may prescribe mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant that treats depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain and the feeling of sedation.
You can also include natural remedies and diet modifications in your treatment plan. Avoid foods thought to cause or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, caffeine and. Instead concentrate on eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep. Try yoga, meditation, or tai chi, which have been proven to help with stress and anxiety.
Support groups for anxiety can be beneficial, and therapy interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you to manage your thoughts and feelings and conquer your fears. Other evidence-based methods that can help you deal with anxiety include trauma-focused psychotherapy and EMDR therapy. Finding a mental health professional who you can trust to help you minimize your symptoms is the most important thing.
Natural Remedies
Everyone has anxiety from time to the. Anxiety can become a major problem if it's frequent and starts to affect your health or your daily routine. If you are struggling with anxiety regularly, it is important to seek out help from an expert in mental health.
There are many natural remedies that can help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Exercise: Stretching or doing jump Jacks can help you feel more calm. Moving releases endorphins that are a collective 'happy hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try to get in a bit of daily exercise.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of diluted lavender or other calming oils could have a calming effect, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming oil in a variety of forms, such as inhalers, oils for use on your skin or in herbal teas.
3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol: Too much caffeine or alcohol can cause anxiety to worsen because they can trigger jitteriness or increase heart rate. It could also lead to sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can help manage your anxiety, as well as other health issues. Begin by incorporating fish, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet.
5. Meditation: Practicing meditation can improve your overall mood and reduce anxiety, however it's essential to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the maximum benefits. It's also helpful to have a quiet space free of distractions so you can concentrate on your breathing.
6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha, can help reduce your body's level of cortisol. This hormone can be an important reason for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment plan.
A variety of medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and can be effective in conjunction with psychotherapy. They include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like citalopram the escitalopram and fluoxetine, the SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like mirtazapine or paroxetine; and also TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine and tofranil.
Therapy
Everyone feels anxious at times and that's a good thing because it's your brain's way of alerting you to possible danger. However, people with anxiety disorders have a high level of anxiety and stress that affect their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medication are used to treat anxiety.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy is the most popular form of treatment for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you recognize the thought patterns that trigger anxiety and then work to change the patterns that cause anxiety. It is a short-term treatment, and many people see improvements in their symptoms after 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
The kinds of psychotherapy to treat anxiety vary however some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavior therapy, and hypnotherapy. Your therapist can help you find the best therapy for your needs and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders are associated with brain chemical imbalances. Antidepressant medication can help control these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake suppressors) such as citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram and paroxetine are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs, also known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also beneficial for managing anxiety disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and Tofranil (Remeron) could be beneficial too.
Medications are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy to reduce the severity of anxiety-related symptoms and make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can alleviate physical anxiety symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes called minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can relax the nervous system and are helpful in the treatment of anxiety-related attacks. Anticonvulsants can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms, such as trembling, tingling, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can complement anxiety treatment by helping to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. For example, exercise can be an effective anxiety reliever and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Regularly eating healthy meals and taking a good amount of sleep can also help reduce anxiety. You can also use herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to help reduce anxiety. Consult your physician first to make sure 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 treatment at home are treated with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes.
Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are the 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). It may be necessary to try several different drugs until you find one that works. You may have to be patient with antidepressants as they take time to work.
Counseling, or talk therapy generally is a successful treatment of anxiety. This includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). You can find licensed psychotherapists in local mental health clinics or online platforms which let you receive mental care at home from your couch. These options offer benefits that traditional in person therapy does not, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce anxiety symptoms, particularly when they involve removing caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Exercise can help reduce stress chemicals, eases tension and promotes the ability to sleep well. Make sure you do 30 minutes of physical exercise most days of the week. A healthy diet that includes various fruits, vegetables and lean protein can help reduce anxiety. Avoid substances that can cause anxiety or make it worse like caffeine, marijuana and illegal drugs.
Exposure therapy can also help to reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself to things or situations that you are afraid of, employing relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Once you feel at ease, try to stay longer in a fearful environment. Once you have done this, you will see that your fears may not be as real as you think.
Other lifestyle changes can boost your quality of life, such as learning to recognize and manage negativity 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-related symptoms.