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Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety

People suffering from anxiety are unable to control their reactions. Everyone is anxious and scared at times. Psychotherapy can help, as can medication like beta blockers (used to lower blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.

Self-help strategies may also aid in easing symptoms. For example, exercise helps reduce stress and relax the body.

Medication

If psychotherapy or lifestyle changes don't help your anxiety, medication may be a good option. Anxiety medications help to suppress anxiety signals and the body's fight or flight response. Antidepressants are among the most popular medications used for anxiety. They raise levels of certain neurotransmitters that influence mood. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first medications prescribed. SNRIs such as duloxetine, dulafaxine and tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine), Elavil, or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are also sometimes used to treat anxiety. They're fast-acting and extremely beneficial in the short-term however, they can be addictive and should only be used when other treatments don't work. The most common benzodiazepines are Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam).

There are a myriad of different medications that can be used to treat anxiety however only licensed health care providers are able to prescribe these medications. These doctors include psychiatrists, psychologists doctors of primary care and OBGYNs. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment , family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses can also prescribe certain medications, but they must get special training in doing so.

Exercise and complementary therapies are used by some people to lessen anxiety. They can also discover relaxation methods to reduce stress like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. Biofeedback can be another beneficial technique, in which a therapist monitors your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and teaches you how to control them at will.

Finally, natural supplements such as 5-HTP and melatonin can aid in easing anxiety. But, it is essential to consult your physician prior to taking any supplement for anxiety or any other reason. Utilizing supplements in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most extensively studied and empirically validated psychotherapeutic methods for anxiety disorders. It targets the maladaptive thoughts or behaviors that cause anxiety to persist. Although different CBT protocols were developed for different anxiety disorders, they all share common goals and strategies for treatment.

CBT starts by identifying dysfunctional thoughts that cause anxiety. In the course of therapy, patients learn to recognize the negative beliefs they hold and challenge. The therapist can also help patients recognize and modify their avoidance behavior. The therapist may ask patients to keep "thought journals" or diaries outside of sessions and to apply the behavioural strategies they've learned in daily life.

Eventually, the aim is to train patients to become their own therapists through helping them understand their habits of thought and behavior. This will allow them to eliminate unfounded fears, reduce their anxiety and other negative emotions and improve their resilience.

CBT techniques include identifying and reversing mental distortions that affect the patient that lead to overgeneralization catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, or minimizing positive events. The therapist will also help the patient develop coping strategies for anxiety-provoking situations. These techniques can be applied to all kinds of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".

Another aspect of CBT is exposure therapy. This involves exposing the patient to the thing or circumstance that creates anxiety. This can be done by making up a scenario or imagining the subject or situation in real life. For example, a patient suffering from PTSD who fears a specific location could be encouraged to visit the place in which they were assaulted. A person suffering from social anxiety disorder, who is afraid of speaking in public, may be encouraged to give an address in front of a group.

Some studies have proven that combining CBT with the use of pharmacotherapy can enhance outcomes. However, the results aren't conclusive, and further research is required. Combining medications with CBT is generally more effective than one alone. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have proven to be particularly effective in people with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

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Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is among the most effective methods to manage anxiety. It can help you confront things you are afraid of in a secure environment with an expert. It may sound like a daunting process but it can help you learn that your fears are not based on reality and that you can tolerate the discomfort that triggers you. It will also increase your confidence in dealing with the obstacles of life.

There are a variety of forms of exposure therapy, such as virtual reality, imaginal and systematic desensitization. For example, if you're nervous about speaking in public Your therapist may encourage you to imagine yourself speaking or to practice with an acquaintance. You can then gradually face the situation with your therapist's assistance. Your therapist will be monitoring your anxiety and panic levels during each session. They will adjust the amount of exposure if necessary.

During an appointment the therapist will show you how to relax and cope with your emotions, before explaining the triggers that cause you fear. This may include techniques such as mindfulness, breathing rhythms, and guided imagery. They can also teach you ways to avoid engaging in habit that causes anxiety, like staying clear of elevators. Exposure therapy is typically conducted in a series of weekly sessions. Some people require more than two sessions to overcome their fear.

The first step is to identify the object or situation that causes anxiety, for example, flying on a plane or with strangers. Your therapist will assist you select the best exposure therapy method that suits your preferences and personality. This could include using an order of exposure to determine the order of exposures or a relaxation practice prior to starting.

In vivo exposure therapy is directly facing the thing or situation that you're afraid of. This might be as simple as crossing the bridge or touching your arm. This approach can be used to treat certain fears and posttraumatic stress disorder.

It isn't easy to fit in the vivo exposure therapy in between appointments. Therefore, it is important to find a therapist who specializes in this form of cognitive behavioral therapy. You can search for a qualified specialist by checking your local psychological association or the mental health network. It's recommended to review reviews and ask your relatives or friends for recommendations.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies cover a wide variety of treatments for health that are not considered to be part of Western medicine. They can ease anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encourage the healthy lifestyle. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines, meditation, Yoga, music therapy, massage, and yoga. They also can reduce depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones in your body.

A recent study revealed that mindfulness-based meditation programs were associated with moderate improvements in anxiety symptoms. This approach uses different meditation techniques to promote mindfulness, or the ability of staying in the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and feelings. This type of meditation is suitable for nearly everyone and doesn't require any special equipment or training. However, those who have physical limitations might not be able in meditative practices that involve moving.

Other therapies that can relieve anxiety include breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and hypnosis. These techniques help you control anxiety by focusing on relaxing muscles breathing techniques, relaxing breathing techniques, and visual imagery. They can be practiced at home or in a treatment setting. These techniques are typically used in conjunction with other types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.

Regular exercise and eating well-balanced meals are two more ways to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, which are hormones that contribute to anxiety. A healthy diet can increase your energy levels, which can reduce your anxiety.

Cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety. It teaches you to identify and combat negative thoughts that cause anxiety. Your therapist will demonstrate how to assess the probability of occurring. You can employ strategies such as looking at your fears in relation to past experiences, weighing the pros and cons of an event, and determining whether it's reasonable to be concerned about a possibility that might occur.

Acupuncture is an old Chinese technique that can be employed to treat anxiety. It is based on a study of deficiencies and excesses in your energy, referred to as Qi, which is located in specific meridians. For instance, a deficiency in the kidney or spleen meridians could cause anxiety. Some studies suggest acupuncture may improve anxiety symptoms in combination with psychotherapy or other CAM methods.