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What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety? Anxiety is often treated through therapy, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Research shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavior therapy are more effective than medication for treating anxiety disorders over the long haul. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam) can help with anxiety symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use to avoid dependence. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Medicines Psychiatrists treat anxiety with psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. There are many types of medications that can help you feel calmer, such as SSRI antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Your doctor will suggest the right 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 responsible for sleep and mood. It could take a few weeks before they start to show results but once they do, anxiety can be relieved for a long time. SSRIs are commonly utilized, including sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine(Prozac)and citalopram(Celexa). If you don't respond to SSRIs your doctor may recommend beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety by encouraging relaxation of muscles and reducing brain cell activity. They are typically used to control immediate symptoms and may be addictive. The most common benzodiazepines include lorazepam diazepam, and clonazepam. Beta blockers decrease heartbeat and blood pressure. They are commonly prescribed to people with heart conditions. They can also be beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, particularly when their anxiety is related to a rapid pulse. Propranolol, for example, is beta-blocker. In certain situations doctors might prescribe mirtazapine as an atypical antidepressant to treat anxiety and depression. This medication can cause weight gain, sedation, and dry mouth. You can also include natural remedies and dietary changes in your treatment plan. Try avoiding foods that are thought to cause or worsen anxiety, like alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Focus on eating healthily and getting enough rest instead. Yoga, meditation or tai-chi have all been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Support groups for anxiety can be helpful, as can therapies like cognitive behavior therapy can teach you to manage your thoughts and feelings and conquer your fears. EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy are other methods based on research which can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to locate a mental health professional that you trust and who can help you reduce your symptoms. Natural Remedies Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, anxiety can become an issue if it happens frequently and starts to interfere with your life or health. If you're struggling with anxiety on a regular basis, it's worthwhile seeking help from an expert in mental health. There are a number of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to try:
1. Exercise: Stretching or jumping jacks will make you feel more relaxed. Movement releases endorphins which are a collective 'happy-hormone' that helps reduce stress. Try a little exercise each day. 2. Essential oils. According to an article published in the journal Phytomedicine, inhaling the scent of diluted oils like lavender or other soothing ones can be calming. You can find essential oils for relaxation in a variety of different forms, including inhalers, oils for your skin and herbal teas. 3. Limiting Caffeine or Alcohol Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety because they can trigger jitteriness or increase heart rate. It can also trigger insomnia, which can contribute to anxiety. 4. Nutrition: Having a nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients can help reduce anxiety as well as other health issues. Start by incorporating fish, chia seeds and walnuts to your diet. 5. Meditation: It is a great way to boost your mood and reduce anxiety, but it's important to work with an experienced practitioner to reap the greatest benefits. It is also important to find a quiet space that is free of distractions, so you can concentrate on your breathing. 6. Supplements Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha, may help lower your body's level of cortisol. This hormone can be a major factor in anxiety. Talk to your doctor about including these in your treatment plan. Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and could be effective when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs such as citalopram and escitalopram as well as SNRIs such as mirtazapine and paroxetine, and TCAs such as tofranil or clomipramine. Therapy Everyone feels anxious at times and that's a good thing - it's the brain's way of alerting you to possible danger. However, those with anxiety disorders experience a lot of worry and tension that interfere with their daily lives. Psychotherapy and medications are used to alleviate anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-known form of treatment for 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's a short-term solution 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 behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you determine the most effective treatment for your particular situation and diagnosis. Many anxiety disorders are due to chemical imbalances within the brain. Antidepressant medications can help to manage these imbalances. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Prozac) are typically prescribed for 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) could also be beneficial. Alongside psychotherapy medication is prescribed to decrease anxiety symptoms and increase their responsiveness to other treatments. Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and can reduce physical anxiety symptoms such as shaking or a rapid pulse. Benzodiazepines are often called minor tranquillisers or sleep pills, can relax the nervous system and can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety attacks. Anticonvulsants are used to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as the sensation of tingling, trembling, and other symptoms. Natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can aid in treating anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation. For instance, exercise can be a powerful anxiety reliever and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Regularly eating healthy meals and taking enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You might also consider using herbal remedies and nutritional supplements for anxiety, but consult your physician prior to beginning any of these treatments to be sure that they are safe for you. Lifestyle Changes You could be suffering from an anxiety problem when your anxiety or fear is out of control. Treatment for an anxiety disorder typically includes a course of treatment, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Antidepressants and other benzodiazepines are 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 various drugs before you find one that is effective for you. You may have to be patient with antidepressants since they require time to take effect. Counseling, or talk therapy in general is a proven treatment for anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapists who are licensed can be found in local mental health clinics, or online platforms which allow you to receive treatment for mental health from the comfort of home. These options offer a number of benefits that traditional in-person therapy can't offer, including flexibility and affordability. Lifestyle changes can help you manage anxiety symptoms, particularly if they involve eliminating caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Exercise reduces stress-related chemicals, helps relax and aids in getting an excellent night's rest. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. A healthy diet containing various fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. You should also avoid substances that may increase or worsen your anxiety, such as marijuana or illegal drugs, caffeine and. You can also lower anxiety by practicing exposure therapy. This method involves gradually exposing you situations or objects that you are afraid of, using relaxation techniques and coping statements. When you feel ready, challenge yourself to stay in the situation you are afraid of for longer durations. Once you're able do this, you will be aware that your fears are typically unfounded and that you can manage. |
