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Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety

People with anxiety are unable to control their reactions. Everyone is worried and anxious at times. Psychotherapy can help, as does medications such as beta blockers (used to treat blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.

Self-help strategies can also help ease symptoms. For instance, exercise can help reduce stress and relax the body.

Medication

If a change in lifestyle or psychotherapy don't help with your anxiety, medication may be a viable option. Anxiety medication suppresses fears and triggers the fight or flight response that occurs in the body. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medication used to treat anxiety, are antidepressants. They boost levels of certain neurotransmitters which influence mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first drugs prescribed. The SNRIs include venlafaxine, duloxetine, as well as tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tofranil (imipramine), Elavil or Pamelor can also be effective in treating anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are also sometimes used to treat anxiety. They're quick-acting and can be very helpful in the short-term, but they are addictive and should only be employed when other treatments fail to work. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

There are many different medications that can be used to treat anxiety but only licensed health care providers can prescribe these medications. They include psychiatrists and psychologists as along with primary care physicians, OBGYNs, and a few psychiatric nurses. Nurse practitioners, family practice physicians and psychiatric nurses can also prescribe certain medications, but they must get special training in doing this.

Some people use complementary therapies, such as exercise, to help alleviate anxiety. There are also ways to relax and reduce stress, such as 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.

Additionally natural supplements such as 5-HTP and melatonin can help to ease anxiety. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplement for anxiety or other reason. Using supplements in conjunction with a complete treatment plan that includes psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications will maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of many psychotherapeutic methods for anxiety disorders that has been extensively studied and supported by evidence-based research. It focuses on the maladaptive thoughts or behavior patterns that cause anxiety to persist. Despite the fact that different CBT protocols were designed for different anxiety disorders, they all share common treatment goals and methods.

CBT starts by identifying dysfunctional thought patterns which contribute to anxiety. In sessions, patients are taught to recognize negative beliefs and confront them. The therapist will also help patients identify and change behaviors that cause them to avoid. The therapist will ask patients to keep journals or "thought notes" outside of therapy sessions and to apply the strategies they've learned in their everyday life.

The ultimate goal is to help patients become their own therapists, aiding them in understanding their current patterns in thinking and behavior. This will help them dismiss unfounded fears, ease their anxiety as well as other negative emotions, and become more resilient.

CBT methods focus on the identification and correction of distortions in the patient's mind that lead to overgeneralization and catastrophizing. The therapist can also help the patient develop strategies to cope to deal with anxiety-inducing situations. These techniques can be applied to all types of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".

Another element of CBT is exposure therapy. It involves exposure therapy, which involves exposing the patient to the situation or object that creates anxiety. This could be done by visualizing the object or scenario, or by directly confronting it in real life. For instance, a patient with PTSD who is scared of a certain location could be encouraged to visit the spot where they were abused. A person with social anxiety disorder who is scared of public speaking might be encouraged to speak in front of the group.

Certain studies have demonstrated that combination strategies of CBT and pharmacotherapy improve outcomes. However, the results aren't conclusive, and further research is required. In general, mixing medications with CBT is more effective than any one alone. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have been proven to be particularly effective for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or generalized disorder.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is among the most effective treatments for treating anxiety. It helps you confront the things you are scared of in a comfortable environment with an expert. It may sound like a daunting process but it will help you realize that your fears are not based on reality and you can accept the discomfort that triggers you. It will also boost your confidence to face the challenges of life.

There are many kinds of exposure therapies, including imaginal therapy, virtual reality and systematic desensitization. If you're afraid to speak in public, your therapist may suggest that you practice with a partner or imagine yourself giving the speech. Then, you can gradually confront the situation in real life with your counselor's assistance. Each session your therapist will examine you to see if you're experiencing anxiety or panic and adjust the level of exposure according to the need.

During the session, the therapist teaches you to relax, cope with your emotions and then introduces you triggers that make you feel scared. This could include mindfulness, rhythmic breath and guided imagery. They can also provide strategies to avoid engaging the behaviors that cause anxiety, such being cautious about elevators. Exposure therapy is usually done in a series weekly sessions. Some people require more than two sessions to overcome the fear.

The first step is to pinpoint the object or situation that triggers your anxiety, such as being on a plane or being around strangers. Your therapist will assist you select an approach to exposure therapy that is appropriate to your needs and personality. This could mean using an orderly system to determine the order in which exposures are performed or practicing relaxation techniques prior to starting.

In vivo exposure therapy involves confronting the thing or situation you're fearful of. It could be as easy as walking across the bridge or having someone touch your arm. This technique can be used to treat specific fears and posttraumatic stress disorder.

In vivo exposure therapy can be hard to fit within your schedule between appointments, so it's important to find a therapist that is skilled in this kind of cognitive therapy for behavioral. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment can locate a qualified specialist by checking your local psychological association or the mental health network. You can also read reviews and ask your family and friends for recommendations.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies encompass a variety of healthcare treatments that are not typically considered part of Western medicine. They can ease anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encourage an active lifestyle. These treatments could include acupuncture, herbal medicines yoga, meditation music therapy, massage. They can also aid in relieving depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones in your body.

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A recent study revealed that mindfulness-based meditation programs are associated with slight improvements in anxiety-related symptoms. This method employs different kinds of meditation to increase mindfulness, or the ability to concentrate on the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and emotions. This type of meditation can be practiced by anyone, and doesn't require special equipment or training. However, those with physical limitations might not be able to participate in meditation practices that require movement.

Other treatments that can help ease anxiety include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), biofeedback, self-hypnosis and the use of hypnosis. These techniques help you manage anxiety by using relaxation exercises, calming breaths, and visual imagery. These techniques can be used at home or within an environment for treatment. These techniques are often paired with other forms therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.

Another method to reduce anxiety is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, which are hormones that contribute to anxiety. A healthy diet will make you feel more energetic and can help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavior therapy is among the most effective treatments for anxiety. It teaches you to recognize and confront negative thoughts that cause anxiety. Your therapist will show you to evaluate your fears and determine the likelihood that they will actually occur. You can employ strategies such as the comparison of your fears to previous experiences, weighing out the pros and cons of an event, and determining if it is realistic to be worried about something that could happen.

Acupuncture is an old Chinese method that can be used to treat anxiety. It is based on an evaluation of deficiencies or excesses in your energy (called qi) that are located in specific meridians. For instance, a deficiency in the kidney or spleen meridians can cause anxiety. Some studies suggest acupuncture may improve anxiety symptoms in combination with psychotherapy or other CAM techniques.