Treating Anxiety
Treatment of anxiety typically involves psychological counseling, which includes psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps people recognize the harmful thought patterns which lead to anxiety and troubling feelings.
The medication can be used to manage anxiety-related physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat or shaking. People must work closely with their health care provider to find the right dosage and medication for them.
Medicines
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, and it can prevent us from sleeping, but there are treatment options that can aid. The use of medication can reduce anxiety symptoms and make life easier while taking care of the root cause. A combination of medication and therapy may have an even greater impact on your mood and improve your overall quality of life.
Antidepressants treat the root cause of your anxiety by increasing levels of brain chemicals that create a sense of calm. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently used antidepressants. They stop nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin from the brain and increase its availability. This helps you feel more relaxed. SSRIs are drugs like Celexa Lexapro Paxil and Zoloft. Other antidepressants that can be used to treat anxiety include serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Benzodiazepines, like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are used quickly to reduce anxiety symptoms by acting on the brain's receptors to create the body to relax. They are effective in treating anxiety, however, they can become addictive if taken for more than four weeks. They also do not do well when taken over a period of time.
Other antianxiety medicines like quetiapine, buspirone and clonidine lower the level of the stress hormone cortisol within your body by blocking receptors in your brain. The most frequently reported side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. Some people can also experience nausea, diarrhea constipation, nausea, and sexual dysfunction when taking antidepressants or SSRIs.
Other antianxiety drugs such as phenytoin or melatonin function as sedatives and reduce the activity of certain brain neurons, which can reduce anxiety. Antihistamines are also used to treat anxiety. They reduce the itching that is caused by allergies, and help you feel more comfortable.
Other types of medications that can be used to lower anxiety include monoamine oxide inhibitors, like moclobemide and tetracycline. These are typically pursued after other treatments have failed. Other prescription medications that have been proven to decrease anxiety in clinical trials aren't specifically approved for this purpose, however they can be prescribed off-label by certain doctors.
Psychotherapy
Anxiety disorders are often treated with psychotherapy, or talk therapy with an expert in mental health. This could be a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who is specialized in mental illness), psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker. Therapists can also offer assistance and encouragement in addition to addressing the root causes of anxiety. The presence of the therapist is also crucial for those suffering from anxiety; it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and provides a sense of safety to the patient.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally the best option for treating anxiety. This method helps you learn to manage your anxiety and gradually return to activities you avoided due to anxiety. This includes exposure therapy, which you gradually confront the object or situation that triggers anxiety, so that you learn to tolerate it and overcome your fears.
Psychotherapy can help you gain a better understanding of why you're so worried and how your imagination can magnify dangers that are not actually there. treatments for anxiety will also teach you about the physiology of the body's natural "flight-or-fight" response and the reasons it is inappropriately triggered by things that are usually harmless.
The therapy is usually conducted in a series sessions lasting about an hour each. Patients are often provided with assignments to complete between sessions. Finding the right therapist may be difficult. You may need to test several before you find someone who you are comfortable with.
Self-help techniques, like breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and meditation can be a useful addition to psychotherapy. You can lessen the effects of anxiety by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. You can also avoid smoking and caffeine. You can also try incorporating more laughter into your routine as it is a powerful stress reliever. If you are experiencing an acute anxiety episode that could compromise your safety or that of others, seek out your doctor for emergency anxiolytic treatment, usually with a benzodiazepine. This type of treatment isn't always required, but it can be extremely beneficial. The use of medication is not a substitute for psychotherapy, but it can be beneficial in certain situations.
Lifestyle changes
There are many lifestyle changes that, in addition to medication and psychotherapy, can aid people suffering from anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol as well as getting enough rest and practicing relaxation techniques can be beneficial.
A regular exercise program is a powerful stress reducer and has been shown to improve mood and self-reported anxiety symptoms. Making a workout routine that is safe for every person is a challenge However, even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial.
Regular, moderately-graded exercise was also found to be effective in treating anxiety and depression. Although the mechanisms are still unknown, it is believed that exercise alters brain chemical by controlling 5-HT neurotransmitters in the dorsal raphe nucleus and reducing levels of cortisol.
The practice of acupuncture, massage therapy, and other CAM treatments has been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. There is no evidence to support this, and poor methodology is often to blame. While some studies are promising but the majority of these modalities do not have the clinical evidence required for doctors to recommend them.
The relationship between food and anxiety is a complex one. In fact, certain foods can actually cause anxiety symptoms. For instance the highly palatable and fat-rich foods increase the production of reactive oxygen species in the brain, which can create or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. It has been proven that diet changes, particularly restriction of alcohol and nicotine can decrease anxiety. However, more research that includes controlled prospective studies and withdrawal programs from substances, is needed.
Other supplements to your diet, such as omega-3 fish oil have been shown to be useful in decreasing anxiety. Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules and improve the effectiveness of antidepressants in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. Other changes to your diet that can help with anxiety include increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables, adding whole grains and avoiding processed food.
Herbal and nutritional supplements
Clinical trials have only recently been conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of natural supplements that have been used in certain parts of world for centuries to relieve anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha, a dietary supplement (Withania somnifera) is a plant from the Ayurvedic tradition of Indian medicine, has been found to be particularly effective in controlling anxiety and stress. The amino acid precursors l -tryptophan, and l -lysine can reduce anxiety symptoms as well through their effects on neurotransmitters that are involved in the stress response.
Many people suffering from anxiety suffer from a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms may range from a brief sensation of anxiety or worry before surgery or menstruation or menstrual flow, to more persistent feeling of tension and unease that are associated with more serious anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic disorder) and social fears. Symptoms of anxiety can also be debilitating and include headaches, trembling, sweating, muscle tightness, and trouble sleeping.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy which teaches patients to recognize and respond to thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety in a different manner. This method, when combined with medication, can help combat anxiety and reduce associated symptoms like depression and fatigue.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce anxiety symptoms. These fatty acid found in fish like mackerel, salmon, and herring, have been identified to improve the health of the heart as well as improve the brain. Flaxseeds are also a great source of omega-3 fats.
It is important to remember that herbal and dietary supplements are not subject to the supervision of the FDA the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. This means that there is a possibility that some products could be contaminated or have negative side effects. If you're considering using herbs or dietary supplements to reduce anxiety, consult your doctor before starting any regimen so that they can provide advice on possible interactions with other medications you might be taking and offer suggestions for dosages.