Treating Anxiety

The treatment of anxiety usually involves psychotherapy, which may include psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify the negative thoughts that lead to anxious and troublesome feelings.

The medication can be used to manage anxiety-related physical symptoms, such as a fast heartbeat or shaking. Patients must consult with their physician to find the right medication and dosage for them.

Medicines

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and can keep us from sleeping, but there are treatments that can aid. Medicine can help ease anxiety symptoms and make life easier while taking care of the root cause. A combination of medications and therapy could be even more effective on your mood and enhance your quality of life.

Antidepressants address the root cause of anxiety by boosting levels of brain chemicals which create a sense calm. The most commonly used kind of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which block neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, and increase its availability, helping you feel calmer. SSRIs are medicines like Celexa Lexapro Paxil and Zoloft. Other antidepressants that may also be used for anxiety include serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium work quickly to relieve anxiety symptoms. They accomplish this by affecting brain receptors, which cause the body to relax. They are effective in treating anxiety, however, they can become addictive if used for longer than four weeks. They also don't work well over time.

Other antianxiety medications like quetiapine, buspirone and clonidine decrease the amount of stress hormone in your body. They accomplish this by blocking receptors in the brain. The most common side result is sleepiness. Antidepressants and SSRIs can cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation and sexual dysfunction in certain people.

There are other antianxiety drugs like phenytoin and mellatonin are sedatives which reduce the activity of certain neurons in the brain, which helps reduce anxiety. Antihistamines are also used to combat anxiety. They reduce the itching that is caused by allergies, and help you feel more relaxed.

Other types of medications that are used to reduce anxiety include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as moclobemide and Tetracycline. These are usually prescribed after other treatments have failed. Certain doctors may prescribe off-label prescription medications that have been shown to reduce anxiety during clinical trials, but they are not licensed.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with mental health professionals can help relieve anxiety disorders. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker. The therapist may also offer assistance and encouragement in addition to addressing the root factors that cause anxiety. The physical presence of the therapist is important for people suffering from anxiety because it activates the parasympathetic nerve and gives a sense safety to the patient.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally the best option to treat anxiety. This method teaches you how to manage anxiety and gradually return to activities that you stayed away from due to anxiety. This includes exposure therapy in which you gradually encounter the event or object that causes driving Anxiety treatment, and then overcome your anxieties.

Psychotherapy can help you understand why you are anxious and how treat anxiety and depression your imagination may create fearful scenarios that don't exist. The counselor will also guide you through the anatomy behind the body's "fight-or-flight" response and how it can be triggered by things that are usually harmless.

The therapy is usually conducted in a series sessions lasting one hour each. Patients are usually given tasks to complete between sessions. It can take time to find the right therapist for you, and you might have to try a few before you find one you are comfortable with.

Self-help techniques can be useful additions to psychotherapy, for example meditation, relaxation exercises and breathing techniques. You can lower anxiety by ensuring you get enough rest and exercising regularly, as well as abstaining from caffeine and nicotine. You can also incorporate more laughter into your life, as humor is an effective stress-reducing agent. If you're experiencing an acute anxiety attack that could be threatening your safety or others' safety, ask your physician for an emergency anxiolytic, preferably an benzodiazepine. The treatment isn't often required however it can be extremely effective. The use of medication is not a substitute for psychotherapy, but it can be beneficial in certain situations.

Lifestyle changes

There are a variety of lifestyle changes that, in addition to psychotherapy and medication, could help people with anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, abstaining from smoking, alcohol and caffeine as well as getting enough rest and implementing relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

Regular exercise can be a great stress reliever and has been shown to improve mood and self-reported anxiety symptoms. Finding an exercise routine that is safe for each individual can be a challenge, but even small amounts of physical activity can be beneficial.

Regular, moderately paced exercise has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and depression. While the mechanisms remain not clear, it is believed that exercise alters brain chemistry through altering the neurotransmitters 5-HT in the dorsal raphe nucleus and reducing levels of cortisol.

It has been established that acupuncture, massage and other CAM therapies can be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. However, evidence is scarce and is often hampered by poor research methodology. While a few studies show some promise, most of these modalities do not have the clinical evidence required for doctors to recommend them as an option.

Furthermore, the connection between food and anxiety isn't simple. Certain foods can trigger anxiety symptoms. For example high-fat and palatable foods promote the production of reactive oxygen species in the brain that create or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Dietary improvement, particularly cutting down on nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, has been proven to be helpful in reducing anxiety, but more research is required, such as programs to help with withdrawal from substances and controlled future studies.

It has been proven that other supplements in the diet, such as omega-3 fish oils can reduce anxiety. Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals and improve the effectiveness of antidepressants in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. Other dietary changes can ease anxiety, such as increasing the amount and variety of vegetables and fruits and incorporating more whole grains and avoiding processed food items.

Herbal and nutritional supplements

Clinical studies have only recently been conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of natural substances that have been utilized in various regions of the world for centuries to ease anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha, a dietary supplement (Withania somnifera), an herb from the Ayurvedic tradition of Indian medicine, has been found to be particularly effective in managing anxiety and stress. The amino acid precursors l -tryptophan, and l -lysine can also help reduce anxiety symptoms due to their effects on neurotransmitters which are involved in the stress response.

Many people who experience anxiety experience a range of symptoms, ranging from a temporary feeling of nervousness or worry that is experienced prior to surgery or menstruation to the pervasive feelings of unease and tension that characterize more serious forms of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder social phobias and panic disorder. Anxiety can be debilitating with symptoms that include headaches, trembling and sweating, and difficulty sleeping.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a successful treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that teaches patients to be aware and respond to thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety in a different way. When used in conjunction with medications, this approach can reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms like fatigue and depression.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce anxiety symptoms. These fatty acids, found in fish like mackerel, salmon, and herring, are known for their benefits to heart health, however, they can also enhance brain functioning. Flaxseeds can also be a great source of omega-3 fats.

It is important to keep in mind that herbal and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. This means that there is a possibility that certain products could be contaminated or have harmful side effects. If you are thinking of taking supplements or herbs to manage anxiety, talk to your doctor prior to beginning any regimen so that they can provide advice on possible interactions with other medications you might be taking, and offer recommendations for dosages.