Treatment For Anxiety
If you are experiencing occasional anxiety or a more enduring and overwhelming anxiety disorder, there are treatments available. These treatments include medication, psychotherapy therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Psychotherapy can help you relax, tackle the root causes of anxiety and change your mental outlook. It can also help you deal with your symptoms and lessen your avoidance behaviors.
Medication
Anxiety is a normal response to stressful events, but sometimes it can become so intense that people aren't functioning at their best. The use of medication can help reduce anxiety symptoms so that people is able to function normally once again. There are two kinds of medication used to treat anxiety: SSRIs and benzodiazepines. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are typically the first medications doctors will prescribe due to their effects on serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which influences mood and sleep. They aren't addictive, but may cause side effects like drowsiness or nausea. SSRIs are also effective for treating depression, as well as anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan) are prescribed for immediate anxiety relief. meds that treat anxiety can trigger tolerance to drugs and addiction when used for long periods of time, so they should only be used in the short-term use. They can cause drowsiness confusion, memory issues and impaired coordination, therefore they should not be combined along with certain drugs.
Stimulants can boost the energy, alertness and concentration. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or as a separate treatment for anxiety. They can cause side reactions such as a faster heart rate and high blood pressure. They are not recommended for use over a long period of time or patients with certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Other drugs that are used to combat anxiety include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and gastrointestinal drugs. The latter include antacids and antihistamines, like hydroxyzine (Vistar). Hydroxyzine, the sole antihistamine FDA approved for anxiety treatment is the only antihistamine FDA approved. It acts as an antagonist of H1 and reduces the release of histamine, a chemical that can trigger anxiety.
In 2013, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was released. It marked a change in the nosology of anxiety disorders. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder were removed from the Anxiety Disorders section and placed into their own categories. Separate diagnoses for agoraphobia and separation anxiety disorder were added to the Anxiety Disorders section.
Psychotherapy
Therapy's goal is to teach patients to recognize and manage their anxiety. The knowledge gained by patients during therapy will last for a lifetime, and they can live without fear or worry.
Typically, psychotherapy involves an interaction in person between a therapist and a patient. The relationship between a patient and the therapist is an important part of therapy and can assist in motivating patients to continue treatment. Additionally, the physical presence of a therapist stimulates the parasympathetic nerve, which transmits a sense of safety and calmness. Therapists also determine how much a patient's symptoms have improved by using established scales.
Treatments for behavioral and cognitive anxiety are designed to help people understand their own minds and how they can make them believe that danger is imminent even though it's not. They usually offer an overview of the types of thinking that amplify feelings of threat and a variety of ways to alter these thoughts. They could include a combination of in live exposure and imaginal as well as other treatments. For example, biofeedback helps people monitor their functional information, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and learn how to manage their reactions.
A therapist will often recommend a series of interventions to address the specific anxiety symptoms of a patient. They will usually begin by assessing the severity and duration of the symptoms. They will also examine a patient's past history and any traumatizing experiences that may be contributing to their anxiety.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a type of psychotherapy which focuses on how people interact with other people and how their relationships affect their symptoms. The therapist will determine any underlying emotional issues and will teach coping techniques to improve communication. IPT was initially developed to treat depression. It has proven to be effective for treating anxiety.
As soon as you suspect that you suffer from anxiety disorders, you must begin treatment. The longer anxiety goes untreated, the harder it becomes to overcome. Early treatment can help to prevent long-term mental disorders, such as panic disorder and anxiety from forming.
Support groups
Anxiety support groups are an excellent place to talk about your thoughts and experiences. They can be a great addition to therapy or medication. Some support groups are run by a professional, whereas others are not. Many support groups use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help members recognize negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. This kind of therapy can also be a great way to improve your relationships and increase confidence in yourself.
Consider the size of a group and whether or not it is open to new members when you choose an anxiety support group. A large group can make it harder to make connections with other members, whereas smaller groups allow you to focus on your own problems and receive answers to your questions. Be aware of the layout and location of the group. Some groups meet in person while others are online.
Online anxiety support groups can be an excellent way to connect with people who have similar symptoms to you. These groups typically include video and audio calls as well as discussion forums, chat rooms and one-on-1 chats. Some are completely free while others charge fees for their services. You can find them on trusted websites by searching for anxiety support groups.
You can also ask those whom you know to join an anxiety support group. Friends, family members clergy, clergy leaders, and coaches can assist you to locate a group in your area. They might know about local groups run by community organizations or even by everyday people. In addition, they may be able to offer ways to get involved in the group.
There are several different types of anxiety support groups, including Emotional Awareness (EA), Depression and Anxiety Anonymous (DAA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), and SMART Recovery. EA is an international non-profit organization that is specialized in helping those suffering from anxiety. It provides in-person meetings across the nation and video calls. DAA is like EA. However it follows a 12-step approach and emphasizes the higher power.
Lifestyle changes
It's normal to experience anxiety at times However, if the anxiety is frequent and interferes in your daily life it could be a sign of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatments available that include talk therapy and medications. These treatments can help balance the brain's chemical balance and decrease episodes of anxiety that are severe. Furthermore, lifestyle changes can help alleviate your symptoms. These include getting more rest, limiting caffeine and meditation. These strategies can also include reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption. These strategies can sometimes improve your health and lower the risk of developing serious medical issues.
Anxiety is the normal response to stress. However, if it's not managed properly, it can lead an array of physical and mental disorders. They can include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social phobia (SP), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some sufferers of anxiety have the combination of these disorders.
Sleep is essential to ensure healthy functioning and to prevent anxiety. Refraining from drinking alcohol and caffeine can improve your sleep quality. Regular exercise can also help reduce anxiety. It is also important to take good care of your teeth and gums to avoid oral issues.
Certain alternative remedies, such as chamomile tea and lavender, are believed to soothe the nervous system. These natural remedies can be used on their own or in conjunction with medications. They are available at your local health food store or at a pharmacy. Other natural strategies include drinking plenty of fluids as well as reducing the amount of processed foods you consume and working out regularly.
Knowledge is power is a phrase that is particularly relevant to tackling anxiety. Understanding the physiology that drives the fight-or flight response can help you manage your anxiety symptoms. It is crucial to recognize irrational, self-defeating thinking that can cause anxiety attacks.
Numerous studies have shown that natural remedies are effective in reducing anxiety. Engaging in relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and guided imagery can help you to calm down when you're feeling anxious. You can also explore mindfulness and meditation which have been proven to help with anxiety.