How Best Treatment For Anxiety Can Be Your Next Big Obsession
What is the Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety can be addressed with treatments, natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more effective in treating anxiety disorders than medications in the long run.
The use of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines (like diazepam and alprazolam) can assist with anxiety symptoms, but should only be used for short-term use to avoid dependence. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is best for you.
Medicines
Psychiatrists treat anxiety with medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Many types of medications can help you to feel calmer. These include SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Your doctor will recommend the right medication based on your diagnosis, medical history, goals, symptoms and tolerance.
SSRIs are often the first anti-anxiety medications doctors prescribe. They work by altering serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for sleep and mood. It can take them several weeks before they start working but once they do, anxiety can be relieved for a considerable period of time. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa).
If you are not responding to SSRIs your doctor may suggest beta blockers or benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety by encouraging relaxation of muscles and reducing brain cell activity. They are typically employed to manage symptoms that are immediate and may be addictive. The most common benzodiazepines include lorazepam diazepam, and clonazepam.
Beta blockers lower blood pressure and heartbeat and are typically prescribed to patients with heart conditions. They are also beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, particularly if their anxiety is linked to a fast pulse. Propranolol is one example of beta blockers.
In some instances, a doctor may prescribe mirtazapine as an antidepressant to treat both depression and anxiety. This medication can cause dry mouth, weight gain, and sedation.
Natural remedies and dietary changes are also part of your treatment plan. Avoid foods that can cause anxiety or make it worse like caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Instead be focused on eating well and getting plenty of sleep. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi. All of these have been shown to help with anxiety and stress.
Support groups and cognitive behavior therapy, for instance can aid you in managing your thoughts and emotions. EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy are other evidence-based approaches that can help you deal with anxiety. The most important thing is to find a mental health provider that you trust and who can work with you to minimize your symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Anxious feelings are part of the human experience, and everyone experiences occasionally. Anxiety can become a major issue if it's regularly experienced and starts to impact your health or daily life. If you're struggling with anxiety regularly it's a good idea to talk to a mental health professional for support.
There are many natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Here are some options to consider:
1. Exercise: Stretching, or jumping jacks will help you feel calmer. Movement releases endorphins which are a collective 'happy hormone' that helps to reduce stress. Try to get some exercise every day.
2. Essential Oils: Inhaling the scent of lavender in diluted form or other calming oils could be calming according to a study published in the journal Phytomedicine. There are calming essential oils in many different forms, including inhalers and 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 cause sleepiness, which can contribute to anxiety.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a diet high in vitamins and nutrients can help manage your anxiety and other health issues. Begin by incorporating fish, chia seed, and walnuts into your daily diet.
5. Meditation: Meditating can boost your mood and decrease anxiety. However, it's important to work with a practitioner who has experience to get the most effective results. It's also important to find a quiet space that is free of distractions, so you can focus on your breathing.
6. Supplements: Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha can reduce the amount of cortisol, a hormone, in your body, which can be a major contributor to anxiety. Consult your physician about including these in your treatment program.
Many medications are FDA approved for anxiety disorders and may work well when combined with psychotherapy. These include SSRIs such as escitalopram or citalopram as well as SNRIs such as paroxetine and mirtazapine; and TCAs, like tofranil or clomipramine.
Therapy
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, and that's a good thing because it's your brain's way of alerting you to potential danger. People with anxiety disorders, however, are prone to excessive worry and tension which affects their daily lives. Treatment for anxiety consists of psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common method of treating anxiety disorders. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize the thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and then work to change them. It's a short-term solution and a lot of people notice improvement in their symptoms in 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
The kinds of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety vary however some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and the hypnotherapy. Your therapist will help you determine the most effective therapy for your situation and diagnosis.
Many anxiety disorders can be due to chemical imbalances within the brain. Antidepressant medication can help manage these imbalances. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake suppressors) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, Zoloft, and paroxetine are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs (serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also effective for anxiety disorder management. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also prove beneficial.
The majority of medications are used in conjunction with psychotherapy to lessen the severity of anxiety symptoms and make them more responsive to other treatments. Beta-blockers, usually used for high blood pressure, may alleviate physical anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Benzodiazepines, which are sometimes known as minor tranquillisers or sleeping pills, can calm the nervous system and are helpful in the treatment of anxiety-related attacks. Anticonvulsants are used to relieve anxiety symptoms, including trembling, tingling, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help with anxiety by helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Exercise can be a great anxiety reliever and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A regular diet of healthy food and ensuring you get enough rest can also help to reduce anxiety. You can also try herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to reduce anxiety. Consult your doctor first to make sure that these treatments are safe for your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
We all experience moments of anxiety or fear However, when they become out of control and interfere with your everyday life, you could have an anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
The most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety disorders are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. The antidepressants most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It could be necessary to test a variety of drugs until you find one that is effective. You might need to be patient with antidepressants since they require time to work.
Counseling, or talk therapy generally is a successful treatment for anxiety. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can find licensed psychotherapists in local mental health clinics, or online platforms which allow you to receive mental care at home from your couch. These options provide a variety of benefits that traditional in-person therapy cannot offer, including flexibility and affordability.
Lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, can help you manage anxiety. Exercise helps to reduce stress chemicals, improves relaxation and can help you get the best night's sleep. Make sure you do 30 minutes of exercise most days of the weeks. A healthy diet with diverse vegetables, fruits and lean proteins can also reduce anxiety. Avoid
treatment for generalized anxiety that could trigger anxiety or worsen it, such as marijuana, caffeine and other illegal substances.
Exposure therapy can also reduce anxiety. This method involves gradually exposing yourself situations or objects that you dread, employing relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Once you feel at ease and relaxed, you should try to stay longer in a feared environment. When you've completed this, you will realize that your fears might not be as real as you believe.

Other lifestyle changes that can enhance your quality of life include the ability to recognize and manage negative thoughts by stopping watching, reading or listening to the news or other activities that can create anxiety, and joining a support group for those who suffer from the same anxiety symptoms as you do.