Treating Anxiety
Treatment of anxiety typically involves psychotherapy, which may include psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify the destructive thoughts that can cause anxiety and a variety of other feelings.
The use of medication can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety such as a fast heartbeat or shaking. People must work closely with their health care provider to find the right dosage and medication for their needs.
Medicines
Anxiety is the natural reaction to stress. It can hinder us from sleeping, however there are treatments to aid. Medicine can help ease anxiety symptoms and make life easier while dealing with the root causes. A combination of medications and therapy could have an even greater impact on your mood and increase your overall quality of life.
Antidepressants treat the root cause of anxiety by boosting levels of brain chemicals that create a sense of calm. The most popular kind of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which prevent neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin, and increase its availability, helping you feel calmer. SSRIs include medications such as Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft. Antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine-re inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and others are also used to treat anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium help quickly 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 be addictive if used for longer than four weeks. alternative treatments for anxiety do not work well over time.
Other antianxiety medications such as quetiapine, buspirone, and clonidine decrease the amount of stress hormone cortisol that is present in your body by blocking receptors in the brain. The most frequently reported adverse effects include drowsiness and dry mouth. Antidepressants and SSRIs can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea and sexual dysfunction in certain people.
Other antianxiety drugs such as melatonin or phenytoin act as sedatives by decreasing the activity of specific brain neurons, which reduces anxiety. Antihistamines can also be used to treat anxiety, by reducing the itching caused by allergies and causing you to feel more relaxed.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors like tetracycline and moclobemide are also used to decrease anxiety. These are usually prescribed after other treatments have failed. Some doctors can prescribe off-label prescription medications that have been proven to reduce anxiety during clinical trials, but they are not licensed.
Psychotherapy
Anxiety disorders are often relieved by psychotherapy, or through talk therapy with an expert in mental health. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker. In addition to assisting with the underlying cause of the anxiety, the therapist can provide assistance and support. The physical presence of the therapist is crucial for those suffering from anxiety; it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and gives a sense safety to the patient.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally the best option for treating anxiety. This method teaches you specific skills to directly manage your worries and gradually return you to activities you've avoided because of anxiety. This involves exposure therapy where you gradually come across the situation or object that triggers anxiety to overcome your anxiety.
Psychotherapy helps you understand the reasons you feel anxious, and how your imagination may exaggerate dangers that do not exist. The therapist also teaches you on the anatomy of the body's natural "flight-or-fight" response and why it is not triggered by things that are typically harmless.
The therapy is usually conducted in a series of sessions that last one hour each. Patients are usually given tasks to complete between sessions. It can take a while to find the right therapist for you, and you may need to try several before settling on one you feel comfortable with.
Self-help techniques, such as breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and meditation can be an effective supplement to psychotherapy. You can lower anxiety by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and abstaining from caffeine and nicotine. You can also try incorporating more laughter into your daily life, as humor is an effective stress-reducing agent. If you're suffering from an acute anxiety attack that is threatening your safety or others' safety, consult your physician for an emergency anxiolytic, and preferably one that is benzodiazepine. The treatment isn't often required, but it is extremely efficient. The use of medication is not an alternative to psychotherapy, however, they can be helpful in certain cases.
Lifestyle changes
There are many lifestyle modifications that, in addition to psychotherapy and medication, could aid people suffering from anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, getting enough sleep, and utilizing relaxation techniques can help.
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 person can be challenging However, even small amounts of physical activity can be beneficial.
Regular, moderately-graded exercise was also found to be effective in treating anxiety and depression. Although the mechanisms are still not clear, it is believed that exercise alters brain chemistry through altering the neurotransmitters 5-HT in the dorsal Raphe Nucleus, and decreasing levels of cortisol.
The use of acupuncture, massage therapy and other CAM treatments has been proven to be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. There is no evidence to support this and the poor methodological practices are often the reason for this. While a few studies show some promising results, the majority of these treatments do not provide the level of clinical proof required by doctors to suggest them as a viable alternative.
In addition, the relationship between food and anxiety is a complex. In reality, certain foods can actually cause anxiety symptoms. For instance, highly palatable and fatty foods can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species in the brain, which can create or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. It has been demonstrated that dietary improvement, especially cutting down on nicotine and alcohol, can reduce anxiety. However, more research, including controlled prospective studies and substance withdrawal programs, is needed.
Other dietary supplements such as omega-3 fish oil have been shown to be of value in reducing anxiety. Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease the production of inflammatory molecules and enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. Other changes to your diet that can be beneficial to anxiety sufferers include increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables, incorporating whole grains and avoiding processed food.
Herbal and nutritional supplements
Clinical trials have only been conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of natural substances that have been used in some parts of world for centuries to ease anxiety symptoms. Ashwagandha, an herb that is part of Indian medicine's Ayurvedic tradition, is particularly effective in reducing anxiety and stress. The amino acid precursors l-tryptophan and l -lysine reduce anxiety symptoms as well through their effects on neurotransmitters that are involved in the stress response.
Many people suffering from anxiety experience a wide spectrum of symptoms. The symptoms could range from a temporary feeling such as nervousness or anxiety before menstrual or surgical procedures or menstrual flow, to more persistent feelings of tension and unease that are associated with more severe anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic disorder) and social fears. The symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating, and may include trembling, headaches, sweating, muscle tightness and difficulties sleeping.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an effective treatment of anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy which teaches patients to be aware and respond to thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety in a different way. When combined with medication, this approach can aid in treating anxiety and alleviate symptoms like depression and fatigue.
A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids may aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. These fatty acid found in fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring, have been identified to improve the health of the heart as well as improve the brain. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
It is important to keep in mind that herbal and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that pharmaceutical drugs are, and therefore there is a chance that certain products could be contaminated with other substances or have negative side effects that could be harmful. Talk to your doctor if you are contemplating using herbal or dietary supplements for anxiety. They can provide you with information on the possible interactions between the herbal supplements and other medications you may be taking and dosage recommendations.