Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
An individual with anxiety disorders may be able to reduce symptoms through self-management techniques like relaxation, exercise and sleep. If these techniques are not effective medical treatment is readily available.
Your health care provider may ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination. They will rule out physical causes for symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help you deal with your anxiety disorder and change the negative thoughts or beliefs that are aggravating or creating your symptoms. Psychotherapy can be beneficial either on its own or in conjunction with medication. Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and other therapies.
While many types of psychotherapy have potential to improve mental health CBT and exposure therapies are specifically designed to meet the needs of those suffering from anxiety disorders, with treatment protocols that have been confirmed by research. The treatments help patients comprehend the ways in which their thoughts and behaviors contribute to anxiety, identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful assumptions, ease the physical discomfort of anxiety, and develop how to deal with triggers and avoidance behaviors that can exacerbate anxiety.
Your therapist will assist you to find solutions to your issues and anxiety. They will teach you relaxation techniques and other coping strategies like mindfulness meditation, to help you manage the physical discomfort that comes with anxiety and panic attacks that can be debilitating. Therapy is typically conducted in a series of 12 or more sessions, which last approximately one hour each.
Your counselor will evaluate your progress frequently with a standardized method such as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A). They will also track your symptom clusters, including anxiety, mood, and pacing, sleep problems, concentration and memories, bodily sensations such as tension, sweating and tingling and avoidance behavior such as avoidance of activities or places that they could trigger anxiety.
In general, medicines are well tolerated and widely used to treat anxiety disorders. If you are not responding well to the medication you have been prescribed, your doctor may recommend a different medication. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications to treat anxiety, and specifically SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) as well as Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). Anticholinergics such as clonidine (Catapress), and alprazolam, (Xanax), may also be used to treat anxiety.
Medication
If anxiety symptoms interfere with daily functioning, you may need medication as part of your treatment plan. The kind of medication you will depend on the condition you have, and it will depend in large part on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to determine which is the best option for you.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the cornerstone of a treatment plan for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapies are effective and target the factors that cause your anxiety instead of just masking the symptoms. Therapy helps you learn to recognize and challenge irrational predictions and negative distortions that cause your anxiety. Your therapist can help replace these thoughts and teach you how to manage anxiety.
Medication can be used conjunction with psychotherapy to treat anxiety, but it cannot replace it. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to manage mild anxiety disorders prior to prescribing medications. Your doctor may prescribe benzodiazepines for severe anxiety to calm your mind and body. Examples of benzodiazepines are diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazep.
Antidepressants are also helpful in treating certain anxiety disorders. They are believed to affect neurotransmitters which influence mood in the brain. Some examples of antidepressants used to treat anxiety include citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine. In certain instances your doctor may suggest the combination of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These drugs are most effective when taken every day.
In certain situations your doctor may look into using drugs off-label to treat anxiety disorders. These are medications that have not been approved for treatment of anxiety by the FDA however have demonstrated efficacy during clinical trials. Some of these medications that have been used off-label in the treatment of anxiety include quetiapine and agomelatine.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your mood. Be sure to consume a balanced diet that is comprised of whole fruits, grains and vegetables, as well as lean meats. It is also important to get enough sleep in order to feel refreshed. Avoid nicotine and caffeine, which can increase anxiety. If you do need to drink alcohol, do so in moderate amounts. If you suffer from chronic stress, a support group is a great way to discuss your feelings.
Complementary therapies
There are alternative therapies that can be utilized to treat anxiety disorders, in addition to traditional medicines. Herbal remedies and dietary modifications can be incorporated. Although more research is needed on these treatments, many people find that they can help reduce their symptoms. It is crucial to speak with a medical professional before attempting any alternative treatment. Some herbs can interact with prescription medication and cause serious side effects.
Anxiety is the natural response to stress. However anxiety treatment strategies can turn into a severe condition over time. People with severe anxiety often suffer from a combination of physical and mental symptoms, like headaches, heart palpitations stomach upset, muscle tension and fatigue. These symptoms can be debilitating and disrupt daily life. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you can for anxiety disorders. The first step to treat anxiety disorders is often to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They can look for signs of a medical condition that could be causing the anxiety.
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps you recognize and address the irrational beliefs and negative distortions that contribute to anxious thoughts. It can teach you to calm down and view situations in a new, less scary way. Therapy can also help you deal with your fears, and develop problem-solving abilities.
Although there are a myriad of kinds of therapy, the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most researched-based method. It can be conducted by itself or with other patients with anxiety disorders in support groups. The length of therapy varies dependent on the nature and severity of the disorder. Many patients notice that they improve within 8 to 10 therapy sessions.
In addition to therapy, there are a variety of things you can do to help ease your anxiety. Make sure to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet, and avoid nicotine and caffeine, which can worsen your anxiety. Regular exercise can improve your mood and help you manage stress. Some people also benefit from acupuncture, massage and hypnosis.
Lifestyle changes
Anxiety disorders are debilitating, and can affect the capacity of an individual to work, study, or take part in other activities. There are a variety of treatment options, including pharmacotherapies and psychological treatments. Alternative treatments such as CAM techniques, self-help methods and lifestyle changes can be employed to lessen anxiety symptoms.
Knowledge is power, and being educated about the root of anxiety is crucial to overcome it. Anxiety is often caused by your body's natural "flight or fight" response, which was designed to safeguard you in situations of danger. The symptoms of anxiety can be triggered by events that are harmless. Exposure therapy and education are two effective methods to manage anxiety.
Exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep are important for overall well-being and can reduce anxiety. Getting enough sleep can be a challenge for those who suffer from anxiety, however, making sure that you get 7 to 9 hours of rest every night is crucial. A balanced diet, that includes fruits and vegetables and whole grains, can help to reduce anxiety. Regular eating is crucial as skipping meals may cause drops in blood sugar levels that can trigger jitters and feelings of anxiety.
Meditation and mindfulness are relaxing exercises which can help you manage your anxiety. A study from 2010 found that regular mindfulness meditation helps reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Yoga, which incorporates breathing exercises and poses, is another relaxation technique. A 2022 study found that yoga can improve sleep quality and is essential to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Support groups are a great way to meet other people suffering from anxiety and learn more about how to manage it. In most cases, these groups arrange face-to-face meetings for discussion on how to manage anxiety and provide assistance. You can locate local support groups by asking your physician for a recommendation or looking on the internet.
If you are suffering from anxiety, it is essential to consult with medical experts who are licensed and have a specialization in this area of medicine. You should also choose one who is dedicated to providing the best quality care and will provide an accurate, assessed diagnosis and treatment options. The California Center for Functional Medicine is a virtual membership-based service that connects you to a Functional Medicine practitioner and nutritionist who work together to find the root of anxiety.