Treating Anxiety

Psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) are common treatments for anxiety. CBT helps people identify the negative thought patterns that can trigger anxious and troubling feelings.

The medication can be used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety like a rapid heartbeat or shaking. Patients must consult with their doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for their needs.

Medicines

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it can prevent us from sleeping However, there are solutions that can help. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and make it easier to live your life, while addressing any underlying causes. Combining therapy and medication can have a bigger impact on mood and quality of life.

Antidepressants can treat the root of your anxiety by increasing levels of chemicals in your brain that create a sense of calm. The most commonly used kind of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which prevent neurons in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, and increase its availability, allowing you to feel more calm. SSRIs include such drugs as Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil and Zoloft. Other antidepressants which can be used to treat anxiety include serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam), work quickly to ease anxiety symptoms by stimulating brain receptors and causing an calming effect. They are effective in combating anxiety, but they can be addictive if they are used for more than four weeks. They are not as effective over time, so they are generally not prescribed for long-term use.

Other antianxiety medicines like quetiapine, buspirone and clonidine decrease the amount of stress hormone in your body. They accomplish this by blocking receptors inside the brain. The most frequently reported side effects are drowsiness as well as dry mouth. People can also be afflicted by diarrhea, nausea constipation, nausea and sexual dysfunction while taking antidepressants or SSRIs.

Other antianxiety drugs such as melatonin or phenytoin act as sedatives, reducing the activity of specific brain neurons, which can reduce anxiety. Antihistamines can also be used to combat anxiety treatment center; killer deal,. They reduce the itching that is caused by allergies, and help you feel more comfortable.

Other types of medications that are used to reduce anxiety include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as moclobemide and Tetracycline. They are typically used when other treatments fail. Other prescription medicines that have been found to decrease anxiety in clinical trials are not specifically approved for this purpose, however they may be prescribed off-label by certain doctors.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with mental health professionals can help ease anxiety disorders. This can be a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker. In addition to addressing the root cause of the anxiety, the therapist can offer support and encouragement. The physical presence of the therapist is crucial for those suffering from anxiety; it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and conveys a sense of safety to the patient.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety. This method teaches you how to manage your anxiety and gradually return to activities you avoided due to anxiety. This involves exposure therapy, in which you gradually confront the situation or object that triggers anxiety, so that you learn to accept it and overcome your fears.

Psychotherapy can help you understand why you are anxious and how your imagination can exaggerate dangers that do not exist. The therapist also teaches you about the physiology of the body's natural "flight-or-fight" response and why it's not appropriate to trigger it by things that are typically harmless.

Therapy is usually conducted in sessions that last around an hour and patients are often given assignments to complete between sessions. It can take time to find the right therapy for you, and you may need to try several before finding someone you feel comfortable with.

Self-help techniques, such as breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and meditation can be an effective addition to psychotherapy. You can lower anxiety by getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and abstaining from caffeine and nicotine. You can also incorporate more laughter into your life since laughter can be a great stress-reducing agent. Finally, if you have an extreme anxiety attack that could compromise your safety or the safety of others, see your doctor for emergency anxiolytic treatment, usually with a benzodiazepine. This treatment for panic attacks and anxiety is not often needed, but can be extremely beneficial. The use of medication does not replace psychotherapy, but it can be beneficial in certain cases.

Lifestyle changes

There are a variety of lifestyle changes that, in addition to medication and psychotherapy, can aid those suffering from anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, ensuring enough sleep, and employing relaxation techniques can be helpful.

A regular exercise program can be a great stress reliever and has been proven to improve mood and self-reported anxiety symptoms. It can be a challenge to find an exercise program that is right for you, however even small amounts can be beneficial.

Regular, moderately-graded exercise was also found to be effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. While the mechanisms remain unknown, it is believed that exercise alters brain chemistry by modulating 5-HT Neurotransmitters in dorsal Raphe Nucleus and decreasing levels of cortisol.

The practice of acupuncture, massage therapy, and other CAM treatments has been shown to have some benefit in treating anxiety disorders. However, evidence is limited and often hampered by poor research methodology. While there are a few studies that show potential, the majority of these treatments do not provide the level of clinical proof required by doctors to suggest them as a viable option.

Furthermore, the connection between food and anxiety isn't simple. In fact, certain foods may actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms. For example high-fat and palatable foods promote the production of reactive oxygen species in the brain, which can create or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Dietary improvement, specifically the cutting down on nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, but more research is required, including assisted substance withdrawal programs and controlled prospective studies.

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

Herbal and dietary supplements

While herbal remedies and diet supplements have been extensively used for centuries in certain parts of the world for relieving anxiety symptoms, the effectiveness and safety of these natural remedies is only recently tested in rigorous clinical trials. Ashwagandha, an herb from Indian medicine's Ayurvedic tradition, is particularly effective at controlling stress and anxiety. Amino acid precursors l-tryptophan and L-lysine are also believed to reduce anxiety symptoms by altering neurotransmitters that play a role in the stress response.

Many people suffering from anxiety suffer from a wide variety of symptoms. The symptoms could range from a temporary sensation of anxiety attack treatment without medication or worry before menstrual cycle or surgery, to the more constant feelings of anxiety and unease which are a sign of more serious performance anxiety treatment disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic disorder) and social anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be debilitating, with symptoms like sweating, headaches, and trembling, and difficulty sleeping.

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy is a proven treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that teaches patients to recognize and respond to the thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety in a different manner. When combined with medication CBT can help treat anxiety and relieve symptoms such as depression and fatigue.

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. These fatty acids that are found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring, are identified to improve the health of the heart and also boost the health of the brain. Flaxseeds are also a great source of omega-3 fats.

It is important to keep in mind that herbal and dietary supplements aren't regulated by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs are, therefore there is a chance that some products may be contaminated with other substances or have adverse effects that could be dangerous. If you're considering using dietary supplements or herbs to manage anxiety, talk to your doctor before beginning any holistic treatment for anxiety plan so that they can advise you about possible interactions with other medications you may be taking, and offer recommendations for dosages.