Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety
People with anxiety are unable to manage their reactions. Everyone is worried and scared at times. Psychotherapy and medication like beta blockers, which are used to control blood pressure, and benzodiazepines may help.
Self-help strategies can also aid in easing symptoms. For example, exercise helps reduce stress and relaxes the body.
Medication
If changes to your lifestyle or psychotherapy don't help your anxiety then medication could be a viable option. Anxiety medications can help reduce anxiety signals and the body's fight or flight response. Antidepressants, the most common medication used to treat anxiety are antidepressants. They increase levels of certain neurotransmitters which affect mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first prescription medications prescribed. SNRIs like venlafaxine, duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine) Elavil or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are also used to combat anxiety. They are quick-acting, and can be helpful in the short-term. However, they are addictive. Typical benzodiazepines include Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam).
Only licensed health specialists can prescribe medication to treat anxiety. These providers include psychologists and psychiatrists as well as primary care physicians, OB/GYNs, and some psychiatrist nurses. Nurse practitioners, family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses can also prescribe certain medication, but they must receive special training to do this.
Exercise and complementary therapies are a common method used by some people to help reduce anxiety. There are also ways to relax and reduce stress, like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Biofeedback can be another beneficial technique, in which a therapist monitors your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and teaches you how to control them at will.
Finally, natural supplements like 5-HTP or melatonin may aid in easing anxiety. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplement for anxiety or any other reason. Utilizing supplements in conjunction with a complete treatment plan that includes lifestyle and psychotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of many psychotherapeutic techniques for anxiety disorders that has been extensively studied and backed by empirical evidence. It targets the maladaptive thoughts or behaviors that create anxiety. Despite the fact that different CBT protocols were developed for different anxiety disorders, they all have common goals and strategies for treatment.
The first step in CBT is to identify the thoughts that are not working and cause anxiety. In sessions, patients are taught to recognize the negative beliefs they hold and challenge. The therapist can also help patients identify and alter avoidance behavior. The therapist may ask patients to keep journals or "thought notes" outside of sessions and to practice the strategies they've learned in their everyday life.
The aim is to eventually teach patients how to be their own therapists, by aiding them in understanding their current patterns in thinking and behavior. This will enable them to eliminate unfounded fears, reduce their anxiety as well as other negative emotions, and improve their resilience.
treating anxiety disorders involve identifying and changing mental distortions that affect the patient that lead to overgeneralization or catastrophizing, as well as minimizing positive events. The therapist also assists the patient develop strategies for coping to deal with anxiety-inducing situations. These techniques can be employed to treat all kinds of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".
Another component of CBT is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves exposing the patient's anxiety-inducing object or circumstance. This can be done by imagining or confronting the situation or object in real life. A patient with PTSD who is afraid of a particular location, could be urged by their physician to visit the site where they were assaulted. Alternatively, a person with social anxiety disorder who fears public speaking could be encouraged to deliver a speech front of the group.
Some studies have proven that the combination of CBT and pharmacotherapy improve outcomes. These results are mixed, and more research is needed. In general, combining medications with CBT is more effective than each by itself. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have proven to be especially effective in those suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or generalized disorder.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is among the most effective methods to treat anxiety. It helps you confront things you are afraid of in a secure setting with an expert. It may sound like a daunting process but it will help you learn that your fears are not based on reality and that you are able to accept the discomfort of your triggers. It can also increase your confidence in facing the challenges of life.
There are several different types of exposure therapy, such as imaginal, virtual reality, and systematic desensitization. For instance, if scared of speaking in public your therapist might suggest you to imagine yourself speaking or to practice with a friend. You can then gradually face the situation with your therapist's support. Your therapist will monitor your anxiety and panic during each session. They will adjust the amount of exposure if needed.
During the session, the therapist teaches you how to relax, manage your emotions, and then introduces you triggers that make you feel fearful. This may include mindfulness, breathing rhythms, and guided images. They will also provide strategies to avoid engaging the behavior that triggers anxiety, for example, being cautious about elevators. Exposure therapy is typically conducted over a number of weekly sessions. some individuals require more than two or three sessions to overcome their fear.
The first step is to identify the situation or object that causes anxiety, such as flying on a plane, or being with strangers. Your therapist will then help you choose a method of exposure therapy that will suit your needs and personality. This could involve establishing a hierarchy to determine the order of exposures or a relaxation practice prior to beginning.
In vivo therapy requires you to confront the situation or thing that you are scared of. It could be as easy as walking across a bridge or touching your arm. This method can be used to treat certain fears and posttraumatic stress disorder.
In-vivo exposure therapy can be difficult to integrate into your schedule between appointments, which is why it is important to find a therapist who is skilled in this kind of cognitive therapy for behavioral. You can locate a certified specialist through your local psychology group or mental network. You can also read reviews or ask your family and friends for suggestions.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are a wide range of healthcare treatments not considered to be part of Western medicine. They can reduce anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encourage an active lifestyle. These treatments could include acupuncture, herbal therapy, meditation, yoga, music therapy, and massage. They can also aid in relieving depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones in your body.
A recent study has found that mindfulness-based meditation programs were linked with moderate improvements in anxiety symptoms. This approach uses different meditation techniques to promote mindfulness or being present in the moment while letting go of negative thoughts and feelings. This kind of meditation is suitable for everyone and doesn't require any special equipment or knowledge. However, people with physical limitations might not be able to participate in meditative practices that involve moving.
Other therapies that can help ease anxiety include breathing exercises as well as progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and self-hypnosis. These techniques teach you to control your anxiety by focusing on relaxing muscles breathing techniques, relaxing breaths, and visual imagery. They can be used at home or in a therapy setting. These techniques are often paired with other forms therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.
Another way to relieve anxiety is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Regular exercise can reduce your blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol level, which is the hormone that triggers anxiety. A healthy diet can make you feel more energized which can reduce anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most effective anxiety treatments. It helps you identify and confront negative thoughts that cause anxiety. Your therapist will teach you how to evaluate fears and determine their likelihood of occurring. You can employ strategies such as comparing your fears to past experiences, considering the advantages and disadvantages of an event, and determining if it is reasonable to worry about something that might happen.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that can be employed to treat anxiety. It is based on an assessment of the excesses and deficiencies in your energy, also known as Qi, which is located in specific meridians. For instance, a lack of qi in the kidney or spleen meridians can trigger anxiety. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help alleviate anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy and other CAM approaches.