Treating Anxiety

The treatment of anxiety usually involves psychological counseling, which includes psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people recognize the destructive thoughts that lead to anxiety and troubling feelings.

The use of medication can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety such as a fast heartbeat or shaking. Patients should work closely with their physician to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for them.

Medicines

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it can prevent us from sleeping well However, there are solutions that can aid. The use of medication can reduce anxiety symptoms and make life easier while addressing the underlying causes. A combination of medications and therapy can be even more effective on your mood and enhance your overall quality of life.

Antidepressants relieve anxiety by increasing the amount of chemicals that help you calm down in your brain. The most common kind of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that stop neurons in the brain from absorbing serotonin and boost the amount available, making it easier to feel more relaxed. These are medications such as Celexa Lexapro Paxil and Zoloft. Other antidepressants which may also be used for anxiety are serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are used quickly to ease anxiety symptoms by acting on the brain's receptors to create a calming effect. They are effective in treating anxiety however, they can be addictive if they are used for more than four weeks. They also do not do well when taken over a period of time.

Other antianxiety medicines like buspirone, quetiapine and clonidine reduce the amount of stress hormone cortisol in your body by blocking receptors in the brain. The most frequent side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. Antidepressants and SSRIs can cause constipation, nausea, diarrhea and sexual dysfunction in a few people.

Other antianxiety drugs such as phenytoin and melatonin work as sedatives, reducing the activity of specific brain neurons, which can reduce anxiety. Antihistamines can also be used to treat anxiety, by reducing the itchiness caused by allergies and causing you to feel more relaxed.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as tetracycline and moclobemide, are also used to reduce anxiety. These are usually prescribed after other treatments have failed. Some doctors are able to prescribe prescription medications off-label that have been shown to decrease anxiety during clinical trials, but are not licensed.

Psychotherapy

Anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy, or through talk therapy with a mental health professional. This can be a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker. The therapist can also provide support and encouragement, in addition to addressing the underlying causes of anxiety. The presence of the therapist's physical presence is crucial for those suffering from anxiety. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which gives them a sense of safety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatmesychotherapy, but can be beneficial in certain situations.

Lifestyle changes

Alongside psychotherapy and medication in addition, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that could assist people suffering from anxiety disorders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol and getting enough sleep and implementing relaxation techniques can be beneficial.

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

Regular, moderately-graded exercise has also been proven to be effective in treating depression and has been associated with an increased remission rate of anxiety disorders. Although the mechanisms behind this are unclear, it is believed that exercise influences the brain's chemical chemistry by altering 5-HT neurotransmitters within the dorsal raphe Nucleus and decreasing circulating levels of the cortisol stress hormone.

It has been proven that acupuncture, massage and other CAM therapies can be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. However, evidence is scarce and often hampered by poor research methodology. While there are a few studies that show promising results, the majority of these modalities don't have the level of clinical proof needed for doctors to recommend them as a treatment alternative.

Furthermore, the connection between food and anxiety isn't simple. In reality, certain foods can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. For instance, highly palatable and fatty foods increase the production of reactive oxygen species in the brain, which can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms. Dietary improvement, particularly restriction of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, has been proven to help reduce anxiety, however more research is needed, including programs to help with withdrawal from substances and controlled prospective studies.

Other dietary supplements such as omega-3 fish oil have been shown to be useful in helping to reduce anxiety. The reason is unclear however, researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines. They also increase the effectiveness of antidepressants in lowering anxiety symptoms. Other dietary changes can reduce anxiety treatment plan, including increasing the quantity and variety of vegetables and fruits and incorporating more whole grains and avoiding all processed foods.

Herbal and nutritional supplements

Although herbal remedies and dietary supplements have been used for centuries in some parts of the world to relieve anxiety-related symptoms, the effectiveness and security of these natural products has only recently been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. The dietary supplement ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant from the Ayurvedic tradition of Indian medicine, has been found to be particularly effective in managing anxiety and stress. The amino acid precursors l-tryptophan as well as l-lysine may also reduce anxiety symptoms through influencing neurotransmitters that play a role in the stress response.

People who suffer from anxiety experience a range of symptoms, from the transient feeling of nervousness or worry that is experienced before menstrual surgery or surgery to the pervasive feelings of unease and tension that characterize more serious forms of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobias and panic disorder. Anxiety can be debilitating, with symptoms such as sweating, headaches, trembling and sleeplessness.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy is a proven treatment for anxiety attack treatment disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that teaches patients to identify and respond to thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety in a different manner. In combination with medications this method can aid in treating anxiety and relieve symptoms such as depression and fatigue.

A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids may aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. These fatty acid that are found in fish like mackerel, salmon and herring, have been recognized to improve heart health, but may also improve the brain. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseeds, walnuts and chia seeds.

It is important to keep in mind that herbal and dietary supplements are not controlled by the FDA in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs. This means that there is a possibility that some products could be contaminated or produce harmful side effects. If you are considering taking supplements or herbs to manage anxiety, consult your doctor prior to beginning any treatment plan so that they can advise you about possible interactions with other medications you might be taking, and offer recommendations for dosages.