The Best Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Anxiety can trigger serious issues such as social isolation, depression and even physical illness. Medications, such as the antidepressant SSRIs and the sedative benzodiazepines, can help.
Talk therapy and exercise can also be beneficial. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will recommend a treatment program that may include psychotherapy as well as medication.
Psychotherapy
The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Psychologists and psychiatrists employ a variety of types of psychotherapy to treat anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is one type of psychotherapy that helps people face their fears in a secure environment. It may involve doing things that trigger anxiety, such as visiting a haunted home or giving a talk to strangers. As time passes, you'll be able to manage and overcome your anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different type of psychotherapy that helps patients learn skills to manage their anxiety. It can include teaching you relaxation techniques and ways to change your negative thinking patterns. It can assist you in identifying the triggers for anxiety and how to avoid them.
Anxiety disorders are also treated with medication. Antidepressants that fall under the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line medications for anxiety disorders. Examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). The more recent SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) are also good choices for treating anxiety. SNRIs are less prone to the risk of adverse effects than older SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants like mirtazapine and nefazodone, which act on the monoamines, are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders as well. Older antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibits (MAOIs) which boost the amount of neurotransmitters present in the body, can be employed to treat anxiety disorders. However they aren't as often prescribed due to their unpleasant side effects, including dryness of mouth as well as sedation and urinary hesitancy.
Beta blockers are heart medication which can alleviate anxiety or unease by decreasing the speed at which your heart beats and blood pressure goes up. They are typically not prescribed for long-term use, but are often prescribed on a need-to-know basis or in combination with other anxiety medication. Hydroxyzine (Atarax and Vistaril) is a widely used antihistamine that is also employed to treat anxiety.
If your doctor prescribes an anxiety medication, you must to follow the prescription. Your anxiety symptoms may return in the event that you stop taking your medication or miss doses. It is important to take your medications at the same time every day to give them a chance to be effective.
Medication
There are several kinds of drugs that doctors typically prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants are a common choice because they help regulate the levels of chemicals in your brain--also known as neurotransmitters--that influence mood and behavior. These medications can help improve your symptoms and decrease them over time. You may need to test several different drugs before finding the one that is right for you.
As first-line treatments, anxiety is usually treated with SSRIs, such as Zoloft and SNRIs such as Lexapro and Celexa. These medications are effective for a variety of people. These medicines are safe and effective, but they don't possess the addictive properties associated with benzodiazepines. These medicines can take four to six weeks before they begin working however they generally are well-tolerated and don't cause significant side effects.
Benzodiazepines are also used to treat anxiety. They are typically prescribed when other medication options aren't available or if a patient has an history of mental health issues. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety. They include diazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam. They are highly effective and provide immediate relief from anxiety. Cons: They can be extremely addictive and are designed to be used for short periods. They can cause drowsiness, sedation and muscle weakness.
Vistaril, the brand name for antihistamines hydroxyzine is also used to treat anxiety. This medication blocks certain histamines receptors in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and excessive activity. It doesn't have the same degree of efficacy as antidepressants, but it's inexpensive and doesn't cause sexual side effects.
MAOIs can be used to treat anxiety. These older medications increase neurotransmitters which regulate mood. They are usually taken at a low dosage and gradually increased to avoid adverse effects, which can be severe. They may interact with a variety of common medications, including SSRIs, birth control pills as well as pain relievers containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen and cold and allergy medications.
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from a chronic or serious mental illness. A psychiatrist can guide you through your options and determine the best treatment plan for your anxiety disorder, taking into account your medical history and preferences.
Support groups
Anxiety support groups are a great opportunity to connect with other people who share similar experiences. They can help you feel less lonely and could even encourage you to discover new ways to deal with anxiety. They're also a good resource to find resources for treatment. They shouldn't be used to replace professional treatment.
There are a variety of online anxiety support groups, and you can choose one that's right for you by determining what you need and preferences. Some groups are open to all, while others require a certain level of commitment. In addition, you will find groups that are specifically for certain anxiety disorders. I Am Psychiatry of these groups will be facilitated by professionals and others will be run by volunteers who have personal experiences with anxiety.
You can make posts or join discussions at any time all day or night on the forums of the online anxiety support groups. The forums are typically moderated and free to join. Some support groups are within your area, whereas others are offered worldwide.
Anxiety support groups can be an excellent resource for those who suffer from anxiety, but they shouldn't replace your therapy or medication. They can provide emotional support, information about treatments, and help you understand how to deal with. It's important to remember not to share too much information in an online support group. Be aware that anxiety isn't an easy problem and cannot be treated in a day.
Exercise, psychotherapy and medications are some of the best treatments for anxiety disorders. Each of these can help with different symptoms, and each person will have a unique combination of symptoms. It is essential to talk to an psychiatric or psychiatrist specialist if you suffer from anxiety, as they can determine the appropriate treatment for you.
SMART Recovery, an organization that offers addiction recovery services, also provides anxiety support groups. These groups are offered both in person and online, and focuses on gaining coping skills. These groups are ideal for those who have developed anxiety as a result of addiction, since they offer a safe outlet and help you to overcome addiction.
Family therapy
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating however they can be treated. A combination of psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve overall functioning. There are a variety of lifestyle changes that can help to alleviate anxiety, including regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and employing relaxation techniques. Psychotherapy can be carried out in person or via the internet, and it is important to choose a therapist who is comfortable working with families.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known treatment for anxiety, and it is effective for children as well. This type of therapy teaches children to recognize the irrational expectations and negative distortions present in their anxious thoughts and assists them in replacing them with rational, calm statements. CBT can help children learn exposure therapy, in which they are gradually exposed to things which trigger their anxiety. They will learn that their fears are not based on fact and can become less anxious.
Yoga, meditation, and other forms relaxation can help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is also crucial to eat healthy, sleep enough and engage in regular exercise. Avoiding drinking and using recreational drugs can help reduce anxiety. Certain people may benefit from joining a support group for anxiety, as it can give them the chance to share experiences and receive assistance from other people who suffer from similar issues.
The most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety disorders are SSRIs, SNRIs and TCAs. These drugs are available only through prescription and must be used according to the doctor's instructions. Before taking these medications it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and talk with a therapist.
Some people naturally tend to be anxious, and this can increase over time due to stressful events in their lives. When anxiety begins to affect your daily life, it is important to seek out help. There are a myriad of therapies that can assist you with anxiety. They include hypnotherapy and family therapy, as well as eye movement desensitization (EMDR) therapy.