Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety
Everyone is worried and anxious at times, but those with anxiety have a hard to control their reactions. Psychotherapy and medication like beta blockers, which are used to reduce blood pressure, and benzodiazepines can aid in managing.
Self-help strategies can also ease symptoms. Exercise, for example helps reduce stress and relax your body.
Medication
If changes in your lifestyle or psychotherapy do not help your anxiety, medication could be a viable option. Anxiety medications help to suppress fears and trigger the body's fight or flight response. Antidepressants are the most common drugs used to treat anxiety. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters which affect mood. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are usually the first medications prescribed. SNRIs like venlafaxine, duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants such as Tofranil (imipramine) Elavil or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.
The benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat anxiety. They're quick-acting and are very helpful in the short term however they are also addictive and should only be used when other treatments don't work. Benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat anxiety, however only licensed health professionals are able to prescribe them. These providers can include psychologists, psychiatrists primary care physicians, and some OB-GYNs. Nurse practitioners, family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses may also prescribe certain medications, but they have to get special training in doing so.
Certain people utilize alternative therapies, like exercise, to reduce anxiety. They can also find methods to relax and relieve stress, such as 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.
Additionally natural supplements like 5-HTP and melatonin may help to ease anxiety. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements to treat anxiety or for any other reason. Supplements can be used in conjunction with a comprehensive therapy plan that includes lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and supplements.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most extensively studied and empirically validated psychotherapeutic methods for anxiety disorders. It targets the maladaptive behavior and thoughts that cause anxiety over time. Although several individual CBT protocols have been developed for various anxiety disorders, they all share some common goals for treatment and techniques.
The first step in CBT is to identify dysfunctional thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. In sessions, patients are taught to recognize these negative beliefs and then challenge. The therapist also helps patients identify and alter avoidance behaviours. The therapist will ask patients to keep diaries or "thought records" outside of sessions and to apply the strategies they've learned in their everyday life.
In the end, the goal is to teach patients to become their own therapists through helping them understand their patterns of thinking and behavior. This will help patients overcome fears that are unfounded and anxieties, decrease their anxiety levels and other negative emotions and be more resilient.
CBT methods involve the identification and correction of distortions in the patient's thinking, such as overgeneralizing and catastrophizing. The therapist also assists the patient develop strategies for coping for anxiety-provoking situations. These techniques can be used to treat any type of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".
Another element of CBT is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves exposing the patient's anxious subject or event. This can be done by creating a mental picture or confronting the object or scenario in real life. For example, a patient suffering from PTSD who is afraid of a particular location might be encouraged to visit the place in which they were assaulted. A person with social anxiety disorder, who is scared of public speaking, might be encouraged to give a speech before an audience.
Some studies have shown that combining CBT with pharmacotherapy can improve outcomes. However, these results are not conclusive and more research is needed. In general, mixing medications with CBT is more effective than each by itself. Combinations of benzodiazepines and CBT have been shown to be particularly effective for people with panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Therapy for exposure
Exposure therapy is among the most effective methods for treating anxiety. It allows you to confront things you are afraid of in a secure setting with an expert. The process might sound daunting, but it can help you learn that your fears aren't based on fact and that you can tolerate the discomfort caused by your triggers. herbal treatment for anxiety can also improve your confidence in dealing with life's challenges.
There are many different kinds of exposure therapy. These include virtual reality, imaginal and systematic desensitization. For example, if you're scared of speaking in public your therapist might suggest you to imagine yourself speaking or to practice with an acquaintance. Then, you can gradually confront the situation in real life with your therapist's support. In each session your therapist will be able to see whether you're feeling anxious or panicked and adjust the level of exposure depending on the needs.
During a session the therapist will show you how to calm down and deal with your emotions before giving you a brief overview of the triggers that create anxiety. This may include techniques such as meditation, breathing with rhythm and guided imagery. They can also teach strategies to avoid engaging in the behavior that triggers anxiety, for example, avoiding elevators. Exposure therapy is usually done in a series weekly sessions. Some people require more than two sessions to overcome the fear.
The first step is to determine the situation or object that causes anxiety, such as flying on a plane, or being with strangers. Your therapist will help you choose the best exposure therapy method that fits your preferences and personality. This could involve using a hierarchical system to determine the order in which exposures are performed or a series of relaxation techniques prior to starting.
In vivo exposure therapy involves directly facing the thing or situation you're fearful of. It could be as easy as walking across a bridge or having someone touch your arm. This method is often employed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and specific phobias.
In-vivo exposure therapy can be difficult to integrate within your schedule between appointments, which is why it is essential to find a therapist that is skilled in this kind of cognitive behavioral therapy. You can locate a certified specialist through your local psychology association or mental network. You can also read reviews and ask family and friends for suggestions.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies encompass a variety of health treatments that are not traditionally considered part of Western medicine. They can help reduce anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encourage an active lifestyle. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines, meditation, Yoga massage, music therapy and yoga. They can also help reduce depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones within your body.
A recent study revealed that mindfulness-based meditation programs are associated with moderate improvement in anxiety-related symptoms. This approach uses different techniques of meditation to improve mindfulness or being present in the moment and getting rid of negative thoughts and feelings. This type of meditation can be performed by almost anyone, and it doesn't require special equipment or training. People with physical limitations might not be able participate in meditation that requires movement.
Other therapies that can relieve anxiety include breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and hypnosis. These techniques help you control anxiety by using relaxation exercises, calming breathing techniques and visual imagery. They can be used at home or in a therapeutic setting. These techniques are typically used in combination with other forms of therapy, including exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Regular exercise and eating balanced meals are another way to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels which are hormones that contribute to anxiety. A healthy diet can make you feel more energetic which can lessen your anxiety.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. It teaches you to recognize and overcome negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you to evaluate your fears and determine the probability that they will actually occur. You can use strategies like comparing your fears with past experiences, weighing out the advantages and disadvantages of an event, and determining if it's reasonable to be worried about a possibility that might occur.
Acupuncture is an old Chinese technique that can be used to help with anxiety. It is based on an evaluation of the excesses and deficiencies in your energy, also known as Qi, which is located in specific meridians. For instance, a deficiency in the kidney or spleen meridians can cause anxiety. Certain studies suggest that acupuncture can reduce anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy and other CAM techniques.