Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety
People with anxiety are unable to control their reactions. Everyone is anxious and nervous at times. Psychotherapy can help, as do medications like beta blockers (used to lower blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.
Self-help strategies can also help ease symptoms. Exercise, for instance can help reduce stress and relax your 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 are the most commonly used medications used for anxiety. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters that influence mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first medications prescribed. SNRIs like venlafaxine, duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine) Elavil, Tofranil (imipramine), or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are also sometimes used to treat anxiety. They're fast-acting and very helpful in the short term, but they are addictive and should only be employed when other treatments fail to work. Typical benzodiazepines include Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam).
There are many different medications that can be used to treat anxiety however only licensed health care providers can prescribe these medications. They include psychologists and psychiatrists as also primary health care doctors, some OBGYNs, and a few psychiatric nurses. Nurse practitioners, family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses may also prescribe certain medication, but they must get special training in doing so.
Exercise and complementary therapies are a common method used by some people to help reduce anxiety. They can also discover relaxation methods to reduce stress such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. 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 such as 5-HTP or melatonin can aid in relieving anxiety. Talk to your doctor prior to taking supplements to treat anxiety or any other health condition. Supplements can be taken in conjunction with a complete therapy plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and supplements.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of many psychotherapeutic treatments for anxiety disorders that has been thoroughly researched and supported by empirical evidence. It focuses on the maladaptive thoughts or behaviors that cause anxiety to persist. Although different CBT protocols were developed for various anxiety disorders they all share common treatment goals and methods.
CBT begins by identifying dysfunctional thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. During sessions, the patients learn to recognize these negative beliefs and challenge. The therapist also helps patients identify and change avoidance behaviours. The therapist may ask patients to keep "thought journals" or diaries in between sessions, and to implement the behavioural strategies they have learned in everyday life.
The ultimate goal is to help patients become their own therapists, helping them understand their current patterns in thinking and behavior. This will allow them overcome unfounded fears and anxiety, as well as other negative emotions and be more resilient.
CBT methods involve the identification and correction of distortions in the patient's mind that lead to overgeneralization and catastrophizing. The therapist also assists the patient develop strategies to cope for anxiety-provoking situations. These techniques can be applied to all kinds of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".
Another aspect of CBT is exposure therapy. This involves exposing the patient to the object or situation that creates anxiety. This can be done by making up a scenario or imagining the subject or situation in real life. For example, a patient suffering from PTSD who is afraid of a particular location might be encouraged to visit the place where they were assaulted. A person suffering from social anxiety disorder, who is scared of public speaking, might be encouraged to give a speech before an audience.
Certain studies have demonstrated that combination strategies of pharmacotherapy and CBT can improve outcomes. These results are mixed, and further research is needed. Combining medications with CBT is usually more effective than either of them on its own. Combinations of benzodiazepines with CBT have been shown to be particularly effective for those suffering from 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 safe environment with a therapist. It can be difficult but the process can help you recognize that your fears are not justified and that you can accept your triggers. It can also improve your confidence in navigating life's challenges.
There are treatments for anxiety disorders I Am Psychiatry of exposure therapies, such as virtual reality, imaginal therapy and systematic desensitization. If you're nervous about speaking in public, your therapist could suggest that you practice with a friend or imagine yourself giving the speech. Then, you'll be able to gradually face the scenario in real life with the help of your therapy therapist's help. Your therapist will be monitoring your anxiety and panic levels during each session. They will adjust the level of exposure if necessary.
During the session, the therapist teaches you how to relax, cope with your emotions and then introduces you to triggers that make you feel scared. This may include meditation, a rhythmic breathing and guided images. They will also teach you ways to avoid engaging in behavior that leads to anxiety, for example, avoiding elevators. Exposure therapy is typically conducted in a series weekly sessions. Some people need more than two sessions to overcome the anxiety.
The first step is to identify the thing or event that triggers your anxiety, such as flying on a plane, or being with strangers. Your therapist will help you to decide on a method of exposure therapy that will suit your personality and needs. This could include using an orderly system to determine the order of exposures or a series of relaxation techniques prior to beginning.
In vivo exposure therapy is confronting the thing or situation that you're afraid of. It could be as easy as crossing an overpass or having someone touch your arm. This method can be employed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and specific phobias.
It can be challenging to squeeze in vivo exposure therapy between appointments. Therefore it is crucial to find a therapist who specializes in this form of cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. You can find a qualified specialist by checking your local psychological association or the mental health network. It's an excellent idea to look up reviews and ask relatives or friends for suggestions.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are a range of health treatments that are not typically considered part of Western medicine. They can help reduce anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines yoga, meditation, music therapy, and massage. They can also reduce depression symptoms by lowering the levels of stress hormones in your body.
A recent study found that mindfulness-based meditation programs were associated with slight improvements in anxiety symptoms. This method employs various meditation techniques to promote mindfulness or the ability of 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, those who have physical limitations may not be able to take part in meditative practices that involve movements.
Other treatments that can help ease anxiety include breathing exercise as well as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) biofeedback, self-hypnosis and hypnosis. These techniques can help you manage your anxiety by the focus on relaxing muscles, calming breathing, and visual imagery. These techniques can be employed at home or in a treatment environment. These techniques are often paired with other forms of therapy such a cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.
Regular exercise and eating balanced meals are two other ways to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels which is the hormone that triggers anxiety. A healthy diet can help you feel more relaxed and, in turn, lessen your anxiety.
Cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you how to evaluate your fears and determine the probability that they'll actually happen. You can employ strategies such as comparing your fears to past experiences by taking into consideration the pros and cons of an event, and determining whether it is reasonable to worry about something that could occur.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese technique, is utilized to alleviate stress. It is based upon an assessment of deficiencies or excesses in your energy (called qi) that are located in specific meridians. For example, a deficiency in the spleen or kidney meridians could cause anxiety. Acupuncture can improve anxiety symptoms when paired with psychotherapy and other CAM methods.