How Anxiety is Treated
Every person experiences anxiety from time to time, often in response to stressful life events. But when these feelings become overwhelming and disrupt daily life, it may be an indication of anxiety disorder.
Mental health professionals can evaluate your symptoms and conduct tests to rule out any other ailments. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Medications
Everyone is anxious or nervous at times, but if these feelings are persistent and are affecting your daily life that you're unable to function, it may be time to talk with your mental health specialist about medications. Your physician will assist you to determine the best treatment for your anxiety and will also discuss other treatment options including psychotherapy, exercise and stress management techniques.
Antidepressants and anxiety-reducing medications are used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants increase the activity of certain chemicals in your brain that affect mood, like serotonin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. Other antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants are also approved to treat anxiety disorders. Other benzodiazepines increase the activity of receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA which can have a calming affect.
Anxiolytics can be found in two types: doses that you take on a regular basis and those you take only when anxiety is a worry. The first may take some time to work however, they generally eliminate or reduce the symptoms. As-needed medications work faster and can be completed in less than 20 minutes. However, they can only enhance anxiety in the time that the medication is in your system.
Although medications are an important part of your treatment, they cannot alleviate anxiety. Your clinician will discuss other ways to treat symptoms, such as psychotherapy (talk-therapy) as well as exercise and stress management, as well as self help strategies, such breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation and biofeedback. Many people who suffer from anxiety and phobias respond to cognitive behavior therapy, also known as CBT, which helps you to recognize the thoughts that trigger your anxiety and learn to control them. Other treatments include eye-movement desensitization, Reprocessing or EMDR. This helps people overcome trauma, anxiety and depression. Some people are benefited by acupuncture, which involves placing needles at specific locations on the body to ease tension and pain.
Counseling
Counseling (or psychotherapy) is designed to teach you better strategies to think and deal with anxiety. It helps you to identify your triggers, and uncover the root causes. Research-backed treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy, and interpersonal therapy are effective in treating anxiety. These treatments can be combined with a pharmacotherapy regimen.
Anxiety can be crippling However, it's important to be aware that you're not the only one. Anxiety affects more than 40 million people in the US. The fear and nervousness that anxiety causes can create problems in all aspects of your life. There are a variety of mental health professionals that can assist. They include psychologists, counselors, and social workers. The WithTherapy platform can connect you with a therapist who's matched to your preferences and needs.
Many people who suffer from anxiety suffer from symptoms such as dread, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. Often, these feelings are triggered by particular events or situations. Counselling can help you to recognize these triggers and how to manage them so that you feel better.
Cognitive and behavioral treatments have been proven to be more effective than medications for anxiety management, and the effects of therapy may last for months or even years after treatment is finished. Psychotherapy, unlike medication, helps you overcome your anxiety.
Aside from understanding the triggers of anxiety, therapy can provide a safe space for you to discuss your feelings with someone who is going through the same struggles as you. Talking with a therapist can help you overcome common anxiety symptoms like worrying, ruminating, experiencing negative or depressing feelings and worry.
Some people seek relief using herbal remedies and supplements, in addition to psychotherapy. But it's important to be aware that these alternatives aren't regulated by FDA in the same way prescription drugs are, and may cause dangerous adverse effects. Before you begin taking herbal remedies or supplements, consult with your doctor. You can also join a group for those suffering from anxiety to find others who can relate to your own experiences.
Strategies for self-help
Anxiety goes beyond a feeling it can trigger physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating and nausea. There are medical conditions that could cause anxiety, but most times, it's caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet or exercise routine, as well as sleep issues. Self-management techniques can help control these symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Relaxation exercises avoidance of caffeine and nicotine as well as sleeping more and implementing effective stress-management techniques are all options. Regular exercise is also recommended to increase serotonin levels. This can help to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Self-help strategies are often more effective than medication for managing anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most effective treatments. It helps patients recognize and alter their negative thinking patterns. Another treatment is exposure therapy, which helps individuals confront things or people that trigger anxiety by gradually increasing their contact with them. This can be done using imagination or by actually entering the situation that is feared. Exposure therapy can be used alone or as part of CBT.
Some individuals with anxiety find it beneficial to keep a log of their symptoms. This will help you monitor the severity and frequency of symptoms, and their impact on your daily activities and relationships. A journal can help someone determine the causes of anxiety, as well as the triggers and stressors. Additionally, one can join an anxiety support group to connect with others with anxiety and discuss their experiences.
Other treatments for anxiety include psychotherapy and other forms of counseling. A psychiatrist is a physician specializing in mental health. They can prescribe medication. A psychologist or any other qualified mental health professional may provide psychotherapy, which involves discussing your concerns and devising strategies for coping. The most common form of treatment for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT which is a type of psychotherapy that has been proven to be effective in clinical studies.
Psychotherapy
The use of medications to treat anxiety is helpful, but therapy gives people the ability to regain emotional and physical control when worry takes over. Clinical studies conducted in random fashion show that psychotherapy reduces anxiety symptoms more effectively than medication, and the results last well beyond the treatment sessions.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular method of psychotherapy that is used to treat anxiety. In CBT, patients learn strategies to manage anxiety by identifying and examining negative thoughts that contribute to their anxiety. They then replace these thoughts with realistic, calming ones. Patients can also learn various ways to cope that can reduce symptoms, like mindfulness and relaxation.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a different form of psychotherapy that can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety. It teaches people how to manage their anxieties and not evade them. This type of therapy encourages patients to experiment with new things and gradually confront their fears until they can handle them without issues. Other coping techniques include eye movement desensitization therapy (EMDR), a technique that makes use of repetitive eye movements back and forth to change negative emotions to memories causing anxiety.
Techniques for stress reduction and exercise are a part of psychotherapy for anxiety. Regular exercise can help maintain the heart rate and blood pressure at a healthy level, which can in turn aid in reducing anxiety symptoms. overcoming anxiety balanced diet that is low in sugar levels and caffeine limits can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms.
The best psychotherapists for anxiety will be in a position to communicate with you in a manner that helps you feel comfortable opening up and sharing your thoughts. However, the process of finding a good therapist may take some time, and it's not uncommon for people to visit several therapists before settling on a good match. To get the most benefit from therapy requires patience, commitment and open communication with your therapy therapist.