Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety
Everyone is worried and anxious at times, but those who suffer from anxiety have a difficult managing their reactions. Psychotherapy can help, as does medication like beta blockers (used to lower blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.
Self-help strategies can help ease symptoms. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and relaxes your body.
Medication
If psychotherapy or lifestyle changes aren't working medications could be a good alternative. Anxiety medication reduces fears and triggers the fight or flight response within the body. Antidepressants, the most popular medication used to treat anxiety, are antidepressants. They work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters that affect mood. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first prescription medications prescribed. SNRIs like venlafaxine, duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine) Elavil or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.
The benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat anxiety. They're fast-acting and very helpful in the short-term however they are also addictive and should only be used when other treatments don't 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 professionals are able to prescribe these medications. These doctors include psychiatrists, psychologists doctors of primary care and OBGYNs. They must also receive special training to prescribe medication.
Exercise and complementary therapies are utilized by some people to lessen anxiety. There are also ways to relax and reduce stress, including 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 such as 5-HTP or melatonin may aid in easing anxiety. However, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements to treat anxiety or for any other reason. Using supplements in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates psychotherapy and lifestyle changes will maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most studied and empirically validated psychotherapeutic methods for treating anxiety disorders. anxiety treatment for dogs and thoughts that cause anxiety over time. Despite the fact that various CBT protocols were designed for different anxiety disorders they all share common goals and strategies for treatment.
CBT starts by identifying dysfunctional thoughts that cause anxiety. In sessions, patients learn to recognize these negative beliefs and challenge. The therapist may also assist patients identify and alter avoidance behavior. The therapist may ask patients to keep "thought journals" or diaries in between sessions, and to implement the strategies for behavioural change they have learned in everyday life.
The goal is to eventually help patients become their own therapists, aiding them in understanding their current patterns in thinking and behavior. This will allow patients overcome fears that are unfounded and anxieties, decrease their anxiety levels and other negative emotions and become more resilient.
CBT techniques include identifying and changing mental distortions that affect the patient that lead to overgeneralization, catastrophizing, and minimizing positive events. The therapist can also help the patient develop strategies for coping for anxiety-provoking situations. These techniques can be utilized to treat all types of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called "cognitive-behavioral therapy".
Exposure therapy is another element of CBT. Exposure therapy involves exposing the patient's anxiety-inducing object or circumstance. This could be done by visualizing the object or scenario or directly confronting it in real life. For instance, a patient with PTSD who is scared of a certain area could be urged to visit the spot where they were assaulted. A person suffering from social anxiety disorder, who is scared of speaking in public, could be encouraged to make a speech before the group.
Some studies have shown that combining CBT and pharmaceutical therapy can improve outcomes. These results are not conclusive, and more research is needed. Combining medication with CBT is generally more effective than one alone. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have been proven to be particularly effective in people with generalized anxiety or panic disorder.
Therapy for exposure
Exposure therapy is among the most effective ways for treating anxiety. It allows you to confront things you are afraid of in a secure setting with a therapist. It may seem difficult but it can help you recognize that your fears aren't justifiable and that you are able to be able to accept the triggers. It will also boost your confidence in facing the challenges of life.
There are several different types of exposure therapy, such as virtual reality, imaginal therapy and systematic desensitization. For instance, if 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 therapy therapist's help. Your therapist will keep track of your anxiety and fear during each session. They will adjust the intensity of exposure if necessary.
During the course of a session your therapist will show you to relax and cope with your emotions before explaining the triggers that create fear. This can include techniques like meditation, breathing with rhythm and guided imagery. They will also provide strategies to avoid engaging the behaviors that cause anxiety, for example, avoidance of elevators. Exposure therapy is usually conducted in a series weekly sessions. Some people need more than two sessions to overcome their fear.
The first step is to determine what triggers your anxiety. For instance, being on a flight or being with strangers. Your therapist can help you choose an exposure therapy approach that is suited to your personality and needs. This could involve establishing an order of exposure to determine the sequence of exposures or practicing relaxation techniques before starting.
In vivo therapy involves facing the thing or event you are scared of. It could be as easy as crossing a bridge or having someone else reach out to you. This method can be used to treat specific phobias and posttraumatic stress disorder.
In vivo exposure therapy can be difficult to incorporate in your schedule between appointments, so it is important to find a therapist that specializes in this type of cognitive therapy for behavioral. You can search for an experienced specialist by searching your local psychology association or mental health network. It's an excellent idea to read reviews and ask relatives or friends for suggestions.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies include a range of health treatments that aren't typically thought of as part of Western medicine. They can aid in reducing anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines, meditation, Yoga massage, music therapy, and yoga. They can also help alleviate symptoms of depression by lowering levels of stress hormones within your body.
A recent study revealed that mindfulness-based meditation programs are associated with moderate improvements in anxiety-related symptoms. This approach employs various types of meditation to increase mindfulness, or the ability to focus on the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and feelings. This type of meditation can be done by almost anyone, and does not require special equipment or any special training. However, those with physical limitations may not be able in meditation that requires movements.
Other therapies that can be used to ease anxiety include breathing exercises as well as progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and self-hypnosis. These techniques can help you manage anxiety by focussing on relaxing muscles breathing techniques, relaxing breathing, and visual imagery. They can be practiced at home or in a treatment setting. These techniques are typically employed in conjunction with other types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.
Regular exercise and eating balanced meals are two more ways to lessen anxiety. Regular exercise can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels, which is an important hormone that causes anxiety. A healthy diet can help you feel more relaxed and, in turn, decrease your feelings of anxiety.
Cognitive behavior therapy is among the most effective anxiety treatments. It helps you recognize and confront negative thoughts that cause anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you to evaluate your fears and determine the probability that they will actually occur. You can use strategies such as looking at your fears in relation to previous experiences as well as taking into consideration the pros and cons of the situation, and determining whether it is realistic to worry about something that could happen.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique, can be used to relieve stress. It is based on an assessment of the excesses and deficiencies in your energy, also known as Qi, that is found in specific meridians. For instance, a lack of qi in the kidney or spleen meridians could cause anxiety. Acupuncture can improve anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy and other CAM techniques.