Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety

Everyone worries and feels fearful at times, but those with anxiety have a hard managing their reactions. Psychotherapy can help, as can medication like beta blockers (used to treat blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.

Self-help strategies can aid in easing symptoms. Exercise, for example, helps to reduce stress and relaxes your body.

Medication

If psychotherapy or lifestyle changes aren't working then medication could be a good option. Anxiety medications reduce fear signals and the fight or flight response in the body. Antidepressants, the most common medication used to treat anxiety, are antidepressants. They function by enhancing levels of certain neurotransmitters that influence mood. SSRIs like citalopram (citalopram), escitalopram (escitalopram), sertraline (prozac) and citalopram (escitalopram) are typically the first drugs 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 quick-acting and can be helpful in the short-term. However, they are addictive. Benzodiazepines are often used to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Only licensed health specialists can prescribe medication to treat anxiety. They include psychiatrists and psychologists as along with primary care physicians, OB/GYNs, and some psychiatric nurses. Nurse practitioners, family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses are also able to prescribe certain medications, but they have to get special training in doing this.

Exercise and complementary therapies are utilized by some people to reduce anxiety. There are also relaxation techniques to reduce stress, like 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 treat anxiety after surgery (click through the following post) to control them at will.

Additionally best natural treatment for anxiety supplements such as 5-HTP and melatonin may help ease anxiety. Consult your physician before taking supplements for anxiety or any other health condition. Supplements can be utilized as part of a comprehensive therapy plan that includes lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and supplements.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of many psychotherapeutic techniques for anxiety disorders that has been thoroughly studied and supported by empirical evidence. It focuses on the maladaptive thoughts or behaviors that cause anxiety to persist. Although several individual CBT protocols have been developed for different anxiety disorders, they share some common goals for treatment and techniques.

CBT begins by identifying dysfunctional thoughts that cause anxiety. In the course of therapy, patients learn to recognize these negative beliefs and then challenge. The therapist can also help patients identify and change avoidance behaviours. The therapist may ask patients to keep diaries or "thought records" outside of sessions and to apply the strategies they've learned in their daily life.

The ultimate goal is to help patients become their own therapists, aiding them in understanding their current patterns of thinking and behavior. This will help them overcome unfounded fears, reduce their anxiety and other negative emotions, and become more resilient.

CBT techniques include identifying and reversing the way that the patient thinks which include overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, and minimizing positive events. Therapists also aid the patient in developing coping skills for stressful situations. These techniques can be applied to 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. This involves exposure therapy, which involves exposing the patient to the situation or object that causes them anxiety. This can be done by creating a mental picture or confronting the object or scenario in real life. For instance, a person suffering from PTSD who fears a specific location might be encouraged to visit the spot where they were abused. Alternatively, a person with social anxiety disorder who is scared of public speaking could be encouraged to give a speech in front of the group.

Certain studies have demonstrated that combining CBT with pharmacotherapy can improve outcomes. The results are mixed and more research is needed. Combining medications with CBT is usually more effective than either alone. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have proven to be particularly effective for patients suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or generalized disorder.

Exposure therapy

One of the most effective treatments for anxiety is exposure therapy, which can help you confront the things that make you anxious in a secure setting with a therapist. The process might sound daunting but it will help you understand that your fears aren't based on fact and that you are able to accept the discomfort that triggers you. It can also increase your confidence to take on life's challenges.

There are many different types of exposure therapies, such as virtual reality, imaginal therapy and systematic desensitization. For instance, if you're afraid of public speaking, your therapist might encourage you to imagine yourself speaking or to practice with a friend. Then, you can gradually confront the situation in real life with your therapist's support. Your therapist will be monitoring your anxiety and panic during each session. They will adjust the amount of exposure if necessary.

During the session, the therapist teaches you how to relax, cope with your emotions and then introduces you triggers that can make you feel scared. This could include mindfulness, breathing rhythms, and guided images. They will also teach you strategies to avoid engaging in the behaviors that cause anxiety, like avoidance of elevators. Exposure therapy is usually conducted in a series of weekly sessions. However, some individuals require more than two or three sessions to overcome their fears.

The first step is to pinpoint the object or situation that triggers your anxiety, such as flying on a plane, or being with strangers. Your therapist will then help you choose the method of exposure therapy that fits your personality and needs. This could involve establishing a hierarchy to determine the sequence of exposures or a relaxation practice prior to beginning.

In vivo therapy is the process of confronting the thing or situation you are afraid of. It could be as easy as walking across an overpass or having someone touch your arm. This method can be used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder as well as specific fears.

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 specialized in this type of cognitive therapy for behavioral. You can find a certified specialist by contacting your local psychological association or mental health network. You can also read reviews or ask your family and friends for suggestions.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies include a range of treatments for health that aren't typically thought of as part of Western medicine. They can reduce anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and promoting a healthy lifestyle. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines, meditation, yoga, music therapy, and massage. They can also help reduce depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones within your body.

A recent study has found that mindfulness-based meditation programs are associated with slight improvements in anxiety-related 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 type of meditation is suitable for nearly anyone and does not require any special equipment or instruction. People with physical limitations might not be able to take part in meditation that requires movement.

Other therapies that can help relieve anxiety include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis and self-hypnosis. These techniques teach you to control anxiety by focussing on relaxing muscles breathing, calm breaths, and visual imagery. These techniques can be utilized at home or within a treatment environment. These methods are often combined with other forms therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.

Another way to relieve anxiety is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels, which is a hormone that contributes to anxiety. A healthy diet will increase your energy levels and can help reduce your anxiety.

Cognitive behavior therapy is an effective alternative treatment for depression and anxiety for anxiety. It teaches you how to identify and combat negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. Your therapist will demonstrate how to assess fears and determine their probability of occurring. You can employ strategies such as comparing your fears to past experiences by weighing the pros and cons of an event, and determining if it is reasonable to worry about something that might occur.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique that is employed to alleviate anxiety. It is based on a study 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 spleen or kidney meridians can cause anxiety. Certain studies suggest that acupuncture could reduce anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy or other CAM techniques.