anxiety-treatment

How Anxiety is TreatedEveryone experiences anxiety at times, often in response to stressful life events. If these feelings become overwhelming and disrupt your everyday life, it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder.A mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms and conduct tests to rule out other issues. Psychotherapy and medication are available as treatment options.MedicinesEveryone experiences anxiety and worry at times But if they’re persistent or interfere with your day-to-day life to the point that you cannot function properly, it’s time to speak to your mental health professional about medication. If you have anxiety, your clinician will help you find the best medication for you. They’ll also discuss other treatments that can be beneficial, like psychotherapy, exercise and stress management strategies.Antidepressants and medications for anxiety reduction are used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants increase the activity of certain chemicals in your brain that affect your mood, such as 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 for treating anxiety disorders . Other benzodiazepines enhance the activity of receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA that has a calming affect.Anxiolytics can be found in two forms: regular doses you take on a regular basis, and medications you use only when anxiety is a worry. The first may take some time to take effect but they typically alleviate or eliminate your symptoms. As-needed medications can work more quickly, usually within 20 minutes, but they can improve your anxiety only for as long as the medication remains present in your system.While medications are a crucial element of your treatment, they do not alleviate anxiety. Your physician will discuss with you other ways to treat symptoms, including psychotherapy (talk-therapy), exercise and stress management, and self help strategies, such breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and biofeedback. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for many people with anxiety or fears. CBT can help you identify the thoughts and emotions that trigger your anxiety, and help you understand how to manage these thoughts and feelings. Other treatments include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, which helps people overcome trauma and related anxiety and depression. Some people can benefit from the practice of acupuncture. This involves placing needles at specific locations on the body to ease tension and pain.CounselingCounseling (or psychotherapy) is designed to teach you better methods of thinking and dealing with anxiety. It also helps you recognize your triggers and discover the underlying causes. Treatments for anxiety that are backed by research, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) exposure therapy and interpersonal therapy, can be very effective. These therapies can be combined with a pharmacotherapy regimen.It’s important to realize that you’re not the only one if anxiety is affecting your life. Anxiety is a major issue for more than 40 million people in the US. The fear and anxiety that anxiety creates can cause problems in all aspects of your life. There are many mental health professionals that can assist, including psychologists, counselors, social workers and psychiatrists. WithTherapy can connect you with a therapist who is uniquely matched to meet your requirements and preferences.Many people who suffer from anxiety experience symptoms such as anxiety or restlessness or having trouble sleeping. These feelings are often brought on by specific situations or events. Counseling can help you identify and control these triggers so that you feel better.The effects of therapy could last for months or even years after the treatment is over. This is because, unlike medications, psychotherapy teaches you skills to conquer your anxiety thoughts and behaviors.In addition to learning to recognize the triggers of your anxiety, counseling can provide a safe space to discuss your emotions with someone who is on the same journey as you. Talking with a therapist can help you deal with common anxiety symptoms such as ruminating, having negative or defeating feelings and anxiety.Some people find relief through herbal remedies and supplements in addition to psychological therapy. But it’s important to keep in mind that these remedies aren’t regulated by FDA in the same way prescription drugs are and can have dangerous side effects. Before you start taking herbs or supplements, you should consult your doctor. You can join a group of people suffering from anxiety to meet others who understand your condition.Self-help strategiesAnxiety goes beyond a feeling it can trigger physical symptoms, such as sweating, heart palpitations and nausea. There are medical conditions that could cause anxiety however, most times it’s due to lifestyle factors like poor diet and exercise habits, as well as sleep issues. Self-management techniques are a great method to improve your lifestyle and reduce the effects. These can include relaxation exercises including avoiding nicotine and caffeine, sleeping more and implementing effective stress management. A regular exercise routine is also recommended to boost serotonin levels. This can help to reduce anxiety symptoms.Self-help techniques are often more effective in managing anxiety symptoms than medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments. It teaches patients to recognize and alter their negative thought patterns. Another option is exposure therapy, which helps individuals confront situations or objects that cause anxiety by gradually increasing their contact with them. This can be achieved by imagining the scenario or even going there. Exposure therapy may be used alone or as part of CBT.Some people suffering from anxiety find it beneficial to keep a journal of their symptoms. This is a method to keep track of the severity and frequency of the symptoms, as well as how they affect daily interactions and relationships. Journals can help a person determine what triggers their anxiety. One may also join support groups to meet other people who are suffering from anxiety and discuss their experiences.Other treatments for anxiety include psychotherapy and other forms of counseling. A psychiatrist, who is an expert in mental health, can prescribe medication. A psychologist or another qualified mental health professional can provide psychotherapy, which involves talking about your concerns and devising strategies for coping. One of the most popular types of therapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT, which is a type of psychotherapy that has proven to be to be effective in clinical trials.PsychotherapyMedications help treat anxiety, but therapy does something medication can’t: it empowers people with the ability to gain control of their emotions and bodies when stress takes over their lives. Studies conducted on randomized clinical trials demonstrate that psychotherapy helps reduce anxiety symptoms better than medications, and the effects last long after the sessions for treatment.The most common method of psychotherapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, patients learn strategies to manage anxiety by identifying and studying negative thoughts that contribute to their anxiety. They replace these thoughts with calm and realistic ones. Patients can also learn various ways to cope that can reduce symptoms, including mindfulness and relaxation.Another type of psychotherapy that is helpful for anxiety is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teaches people to acknowledge and deal with their worries in a healthy manner rather than avoid them. This type of therapy encourages patients try new things and gradually confront their fears, until they are able to manage them without difficulty. Other coping strategies include eye movement desensitization as well as reprocessing therapy (EMDR) which employs the repetition of eye movements to alter negative emotional reactions to the memories that are making you anxious.Stress-reduction and exercise techniques are a part of psychotherapy for anxiety. Regular exercise can help keep heart rate and blood pressure at a normal level, which can reduce anxiety-related symptoms. Consuming a balanced diet with low levels of sugar and limiting the intake of caffeine can also ease anxiety symptoms.The most effective psychotherapists will be able communicate with you in a way that you feel comfortable discussing your feelings and opening up. However, finding a good therapist can take some time, and it’s not uncommon for people to visit several therapists before finding the right fit. To get the most out of therapy, you have to be patient, dedicated and be open with your therapy therapist.