Everyone worries or feels nervous from time to time, but if anxiety is causing problems with your life, treatment is recommended. A professional mental health counselor can help you understand your symptoms and develop healthy ways to deal with them. Psychotherapy is a proven way to reduce anxiety. Continue reading this blog to learn more about treatment for anxiety disorders!
Medication Can Be An Effective Treatment For Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety medications (also called meds) are used to treat anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD). Medication is a form of treatment that can produce positive results for some people.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants can help improve mood and reduce the anxiety symptoms. They are often started at a low dose and your doctor gradually increases the dosage.
Buspirone, a benzodiazepine, can also be used to treat anxiety. This drug works by blocking the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
Beta blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, can also be used to treat anxiety. These drugs block norepinephrine, a chemical that is part of the fight-or-flight response, to ease the symptoms of anxiety such as a rapid heart rate, trembling voice, sweating, and dizziness.
Bupropion, a type of antidepressant that stimulates dopamine and is not associated with sexual side effects, may be a good choice for some people with anxiety. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Counseling Is Important
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and exposure therapy, psychologists help clients learn how to recognize their anxiety triggers and develop new ways to deal with them.
Counseling can also help clients identify healthy habits, such as a new physical activity routine or meditation, that they can adopt to reduce the impact of their anxiety on their life. It can also help clients cultivate connections with friends and family members, which can strengthen feelings of connection and support.
Medications can also be used to treat certain symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle relaxation and mood regulation. These medications are often prescribed by a doctor under the guidance of a psychiatrist to help alleviate symptoms for the time being.
Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help manage your anxiety. While medication isn’t a cure for anxiety, it can alleviate symptoms and increase your quality of life.
Support Groups Are Another Effective Treatment For Anxiety Disorders
While receiving treatment with therapy, medication and stress-reduction is essential to overcoming anxiety, it can be helpful to have a supportive network as well. People with anxiety disorders often feel alone and misunderstood, but joining a support group can help them connect with others who understand what they are going through.
Anxiety support groups usually include five to 15 members who meet regularly for an hour or so. Some are held in person and some online.
They often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce anxiety and make coping strategies more effective. The group also provides a safe space for people to discuss their fears, share experiences and gain insight.
Some online anxiety support groups are free, while others may have a small fee. Generally, they are available worldwide and are a good option for those who do not have access to an in-person meeting.
Lifestyle Changes Can Help A Lot
Lifestyle changes such as physical activity, a whole food diet, restorative sleep and stress management have been shown to be effective in preventing or treating anxiety disorders. However, making lifestyle changes is difficult.
To make it easier, try finding a partner who is also committed to making the change and is willing to support you throughout the process. This can help you build new habits, and make it more likely that the changes will stick.
There are a number of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that have been suggested to be helpful for anxiety disorders, including acupuncture, massage, naturopathy, chiropractics and homeopathy. These modalities are often used in conjunction with medication and psychological techniques.
While there is a paucity of research on the impact of dietary improvement on anxiety, the epidemiological evidence supports that the quality of a person’s diet can influence their mental health. In a study of a population-based sample of Australian women, higher scores on a ‘traditional’ (healthy) dietary pattern, incorporating fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and lean red meats, were associated with reduced risk of anxiety or depression.
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