Treatments For Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety or worries from time to time. But those suffering from anxiety disorders have persistent and severe symptoms that interfere with their everyday lives.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medicines. You may have to try several before you find one that works for you.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that requires meeting with a trained psychologist or licensed mental health professional in individual or couple, family or group sessions. It focuses on helping people recognize the root of their anxiety, what causes it, and how they can alter their behavior. Psychotherapy can take many forms, from cognitive therapy to psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships to dialectical therapy. However, all types of therapy share the same goal that is to alleviate suffering.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, and they often rob people of their enjoyment of life. They are identified by symptoms like a pounding heartbeat or a shallow breathing as well as a general feeling unease or jumpiness and a feeling of imminent danger. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders may also exhibit avoidant behaviors that hinders their daily activities and blocks them from socializing.
Most anxiety disorders are highly treatable. The most frequently used treatments are psychotherapy and medication. Based on the diagnosis and severity of the disorder, various psychotherapy methods are employed. For instance, patients with panic disorder benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment combines the behavioral and cognitive aspects. Through cognitive therapy, NYU Langone therapists help patients identify the negative thoughts that trigger their anxiety attacks and teach them methods to help them reframe their thoughts. Therapy for behavior encourages patients to engage in situations or activities that can trigger anxiety. For example public speaking, or being enclosed in a tiny space. This helps them understand that the outcome they fear is unlikely to happen which is a process known as extermination.
In addition to CBT as a psychotherapy method, other options include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family psychotherapy. These types of therapy focus on solving interpersonal issues that may trigger anxiety, such as unresolved grieving or conflict with family or friends. They can help patients cope with changes in their relationships and work that can trigger anxiety in certain people.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an increasingly popular method of treating anxiety. It helps patients learn to accept the things they cannot control, but also work towards change. Combining these skills can reduce anxiety and improve the patient's quality of life.
Medicines
Although medication isn't an answer to anxiety disorders however, it can help sufferers manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is an integral component of treatment, and several research-based therapies have been proved to be effective such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
SSRIs change the way the brain responds to stress or other triggers. They can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, drowsiness fatigue, lack of appetite and diarrhea. Some people find they need to take more than one antidepressant to achieve the desired effects. The benzodiazepines are sedatives which can instantly reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, including rapid heartbeat, sweating and shaking. They are typically employed as short-term remedies for severe anxiety attacks, but they can also be addictive and don't work well if taken for more than four weeks at one time.
Other options for sedatives are clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax). They can quickly ease anxiety, but they do not act as long-term solutions because they can accumulate in the body and eventually become habit-forming. In rare instances doctors may prescribe a drug called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). best meds for anxiety disorders are used to treat panic and social phobia disorder by increasing the level of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They can interact negatively with certain medications, like SSRIs. This is why they are only prescribed to patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Talk therapy can teach you coping skills to deal with anxiety-related symptoms. Therapists employ a variety of techniques that include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or art or creative therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually moving toward anxiety-provoking situations that you would normally avoid in order to learn how to deal with them without fear of attack. This could include imaginal exposure to live, in-vivo and virtual exposure to reality.
You can control your symptoms by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercise and avoiding the use of alcohol and recreational drugs. Make sure you're getting enough minerals and vitamins including folic acid and B vitamins. Certain herbal remedies and dietary supplements have been studied as a possible treatment for anxiety, however the results are mixed. Herbal products are not controlled in the same way as prescription medications, therefore they could be ineffective or harmful.
Self-help groups or support groups
Many people with anxiety disorders find support groups helpful to manage their symptoms. These groups are typically free to join and provide an environment that is safe for people to share their thoughts and experiences with other members. They may also provide the opportunity to discover new strategies for coping. These techniques can help them feel more in control of their lives. In addition to providing social support, anxiety support groups can help members improve their self-esteem and improve their quality of life.
There are many different types of anxiety support groups, including those led by trained instructors and others that are based on peer pressure. You should determine which group best suits your lifestyle and needs. Some groups are arranged according to a schedule and others are online and can be accessed at any time. Some groups meet in person and others are accessible via audio or video calls. Some also have online discussion forums and chat rooms where you can chat to other members in real-time.
One of these groups, SMART Recovery offers support to those with anxiety or other mental health issues. Meetings are available both in person and on the internet. You can attend any time to suit your schedule. The program employs scientifically proven methods to teach coping skills and help participants become more independent from their fears.
Another option is the The Tribe wellness community, which provides peer-to-peer support for those suffering from anxiety. The site is free to join and lets members share their stories and experiences in online forums and chat rooms. It also has its own blog. Additionally, the website offers a mobile application that enables users to access support resources from anywhere.
Anxiety support groups, in addition to offering emotional support, can assist people manage symptoms by teaching coping skills. These coping strategies can be used in conjunction with other treatments or on their own. Many anxiety support groups provide educational resources such as videos, podcasts and webinars. Additionally, some support groups provide resources for specific populations like veterans or People of Color.
Management of stress
Stress management is an essential component of treating anxiety disorders. The process of managing stress involves identifying the causes of anxiety and learning how to cope with these, and taking steps to reduce those sources. This is usually accomplished through psychotherapy and sometimes medication as well.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Through CBT you learn to recognize the patterns of thinking that trigger your anxious feelings and work to alter those thoughts. You also practice behaviors that can reduce anxiety for example, engaging in relaxation techniques.
CBT is usually short term. You may experience ups and downs in your progress, but if you keep attending treatment sessions, you'll be more likely to notice positive changes. Remember that overcoming anxiety requires time and commitment. You may have to confront your fears, which may be uncomfortable at times, to gain relief.
Medications can also be an important part of your treatment. Antidepressants can be effective, especially the newer agents with less side effects than older TCAs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline, and antianxiety medications such as nefazodone or mirtazapine are among the most effective. In some cases the use of benzodiazepine to alleviate severe anxiety.
A number of alternative treatments can be helpful in easing anxiety symptoms, such as meditation and deep breathing. Exercise can also reduce anxiety. It's also essential to eat well and maintain a healthy diet. It's important to avoid the use of alcohol and illegal drugs as they can exacerbate your anxiety.
Other treatments for anxiety disorders include dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dialectical therapy teaches assertiveness and focuses on relationships with other people. Being able to express your feelings and needs in a clear honest way can help lower your stress levels and improve self-esteem.
Joining a support group, practicing relaxation techniques and using hypnotherapy are a few ways to reduce stress. Contact your insurance company to determine if these treatments are covered. Biofeedback may also be beneficial for some individuals. During this process, you watch your brain-wave patterns on an electroencephalograph and gradually learn to control them at will.