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Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat AnxietyEveryone is worried and anxious at times, but those who suffer from anxiety have a difficult managing their reactions. Psychotherapy can help, as do medication like beta blockers (used for blood pressure) and benzodiazepines.Self-help strategies can help ease symptoms. For instance, exercise can reduce stress and relaxes the body.MedicationIf lifestyle changes or psychotherapy aren’t helping your anxiety then medication could be a good alternative. Anxiety medications can help reduce anxiety signals and the body’s fight or flight response. Antidepressants, the most common medication used to treat anxiety are antidepressants. They raise levels of certain neurotransmitters which influence mood. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are typically the first prescription medications prescribed. SNRIs such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil (imipramine), Elavil, or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety.The benzodiazepines can also be used to treat anxiety. They’re quick-acting and can be extremely beneficial in the short-term however they are also addictive and should only be used when other treatments don’t work. Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia.Only licensed health specialists can prescribe medication to treat anxiety. These providers can include psychiatrists, psychologists doctors of primary care and OBGYNs. Nurse practitioners, family practice physicians and psychiatric nurses may also prescribe certain medications, but they must be trained specifically to do so.Exercise and complementary therapies are utilized by some people to reduce anxiety. There are also ways to relax and reduce stress, such as 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.Finally, natural supplements like 5-HTP or melatonin can aid in relieving anxiety. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements for anxiety or other reason. Supplements in conjunction with a complete treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle and psychotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)CBT is one of the many psychotherapeutic techniques for anxiety disorders that has been extensively researched and supported by empirical evidence. It focuses on the maladaptive thoughts or behavior patterns that create anxiety. While a variety of individual CBT protocols have been developed for different anxiety disorders, they all share the same treatment goals and methods.CBT begins by identifying dysfunctional thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. In sessions, patients are taught to recognize these negative beliefs and challenge them. The therapist can also help patients recognize and modify avoidance behaviours. The therapist will ask patients to keep diaries or “thought records” outside of sessions and to practice the behavioural strategies they’ve learned in their daily life.Eventually, the goal is to teach patients to be their own therapists by helping them understand their patterns of thinking and behavior. This will help them to overcome unfounded fears, reduce their anxiety and other negative emotions, and become more resilient.CBT methods include identifying and reversing mental distortions that affect the patient which include overgeneralizing or catastrophizing, as well as minimizing positive events. Therapists also help the patient to develop strategies for dealing with stressful situations. These techniques can be applied to all kinds of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called “cognitive-behavioral therapy”.Exposure therapy is an additional component of CBT. This involves exposure therapy, which involves exposing the patient to the thing or circumstance that causes them anxiety. This can be done by imagining or confronting the situation or object in real life. A patient with PTSD, who is afraid of a particular location, could be urged by their physician to visit the location in which they were attacked. A person with social anxiety disorder, who is scared of speaking in public, may be encouraged to deliver an address before a group.Some studies have proven that combination strategies of CBT and pharmacotherapy can improve outcomes. The results are mixed and more research is required. Combining medication with CBT is generally more effective than either alone. Combinations of benzodiazepines as well as CBT have been proven to be particularly effective for patients suffering from panic disorder as well as generalized anxiety disorder.I Am Psychiatry for exposureOne of the most effective methods for treating anxiety is exposure therapy, which lets you confront the things that make you anxious in a secure setting with a professional. It may seem difficult, but the process can help you realize that your fears aren’t justifiable and that you are able to tolerate your triggers. It can also increase your confidence in facing life’s challenges.There are several different types of exposure therapy. These include virtual reality, imaginal therapy, and systematic desensitization. If you’re nervous about speaking in public, your therapist might advise you to practice with a partner or imagine yourself giving the speech. You can then gradually confront the scenario with your therapist’s assistance. Your therapist will keep track of your anxiety and panic levels during each session. They will adjust the level of exposure as needed.During a session the therapist will show you to relax and cope with your emotions, before explaining the triggers that cause you anxiety. This can include mindfulness, breathing rhythms and guided images. They will also teach you strategies to avoid engaging in the habit that causes anxiety, for example, avoidance of elevators. Exposure therapy is typically conducted in a series weekly sessions. Some individuals require more than two sessions to overcome their fear.The first step is to determine what triggers your anxiety. For example, flying on a plane or with strangers. Your therapist will assist you to decide on the method of exposure therapy that will suit your personality and needs. This could include using a hierarchy to determine the sequence of exposures or a series of relaxation exercises prior to beginning.In vivo therapy requires you to confront the situation or thing that you are scared of. This might be as simple as crossing an overpass or touching your arm. This approach can be used to treat specific fears and posttraumatic stress disorder.In vivo exposure therapy can be difficult to integrate in your schedule between appointments, so it is essential to find a therapist that specializes in this type of cognitive behavioral therapy. You can find a qualified specialist by checking your local psychology association or mental health network. It’s recommended to look up reviews and ask family members or friends for suggestions.Complementary therapiesComplementary therapies are a wide array of health treatments that aren’t considered to be part of Western medicine. They can ease anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and encourage an active lifestyle. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine Meditation, Yoga, music therapy, massage, and yoga. They can also help alleviate depression symptoms by reducing levels of stress hormones within your body.Recent research has shown that mindfulness-based programs led to moderate improvements in anxiety symptoms. This approach uses different types of meditation to promote mindfulness, or the ability to focus on the present moment and let go of negative thoughts and feelings. This type of meditation can be practiced by almost anyone, and it doesn’t require special equipment or training. However, those who have physical limitations might not be able in meditative practices that involve movement.Other therapies that can help reduce anxiety include breathing exercises as well as progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, hypnosis, as well as self-hypnosis. These techniques help you control anxiety by the focus on relaxing muscles breathing, calming breathing, and visual imagery. These techniques can be used at home or in an environment for treatment. These methods are often combined with other forms therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy.Another way to ease anxiety is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy diet. Regular exercise can reduce the heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels which are hormones that cause anxiety. A healthy diet can increase your energy levels, which can reduce anxiety.Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you recognize and challenge negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. Your therapist will teach you how to assess the probability of occurring. You can apply strategies such as comparing your fears with past experiences, weighing out the pros and cons of an event, and determining whether it is realistic to be concerned about a possibility that might occur.Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique that is used to help with anxiety. It is based on an evaluation of excesses or deficiencies in your energy (called qi) located in specific meridians. For instance, a deficiency in the spleen or kidney meridians could cause anxiety. Certain studies suggest that acupuncture could reduce anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy or other CAM approaches.