It's normal to feel anxious sometimes, whether it's speaking in front of a crowd, going on an airplane flight, or going to a job interview, everything can trigger anxiety. But for many people, anxiety is not a one-time occurrence. It's a mental health problem that affects how they function.
Anxiety disorder (AD) is a long-term condition, but various treatments can help.
If you have other problems besides Anxiety Disorder(AD), such as depression or alcohol abuse, these may need to be treated before you receive treatment specifically for AD.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults in the United States, or more than 18% of the population, have an anxiety disorder each year.Your anxiety about a job interview may be worse than the anxiety you feel during the interview.Fortunately, anxiety responds well to treatment. A doctor may recommend a prescription medication for people with anxiety disorders.
How Do I Know If I Have Anxiety Disorder?
The first step is to rule out the possibility that your symptoms are being caused by a medical condition that is not a mental illness. Conditions that produce anxiety-like symptoms include hyperthyroidism or other endocrine problems, too much or too little calcium, low blood sugar, and some heart problems. Certain medications can also sometimes cause anxiety. A thorough evaluation by your healthcare provider will determine if any of these conditions are causing your symptoms.
If no other medical culprit can be found and the symptoms seem out of proportion to any situation you're experiencing, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
What is the treatment for anxiety disorder?
Medications are useful for relieving symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and are often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies. Some types of anxiety medications can be habit-forming and are usually prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis.
Different anxiety disorders have different medication regimens. Some are preventative and some are designed to cure the problem.
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are widely used to treat and prevent a variety of anxiety disorders. Examples of SSRIs commonly used to treat chronic anxiety include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Antidepressants duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) that act on the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, and some tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) may help. Novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes prescribed.
Antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and beta-blockers (such as propranolol) can help with mild anxiety as well as performance anxiety, a type of social anxiety disorder. Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs or tricyclics need to be taken daily whether or not you have anxiety on that particular day, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Antihistamines or beta-blockers are usually taken when needed for anxiety or just before an anxiety-provoking event (for example, taking propranolol shortly before giving a speech). Finally, some anticonvulsant drugs such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are also beginning to show value in treating some types of anxiety in early research studies.
If you have severe anxiety (panic attacks), you may also need to take an anti-anxiety medication. The most prominent of the anti-anxiety drugs intended for immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; Among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). They have drawbacks: Benzodiazepines sometimes cause drowsiness, irritability, dizziness, memory and attention problems, and physical dependence. Nevertheless, in recent decades they have largely replaced barbiturates because they are safer in high doses.
Another anti-anxiety drug is buspirone (Buspar). It has fewer side effects than benzodiazepines and is not associated with dependence. Buspar, however, can have its own side effects and may not always be as effective as when a person has taken benzodiazepines in the past.
What is the most effective treatment for anxiety?
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for AD. Self-help and CBT can be offered to you in a number of ways: You work through a CBT workbook or computer course in your own time.
What is the most recommended drug for anxiety?
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
According to a 2022 article, doctors consider SSRIs the first-line medication for generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays an important role in mood regulation.
What is the quickest treatment for anxiety?
-How can I quickly calm my anxiety?
- Avoid stimulants like coffee and alcohol. ...
- Try some relaxation techniques. ...
- Confuse yourself. ...
- Imagine the peacefulness. ...
- 'Burn' your anxiety. ...
- Question and challenge your thinking. ...
- Please share your feelings.
Lifestyle changes to relieve anxiety
Daily exercise can be another helpful treatment for anxiety symptoms. If you find that exercise works for you, treat yourself to a brisk walk or take up an active sport that you enjoy. Get your heart rate within your age target range for at least 30 minutes each time you exercise.
Since anxiety often accompanies shallow breathing, deep breathing exercises can also be helpful. Try the following form of yoga breathing:
- Lie on your back in a comfortable position.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose, letting your belly expand using your diaphragm to draw air into your lungs. (Put your hand on your belly just below the navel so that the belly is being pushed up and out by the diaphragm.) After the belly expands, continue breathing as deeply as possible.
- As you exhale, reverse the process: contract the abdomen while exhaling slowly and fully.
- Repeat a few times.
Progressive relaxation is another helpful technique. It begins by tensing and then relaxing a part of the body, usually starting with the toes. When this part of the body relaxes, another part of the body tenses and relaxes until the whole body is free of tension.
Relaxing visualization can also help. A therapist or meditation instructor suggests relaxation imagery for a person to remember. Once the image is in place, the person imagines soothing sensations such as pleasant smells and sounds. Eventually, people can learn to do this on their own when they expect -- or find themselves in -- stressful situations.
With all these options, how can you choose?
Your doctor can recommend the best medication to help control your anxiety. There are different types of anxiety disorders, so different medications may be better choices for your type. Your doctor will also consider your other health conditions and medications, and whether you have a family history of responding better to a particular medication. Since you are taking long-term medication, you may want to factor in affordability.
What other treatments can help manage anxiety?
Medications for anxiety are safe and effective and are good options for many people. But some people want to avoid medication, and some people want to combine medication with other treatments. You can try:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy); Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for anxiety, and phobias may respond to biofeedback and exposure therapy.
- Stress management techniques; You can learn breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety.
- Lifestyle changes; Getting enough quality sleep, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs, and excess caffeine can help reduce anxiety.
- Support groups; Connecting with people who share your experience can be valuable.
Bottom line
"Anxiety can be debilitating but it's treatable," says Dr. Johari. With the right therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication, you can control your anxiety and be able to function well, be productive, and live your life.
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