Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health disorders that can manifest in diverse symptoms depending on the intensity. Everyone experiences minor symptoms of anxiety in everyday life, but persistent symptoms of fear and worry affecting daily activities may be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is described in detail here.
Anxious Man
Pharmacological treatments and psychotherapeutic techniques are typically used by physicians to treat anxiety disorders. In addition, preventive approaches, self-management techniques, and home remedies also help manage anxiety.
This article describes different ways to manage and treat anxiety disorders.
Pharmacological treatments
One of the ways doctors treat anxiety disorders is through medications. Common groups of drugs used to manage anxiety are:
Benzodiazepines
These are the most frequently prescribed medicines for anxiety disorders, although they are not considered first-line pharmacological treatment options for anxiety disorders. These drugs improve anxiety by producing a relaxing effect and managing the physical manifestations of anxiety. Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are commonly prescribed benzodiazepines.
Physical dependence is a concern with these drugs. Since there is a higher chance of the development of tolerance, they can only be given for short-term usage. So, a patient should discuss these concerns with their doctors.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Although SSRIs are typically given for depressive disorders, they can be used to manage anxiety disorders too.
SSRIs are used to manage depression. However, there is evidence supporting their role in managing anxiety disorders. So, they are used for this purpose too. Physicians usually start these medications at a low dose and gradually adjust them as required for the patient’s condition. SSRIs are usually the first-line medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
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They increase levels of serotonin (a chemical understood to play a significant role in regulating mood) in the nervous system. Common SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).
A key issue with SSRIs is withdrawal. Stopping these drugs abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms that can mimic anxiety symptoms. Physicians usually tackle this issue by tapering off the dosage. They are suitable for long-term use as they don’t have issues like physical dependence, and they take around 4-6 weeks to work.
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
These medications increase the quantity of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. Their effect also manifests after a few weeks. They are also categorized as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by physicians. The need for SNRIs arises when SSRIs are not working.
SNRIs can enhance your blood pressure. So it is vital to discuss blood pressure regulation with your doctor.
Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are common SNRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Improving the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the nervous system is their mechanism of action. They are used less often now. Physicians usually consider them in case other treatments dont bring the desired changes. They are initiated at a lower dose and increased with time. Common TCAs are imipramine and clomipramine.
Other medications
In addition to the previously mentioned medications, physicians may prescribe the following medicines to manage anxiety disorders.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are primarily used to manage hypertension and other cardiac conditions. However, they do play a role in managing anxiety by controlling the physical manifestations of anxiety. Beta-blockers block the effects of norepinephrine. These drugs don’t impact the cognitive or emotional aspects of anxiety disorders.
Physicians may give beta-blockers for off-label use to manage certain anxieties, like performance anxiety. Propranolol (Inderal) is a commonly prescribed beta-blocker.
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to manage anxiety in the short term. There is a lack of clarity around its mechanism of action, but it is an FDA-approved drug for anxiety management.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), bupropion, and pregabalin may also be prescribed for anxiety disorders.
Psychological therapies
In addition to pharmacologic treatment, psychological therapy techniques are also used either separately or in conjunction with medication for anxiety disorders.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
It is the standard treatment option for anxiety disorders and one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. CBT involves learning about harmful thought patterns, identifying them in your thoughts, and changing their frequency and intensity by managing responses to different triggers. One can work through CBT techniques on their own or under the supervision of a trained mental health provider.
Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, a trained professional helps to tackle the cause of anxiety symptoms by analyzing different aspects of your life. It also involves exploring your triggers for anxiety and developing coping skills.
Other remedies
Changes in lifestyle and a few home remedies are also known to alleviate anxiety symptoms effectively.
Exercise and diet
Doing daily exercise can relieve your anxiety symptoms. It is vital to do daily exercise in small sessions to ease your symptoms. Moreover, nutrient-rich foods can also help regulate your symptoms. One should develop a healthy diet plan and avoid junk food. Caffeine should also be avoided as it can enhance anxiety levels.
Alcohol and drugs
Quit smoking and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs: Nicotine is known to worsen anxiety. So, quitting smoking can help manage your anxiety in the long term, although it may worsen anxiety initially. Alcohol and recreational drugs have also been understood to cause anxiety-related conditions. So, avoiding their use can also prevent anxiety flares and the development of further mental health problems.
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Adequate sleep and relaxation techniques: Stress management is key to managing your anxiety. Regular and adequate sleep allows your body to recharge, and it helps regulate anxiety levels. In addition, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and visualization can also help ease your anxiety levels.
Alternative medicinal methods
Chamomile tea and aromatherapy oils like lavender oil are believed to improve anxiety symptoms. However, these products need to be analyzed through rigorous research to assess their effectiveness. In addition, they are not regulated by FDA so it is advised to consult your doctor to understand their role in managing anxiety symptoms.
References
NHS UK. (2022, October 5). Treatment – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/treatment/
Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2023, March 1). Anxiety Medication. HelpGuide.org. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-medication.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, May 4). Anxiety disorders: Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 3, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967
