Frequent fear, worry, and panic feelings are the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder can result from multiple factors and co-existing conditions; hence there is no single treatment that can be effective for everyone. Anxiety treatment needs to be explicitly tailored to meet individual needs.
Anxiety disorders are of different types, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder/agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and others. These are some of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Generally, treatment is indicated when there is distress or change to quality of life resulting from the condition.
Whether you are suffering from obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, or undetermined worries, it is essential to know that you don’t have to live in that fear always. It is a treatable condition, and therapy can help. Treatment can help you understand your worries, learn to relax, and develop better coping skills.
Anxiety disorders can be treated using psychological therapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both. The psychological approach involves cognitive behavioral therapy. First-line pharmacotherapy drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).
While preparing a treatment plan for your anxiety, the efficiency of the treatment approach, possible side effects, drug interactions, and your preferences are considered.
Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most commonly advised therapy for anxiety disorders conducted by licensed or trained therapists. In this, the interpersonal approach is used to help you develop coping skills.
Cognitive behavior therapy aims to recognize the negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. Also, it helps to bring needed behavior change in return to any anxiety trigger. It is a way of replacing negative thoughts with some realistic and positive ones. It takes time to break any negative habit and learn to cope with your anxiety.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety are often overlapped. By helping you cope well with depression, CBT’s impact extends beyond the symptoms of the disorder being targeted (1).
Exposure Therapy
This therapy involves exposing you to your feared situation in a safe and controlled way. Removing your fear is the ultimate goal of exposure therapy. By repeated exposure, you feel an increasing sense of control over any situation, and your anxiety will diminish.
Exposure therapy is either used alone or used in combination with cognitive behavior therapy. Exposure therapy is an entirely safe therapy that allows you to confront your real fears and overcome them.
In exposure therapy, the therapist will teach you specific relaxation techniques Like deep breathing and muscle relaxation. You will learn to reduce your physical response to anxiety. Step by step, you will be guided to replace your extreme anxiety response with relaxation techniques.
Exposure combined with cognitive therapy is powerful in reducing social anxiety symptoms. Recent research studies have found that exposure therapy with relaxation and cognitive therapy both resulted in better outcomes in treating social anxiety disorder patients (2).
Complementary Therapies Advised for Anxiety
Specific therapies are advised to bring down the overall stress level and to attain emotional balance.
- Exercise - 30 minutes of exercise every day can provide significant stress relief. Aerobic exercise every day can help you achieve the desired benefit.
- Meditation - It is a great relaxation technique, when practiced regularly, can enhance your emotional well-being.
- Hypnosis - A hypnotherapist uses imagery or simple verbal suggestions to bring down the anxiety symptoms. Many people experience positive results after one or two sessions.
- Group Therapy - The support groups offer an opportunity to share experiences of anxiety. Connecting with people having anxiety issues makes you feel you are not alone and gives you the strength to fight against it.
Prescription Medications for Anxiety
Several medications are used to treat anxiety disorders. A mental health provider or licensed professional’s consultation is essential before taking these medications.
SSRIs and SNRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered as anti-depressants but also used to help treat anxiety. SSRIs and SNRIs are regarded as the first-line psychopharmacologic treatment for anxiety disorders (3).
Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter that facilitates signals between the nerves. Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, thus helping in anxiety. SSRIs block the reabsorption of this serotonin from specific nerve cells, which enhances your mood. These SSRIs include sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, fluvoxamine, and escitalopram.
SNRIs also increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine by preventing the reuptake from brain cells. SNRIs include milnacipran, desvenlafaxine, and venlafaxine.
Possible Side-effects: There is a chance of developing side effects such as an initial increase in anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. You may also experience sexual dysfunctions and headaches. When compared to the SSRI class, the SNRI tends to cause more nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, and sometimes elevated blood pressure.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. These are sedative-hypnotics, which can provide rapid relief for symptoms like anxiety and insomnia but are also linked to a variety of adverse effects (4).
With anxiolytic effects, benzodiazepines help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Though benzodiazepines are fast-acting, they also have a habit-forming effect. These drugs are generally advised on a short-term basis. Benzodiazepines prescribed for the treatment of anxiety include lorazepam, diazepam, and clonazepam.
Side-effects: Drowsiness, lethargy, and fatigue are common side effects of benzodiazepines. Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal are also seen with long-term use.
Some Off-Label Drugs
Some medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and buspirone, are used as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression. There are no studies to prove their efficiency in treating anxiety.
Sometimes your doctor may advise some antidepressant drugs to treat anxiety depending on your health requirement.
Making Anxiety Therapy Work for You
There is at times no quick long lasting treatment available for anxiety; it needs your time and commitment. As therapy makes you face your fears and then to find a solution, it may feel worse in the beginning. Listen to your doctor’s advice and stick to the therapy. In the long term, it will bring positive results.
By following some positive lifestyle changes, you can improve the effectiveness of your anxiety treatment. Make some conscious choices to promote relaxation, vitality, and to develop a positive outlook towards life.
Educate yourself about anxiety. To overcome your anxiety issues, it is essential to understand it well. Loneliness or isolation can worsen your condition. Try to socialize with people, join some support groups to share your worries.
Being physically active and exercising is essential to relieve tension and anxiety. Avoid using alcohol, nicotine, or any drug to cope with anxiety. De-stress your life by including some fun and relaxing activities in your daily schedule.
Final Words
Anxiety treatment takes time, and weeks might pass before you experience any improvements. If you are not experiencing any side effects, do not stop your treatment. During any side effects, discuss with your doctor and stick to your treatment. Health professionals can help you to reduce side effects.
Stopping the treatment abruptly can result in health issues. Many people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, but lifestyle changes also can make a difference.
If anxiety impairs your day-to-day functioning, it is essential to seek help from a health professional. With the right guidance, care, and attention you can fully recover from your anxiety issues.