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Medications and Complementary Therapies to Treat Anxiety People with anxiety are unable to manage their reactions. Everyone worries and feels scared at times. Psychotherapy and medications such as beta blockers that are used to reduce blood pressure, and benzodiazepines can aid in managing. Self-help strategies may also aid in easing symptoms. For example, exercise helps reduce stress and relax the body. Medication If lifestyle changes or psychotherapy don't help your anxiety then medication could be a viable alternative. Anxiety medication reduces fears and triggers the fight or flight response that occurs in the body. Antidepressants, the most popular medication used to treat anxiety are antidepressants. They increase levels of certain neurotransmitters which affect mood. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and prozac are often the first medications prescribed. SNRIs like venlafaxine, duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants such as Tofranil (imipramine) Elavil, Tofranil (imipramine), or Pamelor are also effective in treating anxiety. Benzodiazepines are also sometimes 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 employed when other treatments fail to work. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Only licensed health professionals are able to prescribe medications to treat anxiety. They include psychologists and psychiatrists as well as primary care physicians, some doctors of OB/GYNs and some psychiatrists. Nurse practitioners, family practice doctors and psychiatric nurses can also prescribe certain medication, but they must receive special training to do so. Exercise and complementary therapies are utilized by some people to lessen anxiety. There are also affordable anxiety treatment to relax and reduce stress such as mindfulness meditation and deep breathing. 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. In addition, natural supplements like melatonin or 5-HTP may also help ease anxiety. However, it is important to consult your physician prior to taking any supplements for anxiety or any other reason. Supplements in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates psychotherapy and lifestyle changes will maximize the effectiveness of your treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most thoroughly researched and empirically validated psychotherapeutic methods for anxiety disorders. It targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate anxiety over time. Despite the fact that various CBT protocols were developed for various anxiety disorders they all share common treatment goals and methods. CBT begins by identifying the dysfunctional thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. In sessions, patients are taught to recognize negative beliefs and challenge them. The therapist may also assist patients identify and alter avoidance behavior. The therapist may request patients to keep “thought journals” or diaries outside of sessions, and to apply the strategies for behavioural change they've learned in daily life. Eventually, the final goal is to help patients to be their own therapists by helping them to understand their patterns of thinking and behavior. This will help them remove unfounded fears, lessen their anxiety as well as other negative emotions, and build a stronger resilience. CBT methods focus on identifying and modifying distortions of the patient's mind that lead to overgeneralization and catastrophizing. The therapist will also help the patient develop strategies for coping for anxiety-provoking situations. These techniques can be employed to treat all kinds of anxiety disorders. Often, they are incorporated into a comprehensive approach to mental health called “cognitive-behavioral therapy”. Another aspect of CBT is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves exposing the patient's anxiety-inducing subject or event. This can be done by making up a scenario or imagining the object or scenario in real life. A patient with PTSD who is scared of a certain location, might be encouraged by their physician to visit the place where they were assaulted. A person with social anxiety disorder who is afraid of public speaking could be encouraged to speak in front of a group. Certain studies have demonstrated that combining strategies of CBT and pharmacotherapy can improve outcomes. However, these results are not conclusive and further research is required. Combining medication with CBT is generally more effective than one alone. Combinations of CBT and benzodiazepines have been shown to be particularly effective for those suffering from anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or generalized disorder. Exposure therapy Exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatments for treating anxiety. It can help you confront things you are afraid of in a secure setting with a therapist. It can be difficult but the process will help you understand that your fears aren't justified and that you can accept your triggers. It will also boost your confidence in facing life's challenges. There are many different types of exposure therapies, including virtual reality, imaginal therapy and systematic desensitization. If you're nervous about speaking in public, your therapist could advise you to practice with a partner or imagine yourself delivering the speech. You can then gradually face the scenario with your therapist’s assistance. Your therapist will monitor your anxiety and panic levels during each session. They will adjust the intensity of exposure if needed. During the session, your therapist will teach you how to relax, cope with your emotions and then introduces you to triggers that make you feel scared. This can include mindfulness, rhythmic breath and guided images. They can also teach strategies to avoid engaging in the behavior that triggers anxiety, like being cautious about elevators. Exposure therapy is usually done in a series weekly sessions. Some individuals require more than two sessions to overcome their fear. The first step is to identify the triggers that cause anxiety. For instance, being on a plane or in the presence of strangers. Your therapist will help you choose the method of exposure therapy that fits your needs and personality. This could include using a hierarchy to determine the order in which exposures are given or a relaxation practice prior to beginning. In vivo exposure therapy involves confronting the thing or situation that you're afraid of. It could be as simple as walking across the bridge or having someone touch your arm. This method can be used to treat specific fears and posttraumatic stress disorder. In-vivo exposure therapy can be hard to fit into your schedule between appointments, so it is important to find a therapist that is skilled in this kind of cognitive therapy. You can find a certified specialist through your local psychological association or mental network. You can also read reviews and ask your family and friends for suggestions. Complementary therapies Complementary therapies cover a wide range of healthcare treatments not considered to be part of Western medicine. They can reduce anxiety by teaching relaxation techniques and promoting the healthy lifestyle. These treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicines yoga, meditation, music therapy, and massage. They can also help alleviate symptoms of depression by lowering levels of stress hormones in your body. A recent study revealed that mindfulness-based meditation programs were associated with slight improvements in anxiety-related symptoms. This approach uses different techniques of meditation to improve mindfulness, or the ability of staying in the present moment while let go of negative thoughts and feelings. This type of meditation can be done by everyone, and does not require any special equipment or any special training. People with physical limitations may not be able to participate in a meditation practice that involves movement. Other treatments that can help ease anxiety include breathing exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), biofeedback, self-hypnosis and hypnosis. These techniques can help you manage your anxiety by focus on relaxing muscles, calming breathing, and visual imagery. These techniques can be used at home or in a treatment environment. These methods are often combined with other forms of therapy such a cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. Exercise regularly and eat well-balanced meals are two more ways to reduce anxiety. Regular exercise can reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels, which is a hormone that contributes to anxiety. A healthy diet can help you feel more energetic and, in turn, reduce anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy is among the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. Your therapist will instruct you to evaluate your fears and determine the probability that they'll actually happen. You can use strategies like the comparison of your fears to previous experiences, weighing out the advantages and disadvantages of an event, and determining whether it is realistic to be concerned about a possibility that might occur. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method, can be employed to treat stress. It is based upon the evaluation of excesses or deficiencies in your energy (called Qi) located in specific meridians. For example, a deficiency in the spleen or kidney meridians can cause anxiety. Acupuncture can help alleviate anxiety symptoms when combined with psychotherapy and other CAM techniques.