Anxiety TreatmentMassapequa, NY
Everyone has moments of anxiety or worry, such as when confronted with a difficult scenario, and they probably do not need anxiety treatment. But people who suffer from anxiety disorders struggle with persistent concerns and dread. Their anxiety lingers and in some cases, worsens with time. Without anxiety treatment, patients may have trouble with work, school, and social interactions. Anxiety disorder can also impact a person's relationships with family and friends.
Medications and psychotherapy are the most common treatments for anxiety disorders. Many individuals find that a combination of the two works best for them. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, can provide anxiety treatment. Psychiatrists are often the first choice for those seeking diagnosis and treatment for symptoms of mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders.
An overview of anxiety disorder
Anxiety is the body's physical reaction to a perceived or actual danger. Anxiety produces physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, fluttering stomach, and a surge of energy, and psychological symptoms, such as excessive concerns and obsessive thoughts.
Everyone deals with anxiety at some point in their lives. It provides the vigor and attentiveness required to flee from harm's way. However, anxiety may persist for certain individuals. They might overestimate the severity of a situation, making it difficult for them to function normally, focus, or sleep. Anxiety disorders are responsible for these emotions.
Diagnosis and treatment
Patients can make an appointment with a psychiatrist to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms. A mental health expert can help patients discover the right therapy for them after they are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Many individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders choose not to seek treatment because they are unaware that they have a condition that has effective treatments available.
Psychologists are medical specialists who specialize in treating mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. A wide range of medications and psychotherapies are available to those suffering from anxiety disorders. Treatment options may vary depending on the individual demands of the patient. Psychiatrists utilize different therapies to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders manifest differently for many people, but psychotherapy (often known as talk therapy) and medication have proven to be effective. The mental health professional may recommend these therapies individually or combined. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that relieves anxiety by helping the patient learn new ways to think about, respond to, and behave in various circumstances.
Although medication may help alleviate the symptoms, there is no cure for anxiety. Psychiatrists also often prescribe anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. Beta-blockers, which are typically used to treat cardiac issues, may also be effective for treating anxiety-related physical symptoms.
The kind and severity of an anxiety problem will determine which therapies are most effective. Changing one's diet and getting regular exercise might alleviate mild anxiety, but more severe instances may require the use of prescription medications. The following are a few of the anxiety treatments that ta psychiatrist might recommend.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
An SSRI is a common first type of medication for people with anxiety disorders. SSRIs are categorized as antidepressants, although they can be treatments for anxiety and other illnesses. SSRIs relieve symptoms by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, hunger, digestion, and other bodily functions. Low serotonin levels can cause behavioral and mental problems, resulting in depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
This medication is similar to an SSRI because it also raises the levels of specific neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin. However, SNRIs can also raise levels of norepinephrine. When it comes to brain chemistry, serotonin ensures mental balance and wellness, and norepinephrine ensures alertness and adequate energy. A psychiatrist may prescribe SNRIs to address anxiety symptoms, such as fatigue or poor focus, or to treat those who have not found significant relief from using SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs alter serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. TCAs belong to a class of older antidepressants and have shown great promise in treating mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. TCAs may even outperform SSRIs in the treatment of severe depression and anxiety. Aside from the higher risk of adverse effects, TCAs have a low safety profile. However, they can be a lifesaver for many patients with distressing conditions.
Benzodiazepines
Drugs in the benzodiazepine family can alleviate acute anxiety symptoms by altering the brain's gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA contributes to the body's reaction to stress, and studies published by the American Journal of Psychiatry have proven that it affects levels of anxiety and fear. Anxiety disorders play a role in changes to the GABA system. Benzodiazepines relax and alter the central nervous system by binding to the GABA receptors. This medication has a high efficacy rate but a short half-life.
Psychotherapy
Aside from prescribing medications, psychiatrists are licensed to conduct talk therapy and psychosocial therapies for persons with anxiety. CBT and exposure therapy are two common psychotherapies that are used to treat anxiety disorders. CBT alleviates anxiety symptoms by discovering and addressing the impact of a patient's thoughts and behaviors on their anxiety issue. Exposure therapy aims to break the patient's negative associations with the things that they dread and avoid by exposing them to those things in a safe atmosphere.
Self-measures
Patients can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve treatment outcomes by taking certain steps. Techniques such as stress management and meditation may be beneficial. In-person or online support groups may empower people to discuss their experiences and coping methods. Learning more about a disorder's intricacies and assisting loved ones in better understanding them may be beneficial. It is advisable to avoid caffeine because it can exacerbate symptoms, and patients should consult their doctor before stopping or starting any medication.
Final note
If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxiety or other mental health conditions, you can visit a psychiatrist. The mental health professional can recommend a wide range of mental health therapies for anxiety treatment.
Recent Posts
TMS Therapy When Antidepressants Are Not Effective
Looking for information on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)? Read on to learn about this alternative therapy for depression. Finding an effective treatment for depression is often challenging. Sometimes, medication or psychotherapy is not enough to address depression symptoms. When antidepressants are not effective, TMS therapy, a non-drug treatment, may be a viable option.Antidepressants function by…
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation To Treat Parkinson’s Disease
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective way to treat PD (Parkinson’s disease). This is a progressive disease. It results from decreasing dopamine production in the brain. TMS is a primary treatment for depression. But it can also treat PD. If you want to know how TMS works for Parkinson’s, here are the details.The degradation…
OCD Treatment From A Psychiatrist
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a chronic, debilitating mental disorder. Although it is common, it often leaves people feeling isolated. Fortunately, OCD treatment from a psychiatrist can provide much-needed relief from the endless cycle of unwanted thoughts, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors.OCD is classified by the obsessive-compulsive cycle, in which obsessions fuel compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted…
A Psychiatrist Discusses TMS For Depression
Depression is a mental condition that millions of people live with. Luckily, it is a treatable condition. Common treatments include psychotherapy and medication. However, transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS for depression is an alternative when one is not responding to traditional treatment methods. This article will provide insight into depression, TMS, what to expect during…
Common Side Effects Of TMS Therapy
Going through TMS therapy is an alternative way to relieve the symptoms of your severe depression. Your psychiatrist can also recommend this treatment for other issues. This approach is non-invasive. Even so, you may still experience some short-term side effects. If you want to find out what the common TMS side effects are, here are…