Board logo

subject: Available Treatments for Anxiety [print this page]


Available Treatments for Anxiety

When you are looking into getting help for your anxiety you really need to take a look at the situation as a whole. Just knowing and being able to admit that there is a problem and that you indeed do need help is the first step of many. Anxiety disorder treatment is available; you just need to go to your doctor and tell him all the things that you are going through in order for him to be able to treat you fully. A medication regimen is usually the first line of attack for treatment; however, there are other treatments that can be added to them for a greater chance of recovery. You may also want to do a few lifestyle changes along with your treatments; try to avoid certain things like caffeine, tobacco, junk foods and begin to eat healthier in general.

If you are serious about making changes to your overall health and improving your mental status, then you may want to try two things that will make living a normal and healthy life more positive. Medications and psychotherapy, either together or separately may be the answer to your problem. No two people are the same and treatments will differ. There are many medications that you can be put on to help you with your anxiety. Anxiety disorder treatment will begin as soon as you and your doctor are able to sit and discuss what is going to be the right one for you.

Medications

The right medication for you is out there.

Antidepressants. Medications that can alter the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Examples of antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertaline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor) and imipramine (Tofranil). With the exception of imipramine, these medications alter serotonin levels in the brain.

Buspirone (Buspar). This type of medication has to be used on a continual basis and it can take several weeks to feel its full effects. There are not many side effects except for lightheadedness and once in a while headaches, nausea, nervousness and insomnia.

Benzodiazepines. Examples include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Benzodiazepines are generally only used for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis. These should only be used on an emergency basis; they can be habit forming and lead to other problems including drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination and problems with balance and memory. Your doctor will be able to adjust these medications at any time if you are experiencing any problems.

Psychotherapy

This form of therapy can be combined with your medication for more effectiveness.

Counseling. There may just be an underlying problem that needs to be hashed out with the help of a therapist.

Cognitive behavior therapy. If you can figure out what the problems are that are causing your anxiety, you will be able to work them out and make them positive rather than negative.

If you are able to take all the different therapies and combine them, you will have an easier time with the healing process. This can only be done if you allow help into your life. You will learn that if you are able to discuss your problems, you will begin to turn the negative to positive in no time.




welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net) Powered by Discuz! 5.5.0   (php7, mysql8 recode on 2018)