Treatment
Effective treatment usually involves a combination of interventions, including:
Lifestyle Changes
- Get sufficient rest and sleep .
- If you smoke, quit .
- Reduce or eliminate caffeinated beverages.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Avoid illicit drugs.
- Reduce exposure to stressful environments.
- Exercise regularly .
Relaxation Techniques
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Deep muscle relaxation
- Massage
- Engaging in pleasurable activities
Social Support
- Strong support system of family and friends
- Counseling to improve coping skills
- Support groups
Psychotherapy
This therapy addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that play a role in anxiety. It helps you work through traumas and conflicts.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Over time, you can learn to retrain your thinking. This will help you choose better options in response to stress and anxiety.
Medication
For severe anxiety or anxiety disorder, medications may include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Buspirone
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The FDA advises that people taking antidepressants should be closely observed. For some, the medications have been linked to worsening symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These adverse effects are most common in young adults. The effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose. Although the warning is for all antidepressants, of most concern are the SSRI class such as:
- Prozac ( fluoxetine ), Zoloft ( sertraline ), Paxil ( paroxetine ), Luvox ( fluvoxamine ), Celexa ( citalopram ), Lexapro( escitalopram )
If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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