Looking for anxiety disorder treatments? This article covers therapy, medication and alternative treatments so you can figure out what will work for you.
Quick Facts
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions affecting over 301 million people worldwide and often start in childhood or adolescence.
- Therapy (CBT and Exposure Therapy) is key to managing anxiety disorders by changing thought patterns and facing fears.
- Medication (SSRIs and Benzodiazepines) helps reduce symptoms and lifestyle changes, and support systems help overall well-being.
What are Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, affecting over 301 million people worldwide as of 2019. They encompass a range of conditions, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Symptoms of anxiety start in childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men, and these conditions can impact daily activities and personal, social and work life. Mental illness can also contribute to the severity of these disorders.
People with anxiety disorders feel intense fear, constant worry and other anxiety symptoms that can lead to full-blown anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions like depression and substance use issues, making it worse for overall mental health. These disorders can make you anxious in many situations and lead to avoidance behaviours that can further isolate you from social and professional opportunities.
Knowing the different types of anxiety disorders is key to recognising symptoms and treatment.
Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Therapy is the foundation of anxiety disorder treatment, changing thought patterns and behaviours to reduce symptoms. Working with a mental health professional can give you tailored strategies to manage anxiety disorders, so talk therapy is a treatment option.
Two of the most well-known psychological therapies for anxiety are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, each with its own approach and benefits.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is known for its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. This form of talk therapy is structured and focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. By teaching specific skills to manage anxiety symptoms, CBT helps you gradually get back to activities you may have been avoiding due to fear or anxiety. The structured approach of CBT means you can measure progress, which is why many people prefer it.
CBT treats many anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Patients work with mental health professionals to develop coping mechanisms, reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
This treatment plan often involves regular sessions to gradually change the way you think and react to anxiety-provoking situations.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is another effective psychological therapy for anxiety disorders. This involves gradually exposing you to the situations or objects that trigger your anxiety in a controlled and systematic way. The goal is to reduce the fear response over time so you can manage your anxiety better.
This is useful for treating specific phobias and traumatic experiences that lead to intense fear and avoidance behaviours. Facing fears in a controlled environment allows you to gradually build a tolerance to anxiety-provoking stimuli and reduce symptoms.
Exposure therapy can be combined with other treatments to give a comprehensive approach to treating anxiety disorders and overcoming anxiety disorders.
Medications
Medications are a big part of anxiety disorder treatment; they can help alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for many. Depending on the anxiety disorder and any other health conditions you may have, different types of medications may be prescribed.
The next two sections will look at two types of medications: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Benzodiazepines, each for different parts of the treatment plan.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed for anxiety disorders because they are effective in managing symptoms. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help with anxiety symptoms. SSRIs are often the first-line treatment for generalised anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders and work for many people.
It takes 2 to 6 weeks for SSRIs to kick in, and they are usually prescribed as part of a bigger treatment plan that includes psychological therapies. Common SSRIs used for anxiety disorders are fluoxetine, sertraline and escitalopram. When combined with talk therapy, they can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are another class of medications used to treat anxiety disorders; they are known for quick relief of anxiety symptoms. They are useful in severe anxiety or panic attacks where immediate symptom relief is needed. However, because of the risk of dependence, benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for short-term use.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended because of the risks of dependence and decreased effectiveness over time. When used correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, benzodiazepines can be part of a bigger treatment plan and provide relief while longer-term strategies are put in place.
Other Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Other treatments can be added to standard treatments for anxiety disorders and provide extra relief and support. These can include hypnotherapy and herbal remedies, which can be useful for those looking for non-traditional ways to manage their anxiety.
Below, we will look at these in more detail.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is an alternative treatment that involves inducing a state of focused relaxation so you can explore your thoughts and emotions around anxiety. During hypnotherapy sessions, visualisation techniques are used to imagine peaceful environments, which can help you relax deeper and reduce anxiety.
At Steve Dell Hypnotherapy in London and online, I offer hypnotherapy for anxiety management. I’m a Member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy and hold a Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma from the CPHT with many years experience as a clinical hypnotherapist.
Hypnotherapy is a way to relax deeply, so it is an option for those who want to reduce anxiety symptoms without relying on medication.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are another alternative treatment for anxiety disorders, but their effectiveness and safety need to be considered. Herbs like passionflower, valerian root and chamomile are popular for their calming effects. However, always consult with a doctor before using these remedies to make sure they don’t interact with other medications and to check their safety.
Herbal and dietary supplements are not monitored by the FDA, so their quality and potency can vary. So, while they can be part of a treatment plan for anxiety, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Lifestyle Changes for Anxiety
Lifestyle changes are key to managing anxiety disorders as they can impact mental health and overall well-being. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding substances like alcohol and excessive caffeine can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Below, we will look at some lifestyle changes.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to manage anxiety. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and can reduce anxiety by improving emotional well-being. Calming breathing exercises, yoga and pilates are other relaxation techniques that can help with anxiety.
Progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group, can also help with anxiety. These can be incorporated into daily routines, a practical way to reduce anxiety and improve mental health.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is linked to reduced anxiety symptoms and improved mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which can uplift mood and reduce anxiety. Both aerobic exercises like running and cycling and anaerobic exercises like weightlifting can help with anxiety.
Having a regular workout routine can help you fit physical activity into your daily life and reinforce the anxiety-reducing benefits over time. Doing group activities or finding a workout buddy can also boost motivation and adherence to the exercise regime.
Support and Resources
Support and resources are key to managing anxiety disorders and providing emotional and practical help. Staying connected with friends and family, getting advice from charities and accessing professional help can make a big difference to coping with anxiety.
Below, we will look at support groups and professional help.
Support Groups
Support groups can be a big help for people with anxiety disorders by providing a sense of community and understanding. Talking to others who go through the same challenges can improve emotional well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness. Good support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and coping strategies, which can be invaluable for managing anxiety.
Joining a support group can give you a sense of belonging and mutual support, which can be very helpful for those with anxiety disorders. These groups can also provide practical advice and encouragement to help you manage your anxiety better.
Professional Help
Seeking professional help is important for severe anxiety. Mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors can diagnose anxiety and provide counselling and treatment. For those who are pregnant or have just given birth, midwives and health visitors can also help.
A mental health provider can do a full assessment to determine the severity of anxiety and develop a personalised treatment plan. This professional help is important if your symptoms are impacting daily life, as well as providing treatment options and ongoing support.
Before Treatment
Preparing for treatment is key to managing anxiety disorders. Make a list of your anxiety symptoms, stress triggers, family mental health history, and current medications that can help with your care.
Below, we will walk you through the initial consultation and treatment plan.
Initial Consultation
On your first visit to a mental health provider, you will have a full discussion that will set the scene for your treatment. You will be asked several questions about your symptoms and medical history. This may include a psychological assessment to get a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours around anxiety.
Be prepared to talk about the severity of your physical symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This initial consultation is key to developing a personalised treatment plan for you.
Treatment Plan
Developing a treatment plan is a joint effort between you and your healthcare provider. Understanding your anxiety is key to developing a plan that includes both therapy and medication. Exercise and relaxation techniques can also be added to your treatment plan to support the traditional therapies.
Accessing support groups and professional help can also provide extra support and information during the treatment. This holistic approach means all aspects of your anxiety are covered so you can manage better and improve your mental well-being.
Clinical Trials and Research
Clinical trials are important to develop new treatments for anxiety disorders. These trials test new therapies, interventions and diagnostic tools to better understand and manage anxiety disorders. Current clinical trials are looking at new treatments for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that target specific brain pathways to reduce symptoms. By participating in these trials, you can contribute to the development of better treatments and gain access to new therapies.
Many clinical trials involve a controlled comparison between an investigational drug and a placebo to determine the efficacy and safety of new treatments. Participants in these trials often get paid and receive reimbursement for travel expenses, which can make it more accessible. However, the eligibility criteria for these trials can be strict, often requiring participants to have had anxiety symptoms for a certain period and excluding those with certain psychiatric or neurological conditions.
Clinical trials are key to understanding anxiety disorders and developing new treatments. By participating in this research, you can help create new, better treatments for others in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, managing anxiety disorders requires a holistic approach that includes therapy, medication, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes and support systems. Understanding anxiety disorders and the options available can help you get the help you need and take control of your mental well-being. Whether it’s CBT, SSRIs and benzodiazepines, hypnotherapy or herbal remedies, there are many options to choose from. Remember, professional help and clinical trials can also be part of managing anxiety. Get started today and take back control.
FAQs
What are the most common anxiety disorders?
The most common anxiety disorders are Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias. Knowing these can help you get the right treatment and support.
How does CBT help with anxiety disorders?
CBT helps with anxiety disorders by giving you skills to manage symptoms and by changing negative thoughts and behaviours. It helps you take back control of your anxiety.
What are the risks of using benzodiazepines for anxiety?
Using benzodiazepines for anxiety can lead to dependence and reduced effectiveness over time, so it’s important to consider alternative long-term treatments.
Can lifestyle changes really work for anxiety?
Yes, making lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can make a big difference in managing anxiety. These changes not only reduce symptoms but overall mental well-being.
What to bring to your first appointment?
Bring a list of your anxiety symptoms, stress triggers, family mental health history and current medications. Be prepared to talk about how these affect your daily life.
