Anxiety

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 15:32

Anxiety treatment

Anxiety Disorders are typically treated with either medication or psychotherapy. Depending on your symptoms you may require either one of these types of treatment, or a combination of the two. Your doctor will be able to help you with the most appropriate treatment for your circumstances For Generalized Anxiety disorders it is likely that you will be recommended psychological treatment before trying medication.

Anxiety Medications

A variety of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety. These are classified as follows.

• Anti-anxiety drugs – Also known as sedatives or tranquilizers, these medications rapidly ease anxiety. However, these are prescribed only for short periods since many such drugs are habit-forming. Examples are; Benzodiazepines which help to ease the symptoms of anxiety within 30-90 minutes of taking the medication. Benzodiazepines are very addictive and also tend to lose there effectiveness after about 4 weeks. They also have a range of side effects including confusion, loss of balance, memory loss and drowsiness. Antihistamines are occasionally used as they can have a calming effect.

• Anti-depressants – These medications modify the activity of certain neurotransmitters, which are believed to be responsible for the development of anxiety disorders. Many anti-depressants require several weeks to be fully effective. A trial-and-error method may help determine which drug is most effective for you, with the least side effects. Examples are; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which work by increasing the level of a chemical in your brain called serotonin. Side effects include nausea, low sex drive, blurred vision, stomach problems, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite and insomnia. Venlafaxine which is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This type of medicine works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, side effects are similar to SSRIs.

Psychotherapy for Anxiety

Psychotherapy involves counselling sessions with a mental health provider. Patients with GAD benefit from cognitive behaviour therapy. This helps you to learn to recognize and develop control over feelings and emotions, which induce anxiety.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may help ease physical symptoms of anxiety.

Treatment for anxiety states needs to be tailored to individual needs. Most people are treated on an outpatient basis, but some may require the treatment to be administered in a hospital setting.

Natural Support for Anxiety

• Herbs - There are a number of herbs that have shown promise in helping to manage anxiety. St John's Wort has clinical evidence to support its use in both depression and anxiety. Be aware that St Jon's Wort can interact with other medicines so talk to your doctor or medical herbalist. Other herbs are Motherwort, Valerian and Bacopa.

• Nutritional Support - Inositol has been used to help people with anxiety who have panic attacks. Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium®-type drugs), which are used to treat anxiety. 

• Other - There is anecdotal evidence that soaking in a hot tub containing 1–2 cups of magnesium sulphate crystals (Epsom salts) for 15 to 20 minutes can help.