3 Treatment Options to Address Anxiety Disorders

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Anxiety can be experienced by anyone, as it is a normal condition. However, if the anxiety persists and interferes with daily activities, it may indicate the presence of anxiety disorders. These disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, and should not be underestimated. Therefore, it is advisable to address them promptly to prevent more severe mental health issues.

Explore various treatment options for managing anxiety in this article.

Treatment options for managing anxiety disorders

Treatment for anxiety disorders will vary depending on the symptoms that arise and their severity However, there are several commonly used treatment options

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The aim is for individuals with anxiety disorders to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that can cause anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients avoid turning normal thoughts into negative ones

CBT therapy also includes exposure therapy, where gradually the individual with anxiety disorder is encouraged to face triggering objects or situations

This is done to help the individual build confidence in managing situations and facing anxiety symptoms that arise.

2. Use of Medications

Some types of medication will be used to help alleviate anxiety symptoms that arise

However, the use of medication will depend on the type and severity of the anxiety disorder that the sufferer has In addition, having mental or physical issues beyond anxiety disorder will also be taken into consideration

The following are examples of medications to treat anxiety disorders:

• Antidepressant medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Sedative drugs, like benzodiazepines (Valium), for short-term use Because these drugs can lead to high dependency effects

3. Home remedy

Most people with anxiety disorders require psychotherapy or medication to manage it However, lifestyle changes can also be done as a home remedy Here are some things that people with anxiety disorders can do to alleviate their symptoms:

• Stay physically active, like exercising regularly Because exercise is a powerful stress reliever and can improve mood
• Make sure to get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can increase the risk of anxiety disorders
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to calm the mind
• Avoid alcohol and stay away from drugs, as their content can cause withdrawal symptoms These withdrawal symptoms can lead to anxiety disorders

Treat anxiety with a doctor's prescription

To overcome anxiety disorders, doctors usually prescribe anxiety medication These medications should only be used with a prescription, advice, and guidance from a psychiatrist So make sure not to take them casually Here are the anxiety medications that doctors typically prescribe:

1. Hydroxyzine 25 mg 

Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery. This medicine is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses).

In some cases, doctors sometimes prescribe this anxiety medication to treat certain allergic conditions For example, chronic urticaria, atopic, and contact dermatitis

Regarding the dosage, you need to consult with a doctor first Because the use of this medication must be closely monitored by a doctor and should not be taken lightly Additionally, this medication falls under purchasable controlled substances Meaning, its possession and usage are regulated by law.

2. Buspirone 10mg / Tablets

Buspirone HCL This compound belongs to an anxiolytic medication used to treat general and non-specific anxiety symptoms with or without depression Use of this medication should follow the doctor's instructions Therefore, no one should obtain this medication freely The doctor can also help you find the appropriate anxiety medication based on your symptoms This medication is also classified as a purchasable controlled substance.

3. Pregabalin 50 MG

Pregabalin is usually used for treating neuropathic pain and seizures However, in certain cases like anxiety disorders, doctors may also prescribe pregabalin This medication is also classified as a purchasable controlled substance Make sure to only take it with a prescription and guidance from your doctor! The doctor will recommend the appropriate dosage to treat your symptoms.

4. Sertraline

Sertraline is an SSRI medication that doctors usually prescribe for depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder

This anxiety medication can have unwanted side effects if taken without proper guidance from a doctor

The mechanism of action is to inhibit the reuptake of presynaptic serotonin Serotonin is a hormone in the central nervous system that plays an important role in regulating mood, personality, and sleep cycles. 

Therefore, it's important to consult with a doctor first, as this medication falls under purchasable controlled substances.

Identify the causes of anxiety disorders

Before knowing the treatment options to overcome anxiety disorders, it's good to first understand the causes

Actually, the exact causes of anxiety disorders cannot be fully understood

However, some conditions are suspected to trigger someone to experience anxiety disorders, including:

• Experiencing bullying trauma or harassment
• Having unpleasant experiences during childhood
• Having a family history of anxiety disorders
• Smoking, consuming alcohol, and caffeine habits also increase someone's risk of experiencing anxiety disorders

Can anxiety disorders be prevented?

Most cases of anxiety disorders cannot be prevented However, there are some efforts that can be done to alleviate the symptoms, including:

• Set your time carefully so that you can carry out your routines well
• Maintain body health by consuming balanced nutrition
• Reduce consumption of alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks
• Live a healthy lifestyle, like exercising regularly
• Write daily notes to understand what triggers excessive anxiety
• Seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist if sudden anxiety symptoms occur

If you are confused about Anxiety Disorder Treatment Should see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, then you can find out in this article.

If you or people around you often feel excessive anxiety and suspect it as a symptom of an anxiety disorder, it's a good idea to immediately ask for help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

In the future, a trusted psychologist or psychiatrist will give advice on how to deal with the anxiety disorder you're facing

Reference:

Mayoclinic Accessed in 2024 Anxiety Disorders

Mayoclinic Accessed in 2024 Generalized anxiety disorder

WebMD Accessed in 2024 Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder — Prevention