Anxiety is part of life. It arises when we anticipate danger or a good thing or are surprised by the turnout of events. You have probably noticed how your heart beats fast when you meet an important person or want to make a public presentation. The feeling is normal but becomes abnormal if it lasts longer than usual and starts interfering with your daily life. This abnormality may become a disorder. The NIMH disclosed that approximately 31% of American adults experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
An anxiety disorder takes many forms, such as generalized, obsessive-compulsive, and phobia. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common but as dangerous as other disorders. Treatments for anxiety disorders are available, but people are usually torn between therapy and medication. This article explains the best treatment for anxiety and where to find one.
What is the Best Treatment for Anxiety?
It depends on the symptoms and the individual. The medical professional will recommend the best treatment for the specific disorder. Here are common types of anxiety treatment;
Therapy
Therapy or psychotherapy involves talking to the patient and discovering more about their problems. The therapist seeks ways to mitigate their issues. Psychotherapy is performed by a licensed counselor or therapist. It comes in different forms, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, acceptance, and commitment therapy, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing. Below is a breakdown of each form of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely considered the most effective for treating anxiety disorders due to the one-on-one connection with the patient. CBT targets disturbing thought patterns and seeks to reframe them. This hands-on approach helps individuals modify their behavior and acquire skills to navigate challenging situations without losing control.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is slightly similar to CBT. This treatment approach pinpoints individual values and helps them work according to their values through acceptance. ACT is about accepting who you truly are and acting according to your values without allowing yourself to be dictated by others. ACT is effective against OCD and social anxiety disorders.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR focuses on an individual’s healing who has been affected by trauma. It helps the person process traumatic events or repressed memories through particular eye movements. Reprocessing the memories decreases emotional stress and fatigue. EMDR is effective against PTSD, panic disorders, and specific phobias. Unlike CBT, it is specifically used for certain anxiety disorders due to its reprocessing nature.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy helps people deal with their fear or fright. The therapist or counselor works with the person to gradually expose them to scary situations and rewire the brain to minimize fear responses. Exposure therapy teaches coping strategies and creates new thought patterns to reduce fears. Exposure therapy also comes in different forms, such as imaginary exposure and virtual reality exposure. It is effective against specific phobias like hydrophobia and claustrophobia and panic disorders.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT shares a similar concept with ACT. It teaches clients to balance their opposing feelings and situations by engaging in practices like mindfulness. DBT aims to build the stress tolerance needed to overcome anxiety. It treats GAD and OCD.
Art Therapy
Drawing, painting, music, and sculpting are forms of art therapy. It helps manage anxiety symptoms by allowing individuals to express their emotions and understand themselves better in art.
Medications
Medications treat anxiety symptoms by preventing or controlling them. Drugs for preventing anxiety symptoms are taken daily, while those for controlling anxiety are taken when needed. Some medications do both. Talk to your healthcare specialist for the best recommendation. Examples of medications for treating anxiety include; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and benzodiazepines.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs increase serotonin secretion in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and sleep. An increased level of this brain chemical helps individuals deal with PTSD and social anxiety disorder. Apart from treating anxiety, SSRIs are excellent depression treatments.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SNRIs are similar to SSRIs except that they increase norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain stay alert. SNRIs are effective in treating anxiety and chronic pain.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines calm the brain in anxious situations. They are effective against short-term anxiety symptoms but can lead to dependence if taken regularly.
What is the Best Treatment for Anxiety?
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for anxiety. The best option depends on the individual’s lifestyle and anxiety symptoms. The decision will ultimately be decided by the healthcare specialist. Sometimes, medical experts combine therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications for the best results.
Satori Health Offers Anxiety Treatment
If you’re looking for anxiety therapy in San Fernando, Satori Health is the right option. The medical team offers various tailored anxiety treatment options. We identify the type of anxiety patients struggle with and recommend the best way to deal with it. Call us today to learn more.