What is the best treatment for anxiety?
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Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but Ken Duckworth, MD, the chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston, says many people with these disorders can benefit from this three-pronged approach: psychotherapy, exercise, and medication. Show
Each person may need a different combination of these three elements, and in different sequences. “There's no magic in the treatment of anxiety,” says Dr. Duckworth. “Some people will get better with psychotherapy alone, while some people might need medication to help them concentrate better on the therapy. Anxiety and depression can decrease motivation to exercise, but medication may give you the energy to do it.” Also, says Duckworth, a patient may need more than one medication. 9 Foods That Help Or Hurt Anxiety There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety disorders. Within each of these categories, there are subgroups of drugs that work differently and have their own benefits, risks, and possible side effects. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, antidepressants are often used as the first line of treatment. These medications often take four to six weeks, or longer, to be fully effective. “They’re supereffective in treating anxiety disorders,” says Beth Salcedo, MD, the medical director of the Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders and a past board president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It’s not known exactly how SSRIs work on serotonin to alleviate anxiety, says Dr. Salcedo, but what is known is that they’re not addictive like benzodiazepines are (though they can cause uncomfortable symptoms if people stop too abruptly). It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any prescription drug. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about the side effects of a medication, or if the drug you’re taking doesn't seem to be alleviating your symptoms. #BlackHealthFacts: Highlighting the Issues and Influencing ChangeIn this six-part #BlackHealthFacts series, we examine the social and systemic inequities that have impacted Black Americans’ health and look at how to make improved physical and mental health care possible for all. Watch now
The two classes of antidepressants most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Examples of SSRIs include:
Examples of SNRIs include:
Common side effects of both SSRIs and SNRIs may include:
Other antidepressants that may be prescribed for anxiety include:
Some people respond better to some antidepressants rather than others. You may need to try a few different medications before you find one that works for you. RELATED: Meditation’s Soothing Effects Enjoying this article?Subscribe to get the latest from our Mental Wellness newsletter Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Benzodiazepines help relieve anxiety by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain and generating a sedative effect. They work quickly, and can relieve anxiety for several hours. They are usually prescribed for those with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.Because they work so quickly, and because people taking them can build up a tolerance that leaves them needing higher doses to feel better, doctors will prescribe them for very short periods of time — usually no more than a month. Unfortunately, people can become addicted to benzodiazepines, even in a short period of time. If you stop taking them suddenly, withdrawal symptoms may occur, so it's important to follow your doctor's instructions for tapering off your medication. They can also be used with antidepressants initially while antidepressants take time to work. "They're a powerful tool," says Duckworth, "but you have to be really smart about their use." Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:
Other side effects of benzodiazepines may include:
Buspirone (brand name BuSpar) is typically used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. It is often prescribed with an antidepressant. Side effects of buspirone may include:
Some people with phobias or panic disorder may be prescribed a heart medication known as a beta-blocker. These drugs are primarily prescribed for uneven heartbeat and high blood pressure, but they have been found to be helpful for treating the feelings that come with high-pressure situations. “Beta-blockers can be very helpful but in a limited way,” says Dr. Salcedo. “They are most commonly used for performance anxiety. They are really good for the physical symptoms such as heart racing, sweating, shakiness, but they work less well for the anxious thoughts that might be causing the symptoms.” Beta-blockers are prescribed to be used on an as-needed basis; they’re not taken long-term. Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) is another medication prescribed for anxiety. It’s an antihistamine that’s used to treat allergic reactions, but it also works to decrease activity in the brain.These medications act quickly, like benzodiazepines, but unlike benzodiazepines, they don’t cause addiction.Additional reporting by Carlene Bauer. Resources We LoveNational Alliance on Mental Illness Anxiety and Depression Association of America The Mighty
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What is the drug of choice for anxiety?SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
What are 3 strategies to reduce anxiety?There are many strategies that can be used for managing anxiety.. Keeping active.. Eating well.. Spending time outdoors in nature.. Spending time with family and friends.. Reducing stress.. Doing activities you enjoy.. What are the 4 treatment options for anxiety disorders?Four major classes of medications are used to treat anxiety disorders: SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), tricyclic antidepressant, and benzodiazepine.
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