Anxiety Treatment Therapy, Medications, Coping Tips & Strategies

What is Anxiety?

Fear is an automatic neurophysiological state of alarm characterized by a fight or flight reaction to present or imminent danger (real or perceived). Anxiety is connected to fear and manifests as a future-oriented mood state that consists of a complex mental, emotional, physical, and behavioral response system associated with preparation for the anticipated events or circumstances perceived as threatening. Anxiety treatment is critical when fear becomes so intense that it hinders us from functioning normally and causes several health risks, such as high heart rate, suicidal ideations, and panic attacks.

According to research published in the US PubMed [1], among individuals reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempts, over 70% had an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, but the actual prevalence is not known as many people do not seek help or clinicians fail to make the diagnosis.

• Specific phobia is the most common, with a 12-month prevalence rate of 12.1%.
• Social anxiety disorder is the next most common, with a 12-month prevalence rate of 7.4%.
• The least common anxiety disorder is agoraphobia (fear of leaving environments they know or consider to be safe), with a 12-month prevalence rate of 2.5%. [2]

Most people will have a recurrence of anxiety disorder symptoms even after a symptom-free period. Treatment adherence is a significant issue, and thus, relapse of symptoms is common. According to research in the NCBI, only about 60% of patients achieve remission (a temporary recovery) within six months. Triggers for poor outcomes include:

• Chronic illness.
• High interpersonal sensitivity.
• Unmarried.
• Low social class.
• Living alone.

Anxiety disorders are also associated with decreased quality of life as the patient cannot function normally in their social and family life. The disorders are correlated with an increased risk of comorbid medical conditions, such as addiction and smoking. [3]

Anxiety Therapy

Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, helps people understand their experiences and develop effective coping methods.

There are many types of psychotherapy, including the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Interpersonal therapy.
• Psychodynamic therapy.
• Family therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a standard treatment. It aims to help individuals identify and change negative thoughts or beliefs about social situations. Exposure therapy, or cognitively delivered exposure, can also help. With this approach, the patient gradually works up to facing the occasions they fear with a therapist and in a safe setting.

Many support groups for anxiety can also help. They operate in a way that allows participants to observe initially without feeling pressured to speak.

Members of the support groups typically establish a nonjudgmental environment by being more understanding of the difficulties connected with anxiety. Importantly, these groups generally enable members to watch before actively engaging, installing a safe and welcoming setting. In general, anxiety support groups provide a helpful environment where people may share their experiences and work on coping mechanisms.

SNRIs include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor).
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
• Levomilnacipran (Fetzima).

If you’re struggling with anxiety, benzodiazepines (Rivotril, Xanax, Ativan) might deliver fast relief, but they come with hazards, including dependency and sleepiness. For brief periods, doctors frequently prescribe them.

Beta-blockers lessen the effects of adrenaline, which is advantageous when a rapid heartbeat is a problem, such as when delivering a public speech. For persistent social anxiety, though, they’re not the recommended treatment.

Over the Counter Anxiety Medications

Some people find relief from mild anxiety symptoms using OTC options, including:

• Valerian root.
• Passionflower.
• Kava.
• Melatonin.
• L-Theanine.

Before trying any natural remedies or supplements, consult your doctor to ensure their safety and prevent potential interactions with any prescription medications you may currently be using.

Self-Management and Tips on How to Calm Anxiety

Healthcare professionals can significantly help ease your anxiety, but there are things you can also do at home and wherever you may be. Try incorporating the following strategies to help you calm down:

• Deep breathing exercises.
• Mindfulness meditation.
• Regular physical exercise.
• Adequate sleep.
• Limiting caffeine intake.
• Establishing a routine.
• Positive self-talk.
• Seeking social support.
• Time management.
• Progressive muscle relaxation.

Talking to your doctor can make a difference if you struggle to face your anxiety. Doctors have various ways to help with anxiety. They might connect you with a therapist or administer medications to ease it. Both therapy and meds work well, and combining them is even more effective. Plus, you usually won’t need them forever—during tough times.

Anxiety Test and Diagnosis

Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing anxiety so that any physical health conditions may be ruled out. They can assess if an underlying medical problem is causing your anxiety. The assessment may include:

• Clinical interview.
• Physical examination.
• Psychological evaluation.
• DSM-5 criteria assessment.
• Review of symptoms and medical history.
• Anxiety assessment tools/tests.
• Collaboration with mental health professionals.
• Rule out other medical conditions.
• Observation of behavior.
• Diagnostic discussion with the patient.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders seem to happen when our genes, the experiences we go through, and how we deal with stress or challenging situations all come together. Some people might be more prone to anxiety because of their genes, and when they face difficult or traumatic events, it can lead to noticeable anxiety symptoms.

The following conditions can also cause anxiety:

• Medications.
• Herbal medications.
• Substance abuse.
• Trauma.
• Childhood experiences.
• Panic disorders.

Depression and Anxiety Co-occurring Disorder

Depression and anxiety often co-occur, forming a complex condition where you may experience symptoms of both disorders simultaneously. Depression is characterized by:

• Persistent feelings of sadness.
• Hopelessness.
• A lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

Aiming to treat anxiety and depression symptoms simultaneously, effective treatment strategies provide more thorough and valuable mental health assistance.

Severe Anxiety Treatment

The treatment for severe anxiety frequently has to be all-encompassing. For people with severe anxiety, hospitalization or inpatient programs may be advised in some situations to offer a controlled and encouraging setting for healing.

Inpatient Anxiety Treatment

Inpatient anxiety treatment offers several advantages for individuals experiencing severe symptoms. It provides a carefully regulated, well-watched atmosphere that guarantees regular daily assistance and attention.

Tips on How to Find Anxiety Treatment Near Me

If your anxiety attacks are coupled with self-harming behavior, alcohol or drug use, or suicidal ideation, seek immediate medical help. Someone who is a danger to themselves or others shouldn’t work through their symptoms at home; they should receive emergency care to reach a stable mental place.

• For the Suicide Crisis hotline, call 988. You may also dial 911 for emergency help.
• For anxiety treatment, consult your primary care doctor.
• Contact your health insurance provider.
• Ask for recommendations from friends or family.
• Use online directories or search engines.
• Explore community mental health resources.
• Check with university or college counseling services.
• Contact local psychiatric hospitals or clinics.
• Seek guidance from support groups or hotlines.

The symptoms of the multiple disorders that can happen alongside anxiety can present complex and similar symptoms. This is why accurate diagnosis requires a highly trained professional team with years of experience.

The Connection Between Addiction and Anxiety

Alcoholism and drug abuse might result from attempts to self-medicate mental health problems, such as anxiety, without a proper diagnosis. This self-medication can lead to dependency and addiction wildly when undiagnosed mental disorders coexist. Untreated dual diagnoses can exacerbate drug abuse, with some substances triggering psychotic attacks that may persist. Addressing anxiety disorders is crucial not only for understanding the roots of substance abuse but also due to the biochemical imbalances that contribute to physical dependence, making a comprehensive approach beyond just behavioral therapy essential for effective treatment.

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