Common Anxiety Treatment Options

Recognizing anxiety disorder symptoms is just the firstAntidepressants such as Effexor and Paxil can help
step towards overcoming the problem. The next stepimprove the mood, reduce tension and make the
is to find a suitable anxiety treatment plan, and thisperson feel more balanced.
may consist of medication, behavioral therapy, dietary4. Lifestyle changes. Reducing stress naturally through
changes, and nutritional supplementation. According toregular exercise, meditation or stretching can help to
MedicineNet.com, "if no physical illness is found, [theimprove the effects of an anxiety disorder and reduce
sufferer] may be referred to a psychiatrist ormany symptoms. People who experience chronic
psychologist who is specially trained to diagnose andstress and tension can limit these feelings naturally by
treat mental illnesses. Treatments for generalizedundertaking a vigorous cardiovascular exercise
anxiety disorder most often include a combination ofregimen, doing yoga or pilates, or meditation regularly.
medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy."Increasing oxygen and blood circulation can help the
Here are some of the most common anxietyperson feel more relaxed and centered.
treatment options available for people suffering from5. Nutritional supplements. For people who have
generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder,difficulty sleeping or calming down, nutritional
obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxietysupplements such as Valerian extract, chamomile and
problems:lavender can help to reduce tension and induce sleep
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.naturally. These supplements may be most effective
Recognizing the triggers of a panic attack, orfor people with mild symptoms and brief episodes of
identifying the root cause of an anxiety attack can bechronic anxiety.
part of cognitive behavioral therapy treatment6. Dietary changes. Eating certain types of food can
programs. This type of treatment allows the suffererincrease or reduce the risk of anxiety attacks or
to work with a licensed professional to identify thetension. Eating too many sugary foods can increase
troublesome thoughts, behaviors and patterns to seethe heart rate and make it difficult to concentrate,
where they may be behaving in an irrational orthereby aggravating some of the symptoms of
inappropriate way.anxiety. Calming foods such as milk, oats, lentils and
2. Anxiety medication. Several types of prescriptionyogurt can help keep energy levels stable and reduce
drugs have proven to be effective for treating anxietythe risk of an anxiety attack. Making minor dietary
disorders, and the type and dosage varies by personchanges on a regular basis often accompanies anxiety
and condition. The most common types of medicationtreatment programs.
prescribed to those with anxiety disorder are a classThere may not be a cure for anxiety, but there are
of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugsseveral anxiety treatments available to reduce the
have a tranquilizing effect on the body, and includeeffects and eliminate symptoms. A mental health
drugs such as Valium, Librium, Xanax and BuSpar.professional can help anxiety disorder sufferers create
3. Antidepressants. Many people suffering froman effective anxiety treatment plan that works in the
anxiety disorders also experience symptoms ofshort and long-term, and help the person overcome
depression. In some cases, treating the depression cantheir chronic condition.
alleviate many of the effects of the anxiety disorder.