How do psychiatrists treat anxiety disorder?

If you constantly experience feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. You need to see a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for an anxiety disorder usually consists of a combination of medication and talk therapy.

Medications to treat anxiety disorder

After an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, psychiatrists select medication to treat the problem. Medications relieve symptoms and help patients respond more favorably to therapy.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Psychiatrists often prescribe the drug SSRI to patients suffering from anxiety disorders. This medication blocks certain nerve cells from reuptake of serotonin. The extra serotonin alleviates anxiety and improves mood.

These drugs include fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine, and escitalopram.

Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

SNRIs block brain cells from reabsorbing serotonin and norepinephrine. This changes the way nerve cells communicate.

Various SNRIs include venlafaxine and duloxetine.

Tricyclic antidepressant

A tricyclic antidepressant works the same way as an SNRI. In fact, many psychiatrists now use these drugs instead of SNRIs. Patients cannot develop tolerance to tricyclic antidepressants, which makes them an attractive treatment for anxiety disorder.

Tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Benzodiazepine

Psychiatrists can also prescribe benzothiazine for those who need short-term relief. This is a good option for patients suffering from anxiety attacks. These drugs work quickly but can be addictive, so they should not be taken daily.

These drugs include alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Psychiatrists often prefer to add psychotherapy to the treatment protocol. Although some psychiatrists offer talk therapy in their offices, most recommend that patients seek help from an outside therapist.

Patients can sign a waiver of cooperation between the two medical professionals to ensure that they receive the right treatment in both offices. This will allow the psychiatrist and psychotherapist to work together to provide exceptional patient care.

While various types of talk therapy can help people with an anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy provides optimal results. During the session, the therapist teaches the patient the skills to use to alleviate his or her symptoms.

These skills include ways to manage activities and places that the patient avoids because of anxiety. The therapist can then ask the patient to put their new skills to the test by being in situations that cause anxiety. For example, a person who is afraid of large crowds of people might find themselves in them as part of therapy.

It's a gradual process. People gradually face their fears and learn to overcome them.

Seeking help for an anxiety disorder

Living with an anxiety disorder is not easy. You constantly worry about being overcome by anxiety, and it keeps you from doing the things you used to love to do. Fortunately, help is available. See a psychiatrist to begin treatment for your disorder. A combination of medication and talk therapy can help you overcome your anxiety and enjoy life.

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