Treatment for anxiety can be done with psychotherapy and / or medications that may help decrease symptoms such as anxiety, antidepressants or beta blockers, for example, which should only be used if they are indicated by the general practitioner or psychiatrist. In addition, natural phytotherapeutic remedies based on passion fruit, valerian, chamomile or St. John's Wort may also be used to help relieve symptoms.
Anxiety is a psychological state that precedes moments of danger, and when it occurs excessively, it creates a constant state of alertness and fear that affects tranquility and causes unpleasant bodily sensations such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, pain in the body and abdominal discomfort. Learn to identify the stress and anxiety and know its consequences for the body.
Main remedies
In the presence of signs and symptoms that indicate anxiety, it is important to seek the follow-up of a psychologist or psychiatrist, so that their causes are identified and indicated the best forms of treatment, which should begin with the performance of psychotherapy and only if necessary use of medicines.
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat anxiety, which will depend on the type of anxiety disorder that the person has or the presence or absence of other mental or physical disorders.
Some examples of pharmacy remedies for anxiety are:
1. Antidepressants
Some types of antidepressants can help control anxiety, even if people do not have symptoms of depression. Studies show that when people are experiencing anxiety problems, some changes occur in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine.
When starting treatment with these medicines, it is important to take into account that the onset of anxiolytic action is gradual. Examples of antidepressants used in the treatment of anxiety are imipramine, sertraline, paroxetine or venlafaxine, for example.
2. Benzodiazepines
Also called tranquilizers or anxiolytics, this class of medications is often prescribed in cases of anxiety for a short period of time. These remedies help the person to relax and reduce tension, but are not recommended for prolonged use due to their additive effects and to reduce alertness and affect coordination.
Examples of benzodiazepines used in the treatment of anxiety are lorazapam, bromazepam, diazepam or clonazepam, for example.
3. Buspirone
Buspirone belongs to a class of anxiolytic active substances, azapirones, which does not carry the risk of abuse, addiction or withdrawal, nor does it interact with other hypnotic drugs or alcohol. In addition, this substance also does not present sedation or changes at the psychomotor level.
4. Beta-blockers
Although they are less effective compared to the drugs described above, beta-blockers may be useful in people with severe somatic symptoms. These drugs have peripheral action, reducing the influence of perception of peripheral somatic symptoms, such as tremors and accelerated heart beats, on the cognitive symptoms of anxiety.
An advantage of β-blockers over benzodiazepines is the lower incidence of cognitive impairment. Examples of beta-blockers used in anxiety are propranolol, oxprenolol and nadolol.
5. Antihistamines
Although they are less used, there are some antihistamines that also have good results in the treatment of anxious symptoms. Among them, the most commonly used is hydroxyzine, an H1 antagonist.
Natural Remedy Options for Anxiety
Some of the key natural ways to control anxiety include:
- Increase consumption of foods rich in nutrients such as magnesium, omega-3, fiber and tryptophan, such as bananas and chocolate, for example. See more food;
- Practice low intensity physical exercises like walking, pilates or yoga. See other ways to calm the mind with exercises;
- Use home remedies such as passion fruit juice, banana vitamin, passionfruit tea, broccoli tea, lemon balm or melissa tea, St. John's or St. John's wort herbal tea, for example, as they are rich in soothing active ingredients and anxiolytics.
In addition, it is also recommended to invest in relaxation methods such as meditation, conversations with friends or breathing techniques, for example, that help a lot in controlling the symptoms. Check out also other tips to help control anxiety.
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