Anxiety affects an estimated 20 million Americans, according to Health Scout. It causes both emotional and physical symptoms and ranges in severity from uncomfortable to completely disabling. Treatment of anxiety depends on the specific symptoms present and the underlying cause, but most cases improve with a combination of psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Anxiety and anxiety disorders typically respond well to treatment, with many people experiencing an improvement in symptoms within a few months' time.
Exercise
Regular exercise and use of relaxation techniques can improve mood, reduce anxiety and help the body cope more effectively with the physical consequences of stress. Just 30 minutes of exercise three or more times per week reduces anxiety symptoms, eases stress and improves overall health. Help Guide recommends engaging in at least one hour of aerobic exercise daily for the most benefits.
Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualization and controlled breathing, can relax the mind and body and improve both chronic and acute anxiety. Biofeedback, yoga and hypnosis are also beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, according to Psych Central. The Mayo Clinic also recommends eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and seeking help for sleep disorders.
Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (focuses on treating the underlying causes of anxiety while providing healthy methods of coping with stress and daily challenges. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the anxiety sufferer identify and change unhealthy thoughts and beliefs that are causing or contributing to the anxiety symptoms. It also improves the effectiveness of anxiety medications, according to Help Guide.
Another type of therapy, exposure therapy, helps patients confront specific fears in a controlled environment, with the goal of reducing or eliminating symptoms. Dialectical behavioral therapy and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing are other approaches to therapy that are effective for some people.
Medication
Severe or prolonged anxiety may require treatment with medication. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and clonazepam, are useful for short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms, but these medications may be habit-forming and tend to lose their effectiveness over time. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, citalopram, amitriptyline, and venlafaxine, help treat anxiety by altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These medications are especially beneficial for those who suffer from depressive symptoms along with anxiety.
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture and certain herbal anxiety treatments can improve symptoms in some patients, especially when used in conjunction with traditional treatment approaches. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America states that kava is effective at relieving generalized anxiety symptoms and depression, and kava may be especially useful for anxiety that accompanies menopause, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Supplementation with valerian and increased intake of vitamin B and folic acid may also help relieve symptoms of anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic.
