How a Psychiatrist Treats Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a fact of life for almost everyone at some point, but when anxiety gets out of control, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Psychiatrists are often among the first professionals people turn to when anxiety gets too much. These professionals can diagnose anxiety disorders and prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms.

About anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common, characterized by excess worry most days for at least six months. Other anxiety disorders include:

• Phobias – Fears related to a person, place, thing, or situation.
• Panic disorder – Characterized by sudden and overwhelming physical and psychological stress such as a racing heart or trembling.
• Social anxiety disorder – Overwhelming fear of and discomfort with social interaction.

These disorders come in many other forms but have one thing in common: they persist for long periods and greatly interfere with a person's ability to function in their day-to-day life. If anxiety is affecting your work, home life, and relationships, it will eventually take a toll on your physical health, and it is time to seek help.

Talking to a psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health issues such as anxiety disorders. They evaluate the patients physically and psychologically to diagnose anxiety disorders and develop a treatment plan. The psychiatrist will ask the patient detailed questions about their symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental illness. The doctor will also conduct a physical exam and may order additional tests to rule out any physical conditions contributing to the patient's symptoms.

Medications for anxiety disorder

If the psychiatrist determines the patient is suffering from an anxiety disorder, they may start the patient on medication. The type of medication will depend on the patient's specific needs. Here is an overview of some common medications prescribed for anxiety disorders:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are often the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are two classes of antidepressants that work on the neurotransmitters linked to mood. They tend to have similar side effects patients must consider, such as weight gain and reduced sex drive. In addition, with both classes of antidepressants, it can be several weeks before the patient starts to feel the benefits.

Benzodiazepines

Drugs such as alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam are part of a powerful group of anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugs are often very effective and fast acting. The downside is that a person can become dependent upon them quickly. Because these drugs carry with them the risk of addiction, doctors prescribe them sparingly. Many times, doctors will only prescribe them for panic disorders. Patients should take the lowest effective dose and avoid being on them for long periods.

Other medications

Other medications doctors include beta-blockers, hydroxyzine, and buspirone. Betta-blockers can be helpful in a limited way to treat physical anxiety symptoms such as a racing heart and sweating. They can be an alternative to benzodiazepines. Buspirone is another medication often used for anxiety that doctors may combine with antidepressants when the antidepressants are not effective enough on their own. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine for treating allergic reactions that also decreases brain activity to help relieve anxiety symptoms.

All of these medications come with their own side effects, advantages, and disadvantages. The psychiatrist may have to try multiple medications and/or adjust the dose before finding what works best for the patient. In addition to finding the right medication, the doctor may recommend other therapies, such as talk therapy, to help patients manage their symptoms.