Exploring Common Anxiety Disorders and How They're Treated with Medication

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns, and it can manifest in different ways. Because there is a range of anxiety disorders, therapists and psychiatrists can tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of individuals.

While anxiety treatment can include talk therapy and lifestyle changes, it can also include medication. Some people, especially those with more severe anxiety symptoms, benefit greatly from medication and find that it dramatically improves their quality of life. But medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Some medications are better suited to address specific anxiety disorders. Understanding which medications can alleviate symptoms of the most common anxiety disorders can help you make informed decisions for your health.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about everyday situations. People with GAD might struggle at work, fall behind in school, or have difficulty carrying out everyday errands and domestic responsibilities. Their mental and physical health can suffer as a result.

People with GAD are often prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications help regulate serotonin levels, which can reduce one’s anxiety symptoms over time. It can take a few weeks for people to feel the effects of SSRIs. Some people may want to tweak their dosages or switch to different varieties depending on the side effects.

Panic Disorder

Living with panic disorder can be challenging. Someone with panic disorder can experience debilitating panic attacks at any time, even when they are not in danger. The symptoms can be so intense that it can feel like a heart attack. Sometimes, people even go to the ER when dealing with a panic attack. Furthermore, the fear of future panic attacks can become overwhelming.

For panic disorders, a psychiatrist might prescribe SSRIs for long-term use as well as benzodiazepines for short-term use. While benzodiazepines can dramatically reduce panic symptoms, these strong medications are not recommended for long-term symptom management.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Many people with OCD struggle to treat this condition through lifestyle changes alone. Although getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising are all beneficial, dealing with round-the-clock ruminations and compulsive behaviors can be deeply frustrating.

Certain SSRIs, such as Prozac, Fluvoxamine, Paxil, and Zoloft are commonly prescribed to treat OCD. Furthermore, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which affect serotonin and norepinephrine levels for healthier stress responses, can also be helpful for those with OCD.

Social Anxiety Disorder

When someone has a deep fear of social situations or being judged by others, their anxiety might prevent them from forming meaningful friendships and romantic relationships, finding a job, or pursuing their hobbies.

SSRIs and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can ease the symptoms of anxiety that crop up in social settings. These two classes of antidepressants are widely used to treat anxiety. SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps to regulate emotions, your circadian rhythm, and your memory.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder rooted in unprocessed trauma. After someone experiences a traumatic event, they might suffer from ongoing distress, with symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares. Throughout the day, they may feel like they need to stay hypervigilant, and they can’t relax for fear of unnoticed threats.

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but many people with PTSD do find relief through medication, including SSRIs, such as Zoloft and Paxil. For people who can’t tolerate SSRIs, SNRIs like Effexor can serve as backup options. PTSD can inhibit people from living full, purposeful lives, and medication can be freeing.

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If you’re curious about trying anxiety disorder medication, we can help guide you through the process. Connect with us to learn more about our anxiety counseling services.