What are some treatments for anxiety?

June 27, 2018

Determining the cause of anxiety

  1. Underlying biology – certain medical conditions can be the cause of, or contribute to anxiety.
  2. Predisposition – upbringing, personality, and temperament can contribute
  3. Social factors – stress, work-life balance, financial distress, interpersonal conflict
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Non-Medication Treatment Options

  1. Psychotherapy (many variations of psychotherapy exist)
  2. Biofeedback
  3. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  4. ECT in some cases can be beneficial for anxiety.
  5. tDCS

Medication Options

  1. SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram.
  2. SNRIs such as venlafaxine or duloxetine
  3. Buspirone
  4. Hydroxyzine
  5. For temporary, severe anxiety: lorazepam, or clonazepam
  6. In some cases, individuals benefit from “off-label” use of medications such as gabapentin, clonidine, or tegretol or trileptal.

    a woman and a woman in a pharmacy
    What Cerebellum Activities Are Good For ADHD?

    The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance, rhythm, and coordination. Research suggests that stimulating this area can improve focus and cognitive control in individuals with ADHD. Effective activities include:

    • Balance Exercises: Walking on a balance beam, standing on one leg (yoga tree pose), or using a wobble board.

    • Coordination Drills: Juggling, skipping rope, or playing catch with a ball.

    • Rhythmic Movement: Dancing, martial arts (like Tai Chi or Karate), or playing a musical instrument (especially drums or piano which require limb independence). 

    • Target Sports: Activities that require hand-eye coordination like table tennis, badminton, or tennis.

    What Is The 20 Minute Rule For ADHD?

    The “20-Minute Rule” is a productivity strategy designed to combat procrastination and “time blindness.” It generally refers to two similar concepts:

    1. The “Just Do 20 Minutes” Approach: If a task feels overwhelming, commit to doing it for only 20 minutes. This lowers the barrier to entry. Often, once started, the hyperfocus kicks in, and you continue past the timer. If not, you still made progress.

    2. The Task Switch (Pomodoro Variation): Work for 20 minutes, then take a short active break. For ADHD brains, shorter intervals (like 15–20 minutes) can sometimes be more effective than the standard 25–30 minute Pomodoro technique because the reward (break) comes sooner.

    What Is The Best Exercise For ADHD Brain?

    While any movement is better than none, complex aerobic exercise is often cited as the “best” for ADHD.

    • Aerobic Intensity: Activities that get the heart rate up (running, swimming, cycling) increase the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters often in lower supply in ADHD brains. This mimics the effects of some ADHD medications.

    • Complexity: Exercises that require thinking while moving (complex motor skills) are superior. For example, Martial Arts, Rock Climbing, or Gymnastics require you to focus on the next step, balance, and strategy simultaneously. This challenges the brain’s executive functions while providing the physical release of cardio.

    Are You a Journalist Writing About This Topic?
    Are You a Journalist Writing About This Topic?

    If you are a journalist writing about this subject, do get in touch – we may be able to comment or provide a pull quote from a professional therapist.