Understanding Treatment of Anxiety: Expert Insights from a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

According to a survey by the National Institute of Health, 6.8 million, or 31.1% of US adults have experienced an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. Anxiety disorders also affect 31.9% of adolescents ages 13-18. This makes anxiety the most prevalent mental health disorder in the US. Despite its prevalence, Anxiety disorders are very treatable and there are many effective treatment options out there. To better understand treatment of anxiety, we talked to Olivia Vogel, psychiatric nurse practitioner at Mind and Body Therapeutic Connections.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Olivia provides medication management to individuals struggling with a number of mental health disorders, including anxiety. The CDC reports that anxiety rates are highest among women, ages 18-29. However, Olivia states “In practice I have seen anxiety affect various age groups, including children and the elderly”. So why is it that anxiety disorders are so prominent in the US today? “Anxiety disorders are prominent due to a combination of factors,” says Olivia. “There is the genetic factor; individuals who have a family history of anxiety are more likely to have anxiety themselves. Secondly imbalances in the  neurotransmitters in the brain can contribute to heightened anxiety. Abnormalities in the thyroid can cause heightened symptoms of anxiety. Those who have experienced trauma in their lifetime are more susceptible to anxiety. Stress can heighten symptoms of anxiety by elevating the cortisol levels in the body,”. Olivia goes on to share that things such as diet, substance use, and exercise can also have an impact on anxiety. “Anxiety is so prominent because there are so many different factors that can lead to the symptoms of anxiety in our society today” says Olivia.

While there is a high prevalence of anxiety, and many factors that contribute to it, there are also many effective treatment options available to those who suffer from anxiety. When it comes to pharmacological treatment, Olivia shares that there are three commonly prescribed medications for anxiety: SSRIs, SNRI's and benzodiazepines. According to Olivia, “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) are the first line for treatment of anxiety because they are non habit forming.  They work on symptoms of anxiety by increasing serotonin levels which helps to regulate mood and decrease anxiety. SNRI's work in a similar fashion but they also work on the norepinephrine as well as the serotonin.” She goes on to say, “Benzodiazepines are fast acting and are used more for acute anxiety or panic attacks for short term use. They work on the Gaba receptors in the brain to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and cause relaxation. They are effective and work quickly but unfortunately they are habit forming and long term use can lead to cognitive decline and decreased memory function, therefore they are prescribed cautiously.” Due to the habit forming nature of Benzodiazepines, Olivia recommends that they only be used in acute anxiety episodes or panic attacks, due to the long term risks of dependency when taken on a regular basis. 

While medication is a common treatment for anxiety, Olivia emphasizes the importance of also learning coping strategies, and other non-pharmacological tools to better deal with anxiety. Olivia states, “This can be achieved through therapy services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy where techniques and skills can be acquired to help reduce anxiety. Physical activity also plays a very important role in keeping anxiety in check, by decreasing stress and by stimulating the production of endorphins, a natural mood booster!” Other ways to manage anxiety include eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, meditation, and taking the time to do things you enjoy. If you are struggling with anxiety and feel it is impairing your ability to function in your day to day life, relationships, and/or work, reach out to a psychiatric medication management provider and licensed therapist to gain the treatment and tools you need to thrive. You can contact Mind and Body Therapeutic Connections to find out which services can best support you, by calling 919-791-5611 option 1 today.