“Do antidepressants really work for anxiety?”

Depression and anxiety tend to affect similar neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore, the impact of SSRI's and SNRI's (typically the first line medications used) tends to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. These types of medications tend to take 4 to 6 weeks before you feel them working, and doses are tapered up slowly. There are other medications that can be used as more short-term (as needed) needs as well. I recommend consulting with a psychiatrist to identify which medication may be best for your individual needs.

I find that there are serious problems with anxiolytics and antidepressants. While they work for some for a while, nearly most homicides and suicides are done under the influence of antidepressants and anxiolytics. Over time, they create major dependency, and, thus, require an increase in dosage from time to time. I treat patients who have taken them for decades and at thresholds where even their initial prescribers are concerned. What now? So, why don't you consider the old-fashioned way over the course of evolution? If you have anxiety, process it. What happens if you accept the feeling and get to understand it from a rational mind? (It begins to reduce itself.) Anxiety is a fear of fear. It is a fear of the emotion of fear. So, face your feelings. Let them out. What is the message really? Is it realistic or immature? After getting real, perhaps you can get back to life. Now, there is the problem of early life, where infants suffer insecure attachments now that mothers work elsewhere. That tends to create lifelong anxiety. Are you superstitious about the philosophy formed by a baby? Can you have any sort of conversation with the infant inside of you that formed a life-long attitude that what? No one is dependable? I am worthless? Trouble is around the corner? I need people? I fear abandonment. Why do you love me? How will I know you are going to leave? Will you really come back? Why do my questions bother you? Am I pushing you away because I need you? Can anyone be trusted not to leave me? Well, tell the infant that she has to assess people better and then be worthy of dependable people, meaning, get a life. Do the hard thing. Develop your own character, and people will be drawn to you. If you truly need them, it will probably be too much. So, that baby who decided that life wasn't safe can be reasoned with. Make life safe enough and then tell the baby, "I got this." --Dr. Faye

While I am not a psychiatrist and it is not within my purview to prescribe psychotropic medication, it is my understanding that taking antidepressants is indicated for long-term management of anxious symptoms.

Antidepressants are often prescribed for anxiety. However, there are many other options as well. A prescribing provider can work with you to help you find the medication that is right for you. Studies show that a combination of therapy and medication yields the best outcomes for many patients. *Fondly, * *Dr. Betsi Hooper* *Licensed Psychologist*

Depressive and anxiety symptoms often coexist. However, if anxiety is the dominant symptom An anti anxiety medication would be preferable.

This depends on the drug. Some antidepressants, such as Zoloft, do work for anxiety, but at higher doses. But this is not the case for all antidepressants