Antidepressants are most commonly prescribed to treat depression. This condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in most activities. By increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, antidepressants help to regulate mood and improve overall emotional well-being.

In some cases, antidepressants are used in combination with mood stabilizers to treat the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. Care is taken to avoid triggering manic episodes.

Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are effective in managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This condition involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. These medications help reduce anxiety symptoms by promoting a calming effect.

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are also prescribed for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors. Antidepressants can reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions by modifying serotonin pathways in the brain.

Antidepressants are a first-line treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This condition occurs following a traumatic event and can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened emotional responses. SSRIs help reduce the severity of these symptoms by regulating mood and stress responses.

People with Social Anxiety Disorder often benefit from antidepressants. SAD is marked by intense fear or anxiety in social situations. By stabilizing serotonin levels, antidepressants can lessen feelings of fear and improve social functioning.

Antidepressants are effective for treating Panic Disorder, a condition characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath. These medications help prevent panic attacks and reduce their severity.

Certain antidepressants, like tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and SNRIs, are used to manage chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines. These medications alter the way the brain perceives pain signals, providing relief.

Some antidepressants, such as trazodone, are prescribed to treat sleep disorders, including insomnia. They can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality by modulating serotonin levels.

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by extreme mood swings, irritability, and depression. Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can be effective in alleviating emotional symptoms associated with PMDD.

Finding the right antidepressant dosage is a crucial step in effective anxiety management. Medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another. An incorrect dose can lead to several issues:

• Ineffective treatment: If the dose is too low, it may not provide sufficient relief from anxiety symptoms, leaving you to continue struggling.
• Lingering symptoms: Low doses may not adequately address the underlying causes of anxiety, leading to persistent symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• Potential for side effects: While side effects can occur with any medication, they may be more pronounced or less tolerable at lower doses.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to reach their full therapeutic effect. However, some individuals may experience initial improvements sooner. If you don’t notice any improvement in your anxiety symptoms after several weeks of taking your medication as prescribed, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.

Never adjust your medication dosage without consulting your healthcare provider. Adjusting your medication without medical supervision can be dangerous and may lead to serious side effects.

If you suspect that your current antidepressant dose is too low, schedule an appointment with your doctor or psychiatrist to discuss your concerns.

Open communication is key. Be honest and upfront with your healthcare provider about the specific symptoms you’re experiencing and how they’re impacting your daily life.

Discuss possible adjustments. Your healthcare provider may recommend increasing your current dosage, switching to a different medication, or exploring other treatment options.

While medication can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety, it’s often most effective when combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly helpful in identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Other therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and acceptance and commitment therapy, can also be beneficial.

Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Our residential programs provide a supportive and structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery and receive 24/7 care.We offer residential care for substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. If you struggle with anxiety and a co-occurring substance use disorders, you can stay at our rehab in Portland, Oregon, to get treatment for both disorders.

We also offer an intensive outpatient program for mental health. This is not the same as residential treatment but is a good option for those who need mental health treatment.

We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including individual, group, and family therapy, to address the underlying causes of anxiety and develop effective coping mechanisms. Individual therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy help change thinking patterns and behaviors related to anxiety. This may also include learning health habits to manage anxiety symptoms.

Group therapy for anxiety is an opportunity to practice social skills and speak about your experience with others. Group therapy exercises can help address the root causes of anxiety and addiction.

We believe in providing personalized care tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. When you are admitted into one of our treatment programs, a counselor, therapist, or addiction specialist from our team will speak with you to get an understanding of your diagnosis and history with mental health or substance use disorders. Together our medical team creates a treatment schedule that will be most effective for you. Our treatment plans are carefully crafted to address the root causes of anxiety and promote long-term recovery.