Is It Wise to Consider Anxiety Medication?

Once, I would have cautioned those grappling with anxiety to steer clear of medications. In retrospect, I can admit my lack of knowledge about meds. Those little wonders, they can do some real good. That’s why you might be surprised to hear that I was firmly against them for a long time. But, after a decade of working with patients in different clinical settings, I realize that some people do benefit from them.

My bias against medication developed well before I became a therapist. Back in 2008, I was searching the internet, focused on finding a natural escape from anxiety. To be honest, at the time I was scared to take them myself, plain and simple. I had this notion that taking a pill might mess me up even worse. Meds were a mystery to me, so in the past I was eager to tell other people to keep their distance.

That fear clamped down on me hard and kept me from even considering them. Maybe they could’ve been my ticket out of the abyss back then, who knows? When I was at my absolute lowest, it might’ve been worth a shot. But, no, I let my fear and ignorance call the shots. So, if you’re drowning in the depths of anxiety or feeling the weight of depression, pay close attention.

Are you ditching work? Putting your dreams on ice? Avoiding the world because of anxiety? If you’re nodding along, this is your wake-up call. Talk to your doctor, better yet, a psychiatrist. They are pros. They’ll lay out the options, the side effects, and how they interact with other meds. Then, you decide if you want to take that leap.

Here’s the thing, psych meds can be a lifesaver, but it’s not an exact science. There are different meds for different demons. Trial and error seems to be the norm when searching for the right pill. Yeah, it can be frustrating, downright bizarre even when you really think about it. One pill might be a dud, another could be your salvation, or you might land somewhere in between. But don’t close the door to it.

Why am I telling you this? I have seen the good meds can do. I’m not suggesting that this is the only solution. In fact, I would encourage you to try a variety of different solutions to see what sticks. I’ve watched patients walk into my office; their faces etched with a sense of defeat. They believed nothing could help them. They’d explored every avenue, except one: medication.

We would discuss treatment strategies, goals, strengths, and all the riches therapy brings. But, for some, it’s not enough; something crucial is missing in that path. I’ve witnessed the desperate and the sad, go from hopeless to the brink of promise.

Now, to give credit where it’s due, I understand there are those who’ll never entertain the thought of medication due to their deeply rooted fears. I think some might even feel inclined to give me a piece of their mind. I can empathize with that sentiment. Yet, I’m also compelled to shed light on why medications might, in certain cases, offer a glimmer of hope.

The use of medications to treat anxiety disorders is supported by a significant body of scientific evidence from various studies and clinical trials. Here are some key points regarding the scientific evidence for how medications have been proven effective to treat anxiety.

The 7 Scientific Methods That Back Anxiety Medication

In the realm of medical science, the gold standard is the randomized controlled trial (RCTs). They’ve stood the test of time, evaluating the worth of various medications for anxiety disorders. In these trials, patients are assigned randomly to either the medication under scrutiny or a placebo.

The results are meticulously measured to unveil the medication’s true ability. Take, for instance, the scrutinizing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in taming beasts such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder.

Then there are the meta-analyses, a magnifying glass for researchers. They delve into the collective evidence from multiple studies, painting a more comprehensive picture. Meta-analyses have cast a spotlight on the effectiveness of SSRIs and SNRIs in calming the fires of anxiety.

Neuroimaging, the art of peering into the mind’s inner workings. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) reveal the brain’s dance in individuals grappling with anxiety disorders before and after their trial with medication. This unveiling offers a glimpse into the inner mechanisms, substantiating the medication’s effectiveness.

Then comes the Long-Term Studies, where the journey doesn’t end at the finish line. These studies probe the durability of treatment effects over time, keeping tabs on relapse rates. Many who continue their medication journey find solace in the long run, as these studies have revealed.

In comparative studies, researchers pit different medications and treatment approaches against each other. The effectiveness of SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and other medications in subduing various anxiety disorders undergoes intense scrutiny. It’s a guidebook for treatment, tailored to individual characteristics and preferences.

Then there’s neurotransmitter research, the science of peering into messenger molecules. Anxiety medications often set their sights on specific neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and norepinephrine. Scientific exploration has shown the roles these neurotransmitters play in anxiety disorders and how medications are helpful.

Finally, clinical guidelines—the roadmap of the experts. Bodies like the American Psychiatric Association and the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry pour over the scientific literature and issue guidelines. These guidelines, rooted in evidence, provide a compass for the use of medications in treating anxiety disorders. It’s a testament to the evidence-based approach in the field.

End of the Day

But remember, the path isn’t always the same for all. The choice of medication and approach depends on the specific type of anxiety disorder, symptom severity, individual traits, and potential side effects. Often, it’s the combination of medications and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), that create an effective treatment approach.

Is it the ultimate remedy? I can’t say. What I can tell you is this: I’ve witnessed medications breathe life back into people, allowing them to return to work or allow them the energy to engage with their children. It’s one choice among many. I trust you’ll weigh all your options as you think about your path to conquering anxiety. Just don’t close the door.