Guide
to Treatment
Anxiety
disorders are real, serious, and treatable. Experts believe that
anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and
environmental factors, much like other disorders, such as heart
disease and diabetes.
The
vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped
with professional care. Success of treatment varies among people.
Some may respond to treatment after a few months, while
others may need more than a year. Treatment is sometimes complicated
by the fact that people very often have more than one anxiety
disorder or suffer from depression or substance abuse. This is
why treatment must be tailored to the individual.
Although
treatment is individualized, several standard approaches
have proved effective. Therapists will use one or
a combination of these therapies.
TREATMENT
OPTIONS
Behavior
Therapy
The goal of behavior therapy is to modify and gain control over
unwanted behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult
situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind
of therapy gives a sense of having control over
one's life.
Cognitive
Therapy
The goal of cognitive therapy is to change unproductive or intrusive
thought patterns. The individual examines his or her feelings and learns
to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with behavior
therapy, the individual is actively involved in his or her own recovery
and has a sense of control.
Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of cognitive and behavior therapies,
which is often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these
types therapies is that the patient learns recovery skills that
are useful for a lifetime.
Relaxation
Techniques
Relaxation techniques help individuals develop the ability to
cope more effectively with the stresses and physical symptoms contributing to anxiety. The
techniques include breathing retraining and exercise.
Medication
Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders,
and it is often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies
mentioned above. Sometimes antidepressants or anxiolytics (antianxiety
medications) are prescribed to alleviate severe symptoms so that other
forms of therapy can go forward. Effective for many
people, medication can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option,
depending on the individual.
CHOOSING
A THERAPIST
Anxiety
disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals,
including, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers
and psychiatric nurses. Primary care physicians are
increasingly aware of the problems of anxiety disorders and depression,
making these diagnoses more frequently. A primary
care physician may prescribe medication or refer a patient
to a mental health provider.
Finding
the right therapist can be tricky, because satisfactory credentials
are not the only factors to take into consideration. It is important
to feel comfortable with a therapist. Speak to the therapist,
either on the phone or in the office, and do not be embarrassed
if you feel uncomfortable and would rather see someone else.
QUESTIONS
TO ASK
A therapist
should be willing to answer any questions you may have about
methods, training, and fees. Here are some questions you may want
to ask a therapist during a consultation:
What
training and experience do you have in treating anxiety disorders?
What is your basic approach to treatment?
Can you prescribe medication or refer me to someone who can, if
that proves necessary?
How long is the course of treatment?
How frequent are treatment sessions and how long do they last?
Do you include family members in therapy?
Will you or a staff member go to the home of a phobic person,
if necessary?
What is your fee schedule, and do you have a sliding scale for
varying financial circumstances?
What kinds of health insurance do you accept?
If a therapist is reluctant to answer your questions,
or if you do not feel comfortable, see someone else.
Need
additional resources? Visit the ADAA
Online Bookstore.
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