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
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of cognitive and behavior therapies, often referred to as CBT. In this type of therapy, which is a short-term form of psychotherapy, the patient is actively involved in his or her own recovery, has a sense of control, and learns skills that are useful throughout life. CBT focuses on identifying, understanding, and modifying thinking and behavior patterns. When a person changes thinking and behavior, emotional changes usually follow. Because CBT teaches skills for handling anxiety, patients who learn and practice the skills can use them when needed.
Cognitive Therapy The goal of cognitive therapy is to change unwanted and disturbing thought patterns. The individual examines his or her feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts.
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.
Relaxation
Techniques for relaxing help people develop the ability to
cope more effectively with the stresses and physical symptoms that contribute to anxiety. Common
techniques are breathing retraining and exercise.
Medication
Medicines can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders,
and it is often used in conjunction with one or more therapies
above. Sometimes antidepressants or anxiolytics (antianxiety
medications) are prescribed to alleviate severe symptoms so that other
forms of therapy can be effective. Depending on the person, medication may be either a short-term or long-term treatment option.
Read details about Treating Anxiety Disorders With Medications.
Learn more about medication.
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, so speak to the therapist,
either on the phone or in the office, and don't be embarrassed
if you feel uncomfortable and would rather see someone else.
Find a therapist or search for a treatment center near you.
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 or check out other organizations that help people with anxiety disorders.
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