Treatment

Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional care.

Success of treatment varies. Some may respond to treatment after a few weeks or months, while others may need more than a year. Treatment may be complicated if people have more than one anxiety disorder or if they suffer from depression, substance abuse, or other co-existing conditions. This is why treatment must be tailored specifically for each individual.

Although treatment is individualized, several standard approaches have proved effective. Your health care professional will use one or a combination of these treatments:

Therapy [1]
Medication [2]
Complementary and alternative treatment [3]

Concerned about cost? Learn about low-cost treatment options [4].

Getting Professional Help

Finding the right health care professional is important:

Clinical Trials

You may also choose to join a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of new forms of therapy or medication.

Find a clinical trial near you [7].

Learn more about clinical trials, [8] including the different types, the importance of participation, informed consent, and personal experiences.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers clinical trials across the country. [9] Read A Participant's Guide to Mental Health Clinical Research. [10]
Get more information at Research Match. [11]

Help for Older Adults

Find out about treatment [12]and get tips for helping older adults [13] in your family. Learn how to recognize symptoms [14] of an anxiety disorder. Listen to a podcast. [15]