Anxiety Disorders Treatment: An Overview

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 with the individual. Some people may respond to treatment for anxiety after a few months, while others may take a year or more. 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, there are several standard approaches that have proven to be 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 the individual a sense of having control over their life.

Cognitive Therapy
The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this 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 more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing re-training and exercise.

Antianxiety 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 anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and 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 also becoming increasingly aware of the problems of anxiety disorders and depression and are making these diagnoses with more frequency. A primary care physician may prescribe medication, or may refer a patient to a mental health provider.

Finding the right therapist can be tricky, as satisfactory credentials are not the only factors to take into consideration. It is important to feel comfortable with one's therapist. Speak to the therapist, either on the phone or in his/her 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 their 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?

Remember, if a therapist is reluctant to answer your questions, or if you do not feel comfortable, see someone else.