Although anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations, it can become excessive and interfere with a person's ability to cope with everyday activities. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of several anxiety disorders that cause exaggerated fears or concerns. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks or disorders, social or specific phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder are other examples of severe anxiety. Anxiety disorders can be treated through a number of therapies or with medication.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in the treatment of all anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Therapists help patients change their patterns of thinking that focus on their fears. People learn to change the way they act in response to situations that cause anxiety. The exercise is repeated several times to reduce anxiety. The OCD patient may be asked to think about one obsessive thought. After concentrating on the thought for a time, it begins to lose its strength. Patients also learn to identify obsessive thoughts and stop them by reacting with an opposite response to the thought, Psych Central explains. People with post-traumatic stress disorder are encouraged to recall a terrifying event to evoke their anxiety. They do this in a safe environment, which can help reduce the fear, the NIMH says.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a form of behavior therapy, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Exposure and behavioral therapies are sometimes used together. During exposure therapy, patients go through a process of exposure and response prevention therapy, also referred to as systematic desensitization techniques. The exercises gradually expose a patient to anxiety-provoking situations, such as recurring thoughts the patient believes will produce harm. The therapy is usually done carefully and slowly so the patient is not traumatized by the obsessive thoughts. One exercise has OCD patients, who fear dirt and germs, getting their hands dirty. They wait for longer periods of time before they can wash them. This helps them cope with the anxiety of waiting. Exposure therapy also works for such disorders as phobias and panic attacks by slowly exposing patients to their fears with the support of a therapist. Therapy often works more effectively than medication and can be used again during relapses, the NIMH notes.
Relaxation Techniques
Some patients are not ready for therapeutic sessions because of severe symptoms. In these cases, it relaxation techniques can help prepare them for therapy. Patients should learn relaxation techniques that work best for them before attempting behavioral or exposure techniques, according to Psych Central. Relaxation methods include breathing exercises to create calming effects. Imagery techniques help the patient imagine being in a peaceful place whenever obsessions, compulsions or other anxiety reactions arise. Muscle relaxation techniques involve tensing and then releasing muscles throughout the body until the body is relaxed.
Medication
Antidepressants developed for depression also work for anxiety disorders, the NIMH says. Brain chemistry often plays a role in anxiety disorders. The medicine affects the brain chemical serotonin, the International OCD Foundation explains. Serotonin helps chemicals in the brain communicate better. However, medication usually takes several weeks to alter bran chemistry and treat symptoms.
