According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety disorders can be successfully treated "by appropriately trained health and mental health care professionals." An early intervention can reduce the significant consequences of not treating an anxiety disorder. These include worsening anxiety symptoms and problems with functioning at work, school, family and everyday living. The Mayo Clinic suggests a combination of treatment types.
Medication
Medications for the treatment of anxiety disorders may include different classes of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, and tricyclics and manoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Medications specific to anxiety problems include buspirone and a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. The Mayo Clinic notes that benzodiazepines, a type of sedative that includes clonazepam, lorazepam and diazepam, are used "in limited circumstances" for "short-term relief of anxiety symptoms." Medications for anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, are not curative, but may assist patients function better in daily life.
Relaxation Techniques
Regardless the type of anxiety disorders, training in relaxation techniques remains a standard treatment. Mastery of these skills assists an anxiety sufferer with control over fears, panic attacks and excessive worry. Types of relaxation techniques include controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, passive muscle relaxation and meditation.
Cognitive Therapy
Dr. Timothy Brown and colleagues write for a chapter of "Clinical Handbook for Psychological Disorders" that "cognitive therapy is an integral component of our treatment for [anxiety]." Cognitive therapy consists of teaching an individual about problematic automatic thoughts and how these leads to feelings of anxiety and panic. How the individual perceives a situation leads to feelings of anxiety, rather than the actual situation. Further information regarding cognitive therapy may be found in the resource section of this article.
Behavioral Therapy
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that behavioral therapy assists patients with changing "the way they react to anxiety-provoking situations." For example, worry behavior prevention works to stop an individual from engaging in negative behaviors that reinforce feelings of anxiety, such as repeatedly calling a loved one in order to check on her well-being. Time management encourages an individual to make daily schedules, encouraging them to complete tasks rather than merely worrying about them. Additionally, it works to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Exposure-Based Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy may be used to treat specific phobias, such as fears of heights, spiders and closed-in spaces. Over time, an individual gradually exposes himself to things or situations which provoke anxiety, while using relaxation techniques. The support of a mental health therapist in this type of treatment augments the chances of success. The National Institute of Mental Health states that "often the therapist will accompany the person to a feared situation to provide support and guidance."
References
- American Psychological Association: Anxiety Disorders: The Role of Psychotherapy in Effective Treatment
- "Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders"; Timothy A. Brown, Psy.D., Tracy A. O'Leary, Ph.D., and David H. Barlow, Ph.D.; 2001
- Mayo Clinic: Generalized Anxiety Disorders: Treatment and Drugs
- National Institute of Mental Health: Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
