Treating anxiety disorder takes strategies that usually combine therapy, self-treatment and medication. Strategies are geared toward specific conditions that include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobias, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety occurs occasionally for many people. Anxiety disorder causes persistent worries and concerns that affect behavior and disrupt lives. Some people try different strategies before finding the successful treatment, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy identifies and helps patients understand the ways they think and behave, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. People learn to change their thinking and behavior that causes their fears and reactions. They learn to gain control and focus on positive thoughts to avoid their anxiety. Acceptance and commitment therapy teaches patients to live in the moment and accept situations as they are to combat unwanted thoughts and feelings. They make a commitment to change their behavior. Other behavioral therapies focus on tolerating distress and controlling emotions.
Desensitization
Exposure therapy is a form of behavioral therapy that gradually exposes people to their fears with the goal of desensitizing them, the National Institutes of Mental Health explains. The therapist accompanies the patient to feared situations. People who fear elevators make repeated attempts to walk into them until their irrational fears fade. Patients with social phobias may spend time with crowds more often to avoid temptations to flee. Obsessive-compulsive patients who fear dirt are asked to wait longer periods of time before washing their hands.
Self-Help
Anxiety disorder patients practice what they've learned on their own after going through sessions with therapists to see improvement. Group therapy is encouraged for people to share experiences and exchange ideas on how to overcome fears with others who have the same disorders. People with social phobias are encouraged to interact with acquaintances in public settings by showing interest in their hobbies or families. Stress management techniques and relaxation exercises help manage and reduce anxiety, the Mayo Clinic says.
Medication
Medication does not cure anxiety disorders, but is often necessary to help get disorders under control before or during therapy, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Antidepressants alter brain chemistry to provide calming effects for any fears. Anti-anxiety drugs are effective for patients who need medication for a short period of time. Beta-blockers help people who suffer from physical symptoms because of their fears. Beta-blockers are often used to treat heart conditions. Some anxiety patients experience chest pain, heart palpitations and dizziness.
