Your Options for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Anxiety disorders often take a relatively short amount of time to relieve and usually respond very well to treatment. The specific treatment approach depends on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity as anxiety disorders have different levels. But in general, most anxiety disorders are treated with behavioral therapy, medication, or some combination of the two.

Treatment choices depend on the problem and the person’s preference. Before treatment begins, a careful diagnostic evaluation must first be conducted to determine whether a person’s symptoms are caused by an anxiety disorder or a physical problem. If an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, the type of disorder or the combination of disorders that are present must be identified. Coexisting conditions, such as depression or substance abuse must be pinpointed as well. Sometimes vices such as alcoholism and smoking, depression, or other coexisting conditions have such a tremendous effect on the individual that treating the anxiety disorder must wait until the coexisting conditions are brought under control.

In general, there are two effective behavioral therapies for anxiety disorder. Cognitive-behavior therapy and Exposure therapy focus on behavior rather than on underlying psychological conflicts or issues from the past.
Cognitive-behavior therapy, in addition to behaviors, focuses on thoughts or cognitions. It helps the person identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that fuels anxiety.

Exposure therapy on the other hand allows the person to confront his or her fears in a safe, controlled environment. It is a process where the patient undergoes repeated exposures, either in his or her imagination or in reality, to the feared object or situation, until he or she reaches a point where he or she gains a greater sense of control. Anxiety gradually diminishes as the person faces fear without getting harmed.

A variety of medications are also used to treat anxiety disorders. These include benzodiazepines and antidepressants. However, medications are most effective when combined with behavioral therapy. Anxiety sufferers treated with both therapy and medication benefit from a greater reduction in symptoms and a lower risk of relapse.

However, medication will not cure anxiety disorders, but it can keep them under control while the person receives psychotherapy. Medication must be prescribed by physicians as some of them are addictive and may cause sever withdrawal symptoms. With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives.

Several complimentary treatments are also recommended to partner both therapy and medication. In cases of mild anxiety disorders, treatments such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback and hypnosis may provide promising results and sufficient relief on their own.

Exercise which naturally abates stress is a good anxiety reliever. A good 30 minutes to an hour of aerobic exercise three to five times a week can provide significant anxiety relief.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and visualization can reduce anxiety when practiced regularly. It also increases feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
Biofeedback helps the person to learn and recognize how to control the body’s anxiety’s response through relaxation techniques.

Hypnosis as used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety yields promising results. While in a state of deep relaxation, the hypnotherapist uses different therapeutic techniques to help the person face his or her fears and look at them in a different scale.