Anxiety Disorders
Treatment
Anxiety disorders are some of the most treatable psychiatric disorders.
More than 80% of anxious people improve with treatment. Before beginning
treatment it is important to get a thorough evaluation to rule out
potential causes of anxiety (illnesses, medications, alcohol), and to
evaluate for the presence of other psychiatric disorders. Many individuals
with anxiety disorders also experience depression and substance use
disorders. Also, many individuals have more than one anxiety disorder.
The most common types of treatment are psychotherapy and medication,
and often both are used together. Treatment must be tailored for each
individual, but there are some standard approaches.
- Behavior therapy helps
individuals modify and gain control over the anxiety. Often this involves
teaching individuals how to cope with the anxiety upon exposure to the
feared situation. Relaxation techniques are frequently taught.
- In
cognitive therapy the focus is on the person's thought patterns, and
learning to identify how one's thoughts may be distorted or unrealistic.
Many therapists use the techniques of both behavior and cognitive therapy
to treat anxiety disorders. Many different medications are used to treat
anxiety disorders, and often they are used along with cognitive-behavior
therapy.
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