TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY DISORDER

TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

When anxiety is related to a medical condition or to substance us, treatment focuses on the underlying causes. For the other anxiety disorders, there are three primary modes of treatment medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy.

The choice of treatment depends on the type of anxiety disorder. Its severity, which symptoms are predominant, and whether you have certain other conditions, such as depression, alcohol dependence, or another anxiety disorder Other factors influence the choice of treatment, including your age (for example, older people are more apt to have side effects when taking benzodiazepines) and your person preferences. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits and side effects of each treatment before deciding which one, or which combination, to use.

It’s important to understand what anxiety treatment can and can’t do. An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment increase that your symptoms will lessen significantly, or disappear altogether. Once symptoms are under control, treatment can keep them from flaring up again and can help prevent a second anxiety disorder from developing. Treatment often improves or controls the problems caused by anxiety. For example, if anxiety is impairing your ability to work or creating fiction between you and your family and friends, treatment can help you function better and improve your relationships.

Getting these benefits often requires some trial and error. While several types of medications may be appropriate for your anxiety disorder, the first one you try may not work well for you, or it may cause a side effect that you can’t tolerate. Responses to medications can vary greatly from person to person. You may need to try two or more drugs before you find the one that offers you the most relief. Also, keep in mind that for many people with anxiety, two treatments usually are better than one. In particular, many doctors recommend medication and cognitive behavioral therapy In many cases, symptoms don’t subside or they eventually return. Half of people with generalized anxiety disorder who receive proper treatment improve within 3 weeks and more than three-quarters show improvement within 9 months.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/anxiety/treatments-...