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Guide to Anxiety Treatment
Treatment Options
RECOMMENDED Alternative Natural Anxiety Treatment
Options
Anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable. Experts believe that
anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental
factors, much like other disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes. The vast
majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional
care. Success of treatment varies with the individual. Some people may respond
to treatment after a few months, while others may take a year or more. Treatment
is sometimes complicated by the fact that people very often have more than one
anxiety disorder, or suffer from depression or substance abuse. This is why
treatment must be tailored to the individual. Although treatment is
individualized, there are several standard approaches that have proven to be
effective. Therapists will use one, or a combination of these therapies.
Natural Anxiety Treatment is also an option many people choose. These can
be highly effective much like the traditional Cognitive Behavioral therapies.
Behavior
Therapy The goal of Behavior Therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted
behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult situations, often through
controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the individual a sense
of having control over their life
Cognitive Therapy
The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful
thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate
realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is
actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this is
often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these types therapies is that
the patient learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation Techniques help individuals develop the ability to more effectively
cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the
physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing
re-training and exercise.
Medication
Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and it is
often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies mentioned above.
Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to
alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward.
Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or
long-term treatment option, depending on the individual.
CHOOSING A THERAPIST
Anxiety Disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health
professionals, including: psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social
workers and psychiatric nurses. Primary care physicians are also
becoming increasingly aware of the problems of anxiety disorders and
depression and are making these diagnoses with more frequency. A primary
care physician may prescribe medication, or may refer a patient to a
mental health provider.
Finding the right therapist can be tricky, as satisfactory credentials
are not the only factors to take into consideration. It is important to
feel comfortable with one's therapist. Speak to the therapist, either on
the phone or in his/her office, and do not be embarrassed if you feel
uncomfortable and would rather see someone else.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
A therapist should be willing to answer any
questions you may have about their methods,
training and fees. Here are some questions you
may want to ask a therapist during a
consultation:
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What training and experience do you have
in treating anxiety disorders?
-
What is your basic approach to
treatment?
-
Can you prescribe medication or refer me
to someone who can, if that proves
necessary?
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How long is the course of treatment?
-
How frequent are treatment sessions and
how long do they last?
-
Do you include family members in
therapy?
-
Will you or a staff member go to the
home of a phobic person, if necessary?
-
What is your fee schedule, and do you
have a sliding scale for varying
financial circumstances?
-
What kinds of health insurance do you
accept?
Remember, if a therapist is reluctant to answer your questions, or if you do not
feel comfortable, see someone else.
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