What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorder Treatments?

There are a few different types of treatment for people who are experiencing various degrees of anxiety. In time, treatment is usually successful and can help a person return to living a normal life. Treatments for anxiety disorders are individualized, though there are a few standard approaches that medical professionals use when tackling anxiety. Aside from standard medical treatment and psychological therapy, a number of alternative treatments have also proven successful for some people. It can take some time for a doctor or therapist to find the anxiety disorder treatment that works, so it is important to allow some time for an effective treatment to be found.

One of the most common anxiety disorder treatments is therapy. Many different types of therapy are available, and different approaches may benefit different patients. Patients with social anxiety disorders may be helped by interpersonal therapy, in which they slowly learn how to control their anxiety around others, while those with obsessive-compulsive disorder may benefit more from therapy that exposes them to their trigger in a safe environment. Of course, each patient may respond differently to each type of therapy, so it is important to seek therapy from a professional.

Another of the common anxiety disorder treatments is medication. The drugs used to treat anxiety are often designed to stabilize the level of certain chemicals in the bloodstream, which can greatly reduce stress and stabilize the emotions of the patient. Patients must be careful to follow dosage instructions and should report side effects immediately. Some medications may cause symptoms to worsen for a while or may cause adverse effects if given at the incorrect dose. Antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are all commonly prescribed for anxiety.

Other types of anxiety disorder treatments may be used either alone or along with traditional treatments. These include yoga, meditation, and homeopathic medicines. Acupuncture and acupressure are also gaining popularity as anxiety disorder treatments. For severe cases of anxiety disorder, many doctors will opt for traditional treatments, though some have begun to embrace alternative treatment as well. A doctor may also suggest a combination of treatments, such as medication combined with therapy, in order to provide the best care for the patient.