Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

Anxiety disorders can affect you physically and psychologically. Therefore, treatment usually has physical and psychological components, like medications and psychotherapy. Your doctor is likely to tailor treatment options and the selection of medications to your specific anxiety disorder; treatment can be complicated if you have more than one type of anxiety disorder and you also are experiencing depression.

Psychotherapy may involve:

• Supportive Therapy - consists of listening to your symptoms, educating you about them and encouraging you to develop strategies for coping with future episodes of anxiety.
  
  
• Behavioral Therapy - teaches you how to modify and gain control over an unwanted behavior. Deep breathing exercises are often used for a calming effect and to decrease the rapid heartbeat that often accompanies anxiety. You may also be taught how to control your fears by gradually confronting frightening situations with guidance from your healthcare professional.
  
  
• Cognitive Therapy - teaches you how to react differently to anxiety but concentrates on understanding how your thought processes contribute to your symptoms. Once you learn to recognize an inappropriate or unrealistic thought, you may be better able to replace it with one more appropriate to the situation.

In addition to medication and psychotherapy, there are certain things patients can do on their own to make treatment even more useful. Some patients may find it beneficial to join a self help or support group, or speak with a trusted friend or clergy member. Stress management, meditation techniques, or routine exercise can be very helpful in learning to cope with feelings of anxiety. Though these may be effective methods of coping with your anxiety, they should not replace the advice or care of a physician.

For patients with anxiety, it is important to first talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications or using any over-the-counter medications. Things like caffeine, illicit drug use, and over-the-counter cold medications can potentially aggravate or worsen the symptoms of anxiety.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.