Guide to Treatment
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.
TREATMENT
OPTIONS
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:
- 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?
- 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.
Search
for a Treatment Provider
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resources? Visit the ADAA Online
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