Treatments For Anxiety Disorder - Stop Anxiety In Your Life

By Adrian Fletcher

Treatments for anxiety disorders can vary according to the severity of the anxiety symptoms and the needs of the individual. The use of a particular approach is determined by the symptoms a given condition manifests. Medication is the approach most frequently utilized but in many ways this only treats the symptoms and does not address the underlying cause of the problem. A prescription medication could provide immediate relief from an anxiety attack that is already occurring. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan or Klonipan are taken while you are having the anxiety attack and provide relief quickly. These medications can be habit forming, so they are not prescribed liberally and should be seen for what they are.

Medications prescribed for treatment of anxiety disorders are chosen based upon the anxiety symptoms that the patient suffers from. The class of psychotropic medications that has proven to be the most effective is the serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. By increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, these medications help to decrease mood fluctuations. However, keep in mind that, though they are almost universally effective, it will take several weeks before noticeable changes occur.

Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy along with relaxation techniques are frequently used in conjunction with medications to form the basis of most treatments for anxiety disorder. In a combined form of therapy and medication, people with anxiety can experience great relief from anxiety symptoms and begin to feel calm and normal again.

Cognitive behavior therapy is based on the principle that the behavior of a person is influenced by his thoughts. The therapist works on the thought patterns of the patient and guides the patient through adjusting those thoughts. In due course the patient learns to think calmly and discard anxious thoughts, thereby relieving the anxiety, making CBT a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

Combining cognitive behavior therapy, prescription medication and relaxation techniques as treatments for anxiety disorder help patients feel more in control. This is important as the patient will tend to feel less anxious and panicky when they feel in control. Therapy works on the underlying problem while medication provides active and immediate relief.

Meditation and deep breathing techniques are some of the relaxation methods that are a valuable component of treatments for anxiety disorders. These techniques assist patients in running through stressful situations that cause anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques is a skill that is beneficial and can be applied throughout one's lifetime. Such skills do take time to learn. However, once learned, they are unlikely to be forgotten and are extremely useful.

When it comes to the range of treatments for anxiety disorder currently available, you will probably get the best results from combining several coping mechanisms that your therapist or doctor can recommend. Experimenting with combining your relaxation techniques should help you learn to handle your anxiety and panic problems faster and more efficiently.

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