Treatment Plan for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are treatable and with the right help, you can learn how to cope with anxiety. Seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist can put you on the path to healing. Experts in this field believe that anxiety disorders are caused by biological and environmental problems. Just as a diabetic patient would seek treatment for their disease, you should seek treatment for your anxiety disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term form of psychotherapy. CBT is based on the premise that distorted thoughts directly relate to negative moods and behavior. This form of psychotherapy insists that you are in control of your own thoughts, thus in control of your own mood and behavior. Professionals that use the CBT method believe you automatically have unrealistic and unhealthful thoughts about particular situations, which is causing anxiety. Recognizing that your thoughts are unhealthful and distorted can help you understand how to redirect your thoughts to a realistic view of the situation.

Relaxation

• Relaxation techniques are helpful tools in dealing with anxiety. Learning how to relax can help you see situations in a less stressful way. Breathing techniques and exercise are two ways that are certain to help with relaxation. Certain exercise methods such as yoga help the mind and body.

Medication

• Medication can be extremely helpful in the treatment of anxiety. When used in conjunction with therapy, you will see the greatest results. Many people are unsure about taking medication, and it might take some time to find the medication that works best for you. Keeping an open dialogue with your physician and discussing your medication fears during therapy, can be a source of comfort. Four major classes of drugs are used for anxiety: benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).