Anxiety Treatment

Treatment for anxiety depends on the individual in question. Anxiety disorders can spring from a number of different causes, including biochemical factors, upbringing and the stresses of work and family life. The first step in treating anxiety disorders comes with isolating the causes. Then the doctor can prescribe treatment which fits the patient's unique circumstances, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution which may not take any specifics into account. Prognosis is usually quite good for patients with anxiety disorders, and proper treatment often makes a great deal of difference in their lives.

Therapy

• Psychological therapy constitutes the principal treatment for anxiety disorders. The patient speaks with a trained psychologist about the anxiety and together they attempt to replace the negative emotions with more positive ways of thinking. Different therapists use numerous different styles, but cognitive-behavior therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive therapy examines the causes of the anxiety and attempts to resolve the unhappy feelings they create. Behavior therapy is more immediate, teaching the patient coping techniques to deal with anxieties as they arise. Therapy can last for months or years, and typically occurs on at outpatient level. A hospital stay is usually not necessary.

Yoga and Breathing

• In addition to exercise, yoga teaches breathing and relaxation techniques that can address the worst symptoms of anxiety disorder. Specific techniques vary widely, but many of the most basic exercises require little more than a few moments of quiet. Close your eyes and sit in a private spot like an empty office or a part of your home. Try to shut out the outside world and focus solely on your internal emotions, both good and bad. Begin a cycle of steady, even breathing: inhaling for 5 seconds, holding it for 5 seconds and exhaling for 5 seconds. Breathe from your diaphragm rather than your chest and continue for 5 to 15 minutes. Don't deny your emotional state during that time, but try to focus on soothing, relaxing images while you breathe. It should help restore emotional clarity.

Medication

• People tend to think of medication as a magic bullet. In truth, it does little to solve the core of the anxiety, but can be useful in steadying your emotions while therapy and other treatments do their job. Speak to a doctor about medication and listen to his advice before taking any. For anxiety disorders, most doctors prescribe either anti-anxiety medications, such as Valium or Xanax, or anti-depressants like Prozac and Effexor. Always continue other treatments while you are on medication and be sure to tell the doctor if you are taking any other medications.