Are there effective treatments
available for anxiety disorders?
Absolutely. Appropriately trained
health and mental health care professionals can treat most cases
of anxiety disorder successfully. More specifically cognitive
and behavior therapy are very effective in treating anxiety
disorders and certain medications could also contribute to recovery
Behavioral therapy involves using
techniques to reduce or stop the undesired behavior associated
with these disorders. For example, one approach involves training
patients in relaxation and deep breathing techniques to counteract
the agitation and hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing)
that accompany certain anxiety disorders.
Through cognitive therapy, patients
learn to understand how their thoughts contribute to the symptoms
of anxiety disorders, and how to change those thought patterns
to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and the intensity of
reaction. The patient's increased cognitive awareness is often
combined with behavioral techniques to help the individual gradually
confront and tolerate fearful situations in a controlled, safe
environment.Proper and effective medications may have a role
in treatment along with psychotherapy. In cases where medications
are used, a therapist and physician should manage the patient’s
care collaboratively. It is important for patients to realize
that there are side effects to any drugs, which must be monitored
closely by the prescribing physician.
