| Medications, behavioral therapy and a combination of | | | | Behavioral therapy is generally of two types; Cognitive |
| the two, are the three most popular forms of treating | | | | Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy. Although |
| anxiety disorder problems. This article will provide you | | | | either therapy option is spread out over numerous |
| with the information you need to know when treating | | | | sessions, various studies as well as statistics stand |
| any anxiety disorder. | | | | testament to their extremely high success rates. The |
| Since there are a wide variety of anxiety disorders | | | | decision on which therapy option is chosen will rest |
| such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic | | | | with a medical professional or your doctor. |
| Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social | | | | You should however know what either therapy entails. |
| Phobia, the treatment of each anxiety disorder varies | | | | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aims to change your |
| from one person to the next. However, in almost all | | | | behavior by first changing your thinking patterns, beliefs |
| cases, one or more of the three treatment forms | | | | and perceptions and making you think in a more |
| mentioned come into play. Hence, we shall critically look | | | | positive light. |
| into both medications and behavioral therapy, and then | | | | Alternatively, Exposure Therapy aims to expose a |
| decide on the best solution for treating anxiety disorder | | | | patient to his/her fears in a controlled and safe setting |
| conditions. | | | | such that, with increased exposures, the person |
| To begin with medications first, note that the two most | | | | himself/herself realizes that his fears and terrors are |
| common types of medications used in treating anxiety | | | | baseless and irrational. It is hoped that when this |
| disorders are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake | | | | realization dawns, a change in behavior will slowly take |
| Inhibitors) and benzodiazepines. While SSRIs are | | | | place. |
| antidepressants that provide general anxiety relief and | | | | Your job meanwhile is to remain patient and hopeful. |
| thus need to be used for several weeks before they | | | | Results won't come about overnight therefore |
| show results, benzodiazepines are fast acting drugs | | | | remaining consistent to one's treatment is a must. If |
| that provide instant relief such that the symptoms of a | | | | you begin to feel helpless at any time, it is advised you |
| panic attack are countered on an almost immediate | | | | look towards your family and friends for comfort. |
| basis. | | | | Hence, it is best you let those closest to you know |
| Regardless of which type of medication you may use | | | | about what you're going through from the get go. Their |
| in treating anxiety disorder problems, it should be | | | | support and care will be the force driving you to |
| remembered that these drugs need to be used with | | | | complete recovery. Alternatively, you can look |
| extreme caution. This is because these anxiety | | | | towards a support group for the same comfort and |
| disorder medications are prone to causing various side | | | | care. |
| effects and have been known to be very addictive in | | | | If at times you feel things are out of your control, |
| nature. | | | | remember that you yourself can make great |
| Above all else, anxiety disorder medications are | | | | headway at treating anxiety disorder conditions. By |
| generally a short term solution. Instead of targeting the | | | | avoiding the things that increase anxiety and stress |
| root causes of the problem and bringing about | | | | you can make great progress. This would mean a |
| permanent improvements, anxiety disorder medications | | | | nullification or at the least a minimization of alcohol, |
| seem to be only helpful for as long as the pills are | | | | nicotine and caffeine intake. Contrarily, you should take |
| being taken. It is for this reason that the popularity and | | | | up a regular exercise routine which allows the body to |
| credibility of behavioral therapy has increased greatly in | | | | properly unwind. Similarly, you should increase your |
| recent times as behavioral therapy is able to hone in | | | | intake of fruits and vegetables thus allowing your body |
| on the roots of the anxiety and stress. | | | | to receive an ample quota of vitamins and minerals. |