Anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable. Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, much like other disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional care. Success of treatment depends on the person. Some people might respond to treatment after a few months, while others might take a year or more. Treatment is sometimes complicated by the fact that people often have more than one anxiety disorder, or suffer from depression or substance abuse. This is why treatment must be tailored to each person.

Although treatment is personalized, there are several standard approaches that have proven to be effective. Therapists will use one or a combination of these therapies.

Treatment Options

Behavior Therapy :

The goal of behavior therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted behavior. The person learns to cope with difficult situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the person a sense of having control over his or her life.

Cognitive Therapy :

The goal of cognitive therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The person examines his or her feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with behavior therapy, the person is actively involved in his or her own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) :

Many therapists use a combination of cognitive and behavior therapies, often referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. One of the benefits of this type of therapy is that the person learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Relaxation Techniques :

Relaxation techniques help people develop the ability to more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include deep breathing and exercise.

How Medication Can Help

Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders and is often used in combination with one or more of the therapies mentioned above. Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option, depending on the person.

The most important aspect of the process of beginning a medication is to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor, followed by ongoing evaluation and monitoring.

While medications can be extremely effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as worry, panic attacks, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating, they have some limitations:

- Medications might not resolve all of the symptoms of your anxiety disorder. To
  make sure your symptoms don't return, you might need to make some important
  changes in your life. You might also benefit from individual or group
  psychotherapy treatment.
- Medications will only work if they are taken the correct way, following the exact
  instructions given by your doctor.

Choosing a Therapist

Anxiety Disorders can be treated by a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Primary care physicians are also becoming increasingly aware of anxiety disorders and depression and are making these diagnoses more often. A primary care physician might prescribe medication, or might refer a patient to a mental health provider.

Finding the right therapist can be tricky, as acceptable credentials aren't the only factors to consider. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist. Speak to the therapist, either on the phone or in his or her office, and don't be embarrassed if you feel uncomfortable and would rather see someone else.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

A therapist should be willing to answer any questions you might have about his or her methods, training, and fees. Here are some questions you might want to ask a therapist during a consultation:

- What training and experience do you have in treating anxiety disorders?
- What is your basic approach to treatment?
- If medication is needed, can you prescribe medication or refer me to someone
  who can?
- How long is the course of treatment?
- How frequent are treatment sessions and how long do they last?
- Do you include family members in therapy?
- Will you or a staff member go to the home of a phobic person, if necessary?
- What is your fee schedule and do you have a sliding scale for varying financial
   circumstances?
- What kinds of health insurance do you accept?

Remember, if a therapist is unwilling to answer your questions or if you don't feel comfortable, see someone else.

Length of Psychological Treatment

It is very important to understand that treatments for anxiety disorders don't work instantly. The person should be comfortable from the start with the general treatment being proposed and with the therapist with whom he or she is working. The person's cooperation is crucial and there must be a strong sense that the person and therapist are working together to improve the anxiety disorder.

It's important to work together to see if the treatment plan seems to be on track.
Adjustments to the plan sometimes are necessary, since people respond differently to treatment. Many people will begin to improve noticeably within eight to ten sessions of therapy, especially those who carefully follow the outlined treatment plan.

There is no question that the various kinds of anxiety disorders can severely impair a person's work, family, and social life. But the prospects for long-term recovery are very good for most people who seek appropriate professional help.