The
treatments of anxiety disorders are the following:
-
Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants, are considered by many to be the
first-choice medication for anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are also used; however,
they produce addiction and prolonged use should be carefully monitored.
-
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT) can be effective for several anxiety disorders, particularly panic
disorder and social phobia. CBT, as its name suggests, has two main components:
cognitive and behavioral. In cases of social anxiety, the cognitive component
can help the patient question their certainty that others are continually
watching and harshly judging him or her. The behavioral component seeks to
change peoples reactions to anxiety-provoking situations. A key element of CBT
is gradual exposure, in which the patient is confronted by the things they fear
in a structured manner. The aim is to learn from acting differently and
observing reactions. CBT for social phobia also includes anxiety management
training, which may include techniques such as deep breathing and muscle
relaxation exercises. CBT can also be conducted partly in group sessions,
facilitating the sharing of experiences, a sense of acceptance by others and
undertaking behavioral challenges in a trusted environment.
-
Psychodynamic therapies are
based on the idea that anxiety stems from conflicts and when unconscious
memories are brought to light anxiety vanishes. In clinical practice, the
opposite is often observed. When conflicts and traumas are brought to light
people start thinking that they are condemned to suffer since they cannot
change the past.
-
Alternative medicine such as regular
aerobic exercise, improved sleep hygiene and reduced caffeine intake are often
useful in treating anxiety.
-
Herbal remedies, such as
valerian and chamomile have anxiolytic properties.
The Vital Needs Theory - page 41