TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
- Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Generally, a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you’ve avoided because of anxiety.
CBT includes exposure therapy, in which you gradually encounter the object or situation that triggers your anxiety so you build confidence that you can manage the situation and anxiety symptoms.
- Medications
Several types of medications are used to help relieve symptoms, depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have and whether you also have other mental or physical health issues. For example: Certain antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety disorders. An anti-anxiety medication which are mostly SSRI’s might be a great option especially in monitoring the anxiety symptoms. Some of the SSRI’s that are mostly used include Escitalopram, Fluoxetine or Pregabalin.
- Support Groups
Support groups are very important as they create a safe environment for the individuals going through anxiety to freely express themselves. Its also an avenue for the individuals to learn different techniques of managing their condition from other people.
By Khalifa Khalid
Hospital Psychologist
Chiromo Hospital Group
