Anxiety Treatments

The first step in getting help for anxiety treatments is in acknowledging that help is needed.  At times, loved ones may point out the aberrant behavior and suggest that a visit to the doctor would be wise. If the doctor takes the time to talk to the patient, he will be able to diagnose the mental disorder and take the proper steps toward treatment.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, children and adolescents are commonly affected by anxiety disorders.  Treatment varies according to the severity of symptoms. Different forms of counseling are offered along with drug treatment programs.

Tricyclic antidepressants and MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are commonly prescribed for anxiety attacks.  Care needs to be taken in not abusing these drugs because the symptoms can increase if additional medication is consumed. Recreational use of drugs and consuming alcohol will worsen anxiety attacks.

Interpersonal Therapy- Interpersonal Therapy is where a licensed psychotherapist helps the patient examine and evaluate all the personal relationships that might be affecting their mental state.  Pent up feelings and emotions are brought to light through skillful guidance while the patient is given coping skills in order to take an unhealthy relationship into a healthy one.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy-the patient is guided through several relaxation therapies. They learn to breathe, to relax. They are tuned into their body so they can understand every twinge and identify the movement as a normal movement and not an abnormal one. Suggestions are made by the therapist as to the best way to handle stressful situation, but the patient has to take the lead to finding a way through the phobia. Low-self esteem is raised, courage is found to face fearful situations and the patient over time becomes empowered.

In each type of therapy the patient is gently challenged to facing the obstacles they have grown to fear thus lessening the frequency of the anxiety attacks and allowing them to control their own thoughts successfully.