From social anxiety to panic disorders, anxiety disorders are common mental illnesses that can have a significant impact on your feelings, behavior and quality of life.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, more than 40 million American adults, or more than 18 percent of the population above 18 years of age, are affected by some form of anxiety disorder.
Numerous different treatments are available for anxiety, from a range of therapeutic techniques to science-based medications. Many of these can provide lasting relief from anxiety symptoms and allow you to live a normal life.Â
In many cases, making changes to your lifestyle and practicing self-treatment can help to make your anxiety less severe.Â
Below, we’ve looked at the treatments that are currently used for anxiety, as well as the science behind each one.
We’ve also discussed what you can do if you’ve recently developed anxiety symptoms and want to reach out to an expert for help.Â
Several different forms of therapy are used to treat anxiety. Unlike medication, which specifically treats the symptoms of anxiety, effective therapy can help you to identify the root causes of your anxiety disorder and take steps to overcome them.Â
One of the most effective forms of therapy for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.Â
This type of therapy involves identifying and understanding the patterns of thought and behavior that cause anxiety, then taking steps to change them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to gain a sense of self-confidence and control when it comes to your feelings. This type of treatment often involves developing and improving specific skills, such as social skills, to reduce your anxiety in certain situations.
Several studies have found that CBD can help people with generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders.
A second form of therapy that’s often effective for treating anxiety is exposure therapy. This type of therapy involves confronting the activities, objects or situations that cause you to feel fear and anxiety in a safe, controlled environment.
Several different techniques are used in exposure therapy. Some involve imagining an object or situation that causes fear. For example, a person with post-traumatic stress disorder may recall a traumatic event in their past during conversation.
Others involve real-life exposure. For example, a person with a specific phobia involving public speaking may, as part of therapy, give a presentation in front of a group.
These techniques are designed to weaken associations between certain objects, activities and situations and feelings of fear and anxiety.Â
Over time, this type of therapy can improve your emotional processing and help you to develop confidence in situations that would otherwise make you feel anxious.
Several other forms of therapy are also used to treat anxiety disorders, either on their own or in combination with the methods listed above.Â
These include supportive therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and others.Â
Your healthcare provider will work with you to choose the most effective form of therapy based on your symptoms, expectations and personal needs.Â
If you’re experiencing anxiety and would like to take part in individual therapy, you can talk to a licensed psychiatry provider online to get started.
Although individual therapy is effective at treating anxiety, it isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.Â
If you prefer to talk about your anxiety symptoms, challenges and other issues with others, you may benefit from taking part in an anxiety support group.
Talking in a group setting allows you to share your experiences with others and discuss helpful techniques for controlling and overcoming anxiety. Instead of a one-on-one conversation, your therapy is carried out in a shared space that allows you to feel connected with other people.Â
Many anxiety support groups operate in cities, towns or regions. You can find support groups in your area by searching on Google or using online databases such as Psychology Today’s Find a Support Group tool, which has detailed listings that cover the entire United States.Â
If you prefer to take part from home, you can join an anonymous support group online using our platform. Prior to each session, you’ll be able to ask anonymous questions for your therapist to address during your group discussion.Â
Several different medications are used to treat anxiety. Although these medications won’t cure anxiety, they can help to control the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and allow you to live a higher quality life.Â
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication on its own or in combination with individual or group therapy.Â
Medications used to treat anxiety include:
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe an older medication, such as a tricyclic antidepressant. These medications are occasionally used when newer medications aren’t fully effective at controlling your anxiety symptoms.Â
You can learn more about the medications listed above, including their effects and potential side effects, in our detailed guide to medication for anxiety.Â
These medications require a valid prescription. If you have anxiety and believe medication may help you to control your symptoms, you can talk to a licensed psychiatry provider online to learn more about your options. Â
Anxiety often develops as a result of lifestyle factors, such as a challenging or stressful career, lack of sleep or a difficult period in your relationship. These factors can both cause anxiety and worsen existing anxiety symptoms.Â
It’s often possible to control your anxiety by making certain changes to your habits, lifestyle and thought patterns.Â
While self-treatment shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for therapy and/or medication, it can be helpful for coping with anxiety. Think of this as one step out of several for controlling anxiety and improving your quality of life.Â
Try the following techniques to self-treat anxiety and gain control over your symptoms:
Anxiety disorders are extremely common. Unfortunately, many people with anxiety never seek out professional help. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, just 36.9 percent of people with anxiety disorders seek and receive treatment.
If you’re concerned that you may have an anxiety disorder, there are several ways that you can seek treatment:
Anxiety is a common problem. When your anxiety is severe or persistent, it may be a signal that you have an underlying anxiety disorder that needs to be treated.Â
From generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder or specific phobias, all forms of anxiety can be treated with the right combination of therapy, medication and simple but meaningful changes to your habits and lifestyle.Â
If you’re concerned about anxiety, you can reach out to a professional using the methods listed above or talk to a licensed psychiatry provider online.Â
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.