What treatment is available for anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders, if they are not managed, continue to interfere significantly with the person’s thinking and behavior, causing considerable suffering and distress. Many professionals such as your general practitioner, psychologists, social workers, counselors or psychiatrists can assist in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Treatment will often include education and counseling to help the person understand their thoughts, emotions and behavior. People develop new ways of thinking about their anxiety and how to deal more effectively with feelings of anxiety. Medication is sometimes used to help the person control their high anxiety levels, panic attacks or depression. The benzodiazepines (like diazapam or valium) are used for the temporary relief of anxiety, but care has to be taken as these medications may cause dependence. Antidepressants play an important role in the treatment of some anxiety disorders, as well as associated or underlying depression. Contrary to common belief, ant
