Identifying the symptoms of anxiety disorder is just the first step towards a solution to the problem. Finding a suitable treatment for the patient is the next step. Treatment may include medication, nutritional supplementation, dietary change, and behavioral therapy. MedicineNet.com explains "if no physical illness is found, (the patient) may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses". They add that medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy is usually combined to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Below are common anxiety treatments for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and other anxiety difficulties.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. Recognizing the triggers of a panic attack, or identifying the root cause of an anxiety attack can be part of cognitive behavioral therapy treatment programs. This type of treatment allows the sufferer to work with a licensed professional to identify the troublesome thoughts, behaviors and patterns to see where they may be behaving in an irrational or inappropriate way.
2. Medication. Some prescription medicines have been proven to help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorders. A type of tranquilizing drugs known as benzodiazepines, are usually prescribed for anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as BuSpar, Librium, Xanax and Valium.
3. Antidepressants. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders also experience symptoms of depression. In some cases, treating the depression can alleviate many of the effects of the anxiety disorder. Antidepressants such as Effexor and Paxil can help improve the mood, reduce tension and make the person feel more balanced.
4. Lifestyle changes. Reducing stress naturally through regular exercise, meditation or stretching can help to improve the effects of an anxiety disorder and reduce many symptoms. People who experience chronic stress and tension can limit these feelings naturally by undertaking a vigorous cardiovascular exercise regimen, doing yoga or pilates, or meditation regularly. Increasing oxygen and blood circulation can help the person feel more relaxed and centered.
5. Nutritional supplements. For people who have difficulty sleeping or calming down, nutritional supplements such as Valerian extract, chamomile and lavender can help to reduce tension and induce sleep naturally. These supplements may be most effective for people with mild symptoms and brief episodes of chronic anxiety.
6. Dietary Change. Food plays a role in amplifying or diminishing the risk of anxiety attacks. Eating sugar-rich foods aggravates symptoms of anxiety disorder because it increases the heart rate and over stimulates the mind and body of a person. A person with anxiety disorder is advised to eat foods with a calming effect such as milk, lentils, oats and yogurt. These foods provide a stable supply of energy thereby diminishing the risk of an anxiety attack.
There may not be a cure for anxiety, but there are several anxiety treatments available to reduce the effects and eliminate symptoms. A mental health professional can help anxiety disorder sufferers create an effective anxiety treatment plan that works in the short and long-term, and help the person overcome their chronic condition.