Stress may be work-related, or it may stem from personal problems such as divorce, family conflict, or financial concerns. Most often, stress results from a combination of these pressures. Stress may also be a factor in critical illnesses, and the use of specific therapies in these instances is a topic of current research. Conventional Treatments for Anxiety and Stress Conventional treatments for anxiety and stress include psychotherapy and medication. Behavioral therapy uses several techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and exposure therapy.
Diaphragmatic breathing teaches people how to control anxiety by taking slow, deep breaths.
Exposure therapy gradually exposes people to whatever frightens them to help them cope with their fears. Research suggests that these behavioral modification techniques may have significant value in the treatment of stress and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people to react differently to the bodily sensations and situations that trigger anxiety and stress. Modification of thinking patterns that control the thoughts and sensations accompanying anxiety is an integral part of this form of therapy. Often, psychotherapy is used in combination with medication.