Anxiety disorders usually require a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Today, a variety of medications are available for anxiety disorders. If one is ineffective, there are usually others to try. Patients generally start with low doses and gradually increase as needed. Like others, medications for anxiety disorders have side effects, but they usually become tolerable or diminish with time.
Behavioral therapies are also effective in treating anxiety disorders.
They focus on changing specific actions and use several techniques to stop negative behavior. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, a related therapy, patients learn to react differently to the triggers of anxiety attacks. They also learn to understand how their thinking patterns contribute to their symptoms and how to change their thoughts to reduce or prevent the symptoms. Most patients respond well to treatment, and the success rates among those who receive treatment are usually very high, allowing patients to return to productive, fulfilling lives.