New medications are currently under development to treat anxiety symptoms. The two most effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy tries to change actions through techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or through gradual exposure to what is frightening. In addition to these techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients to understand their thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety. It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany another anxiety disorder, or in some cases depression, eating disorders or substance abuse.
Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical disorders.
In such instances, these disorders will also need to be treated. Before undergoing any treatment, it is important to have a thorough medical exam to rule out other possible causes. The content of this fact sheet was adapted from material published by the National Institute of Mental Health.