Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, comes in many forms and can take place in individual, group, or family sessions. Cognitive Therapy helps patients learn to recognize thoughts and feelings that trigger the anxiety symptoms and to learn new ways to deal with these feelings. Behavioral Therapy helps the patient learn to change self-defeating behaviors, relax, reduce muscle tension and react to stressors in a more positive way. The two therapies often complement one another and can be used successfully by the same individual. Medication is also used to treat anxiety disorders.
Medications range from a variety of antidepressant medications to specific antianxiety drugs.
Anxiety Disorders , American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1988. Planning and Promotion Guide , National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day, 1995.