Because it is a complementary therapy, acupuncture is often regarded as a low-risk option when treating anxiety and depression. Many people will prefer going to see an acupuncturist if they are suffering from prolonged bouts of anxiety than immediately being prescribed a course of drugs, for example. Equally, it is often viewed by patients as a more straightforward and less personally invasive form of treatment than a talking therapy, for instance. How effective the practice is for dealing with mental disorders is more of an open question. Certainly, some studies have found that there is a beneficial effect, although how this might work is less well understood. Most research has focused on how the therapy might help people with generalised anxiety disorder, although there is some evidence to suggest it may also help with conditions like PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks. Again, little is understood in either area at the moment.