Treatment
Treatments proven useful for anxiety disorders in the
general population include exercise, psychotherapy, relaxation
techniques, and medications (NAMI, 2012). If the
anxiety is mild, an individual may not need medication,
but instead should focus on eating a healthy diet, getting
enough sleep and exercise, and receiving psychotherapy. It
is also recommended that a person avoid caffeine and some
over-the-counter cold medications, as these may exacerbate
symptoms of anxiety. Many times a combination of medications
and psychotherapy is used for severe anxiety disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an intervention that
assists a patient in linking thoughts, behaviors, and feelings,
is considered the first line and most beneficial treatment.
Medications commonly used for treating anxiety disorders in
the general population, including benzodiazepines and selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are listed in Table
1. Support groups can also be very beneficial for patients
dealing with anxiety (NAMI, 2012).