Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults each year. If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with an anxiety disorder, you’re not alone. There is hope, and there are treatment options available to you.
At Springfield Wellness Center, we offer three different treatment options for anxiety. Contact us today at 844.334.4727 to learn more about our anxiety treatment program.
What Are the 3 Standard Treatment Options for Anxiety?
1. Talk Therapy
The first treatment for anxiety is typically talk therapy, also known as psychological counseling or psychotherapy. Types of psychotherapy commonly used in anxiety treatment include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This type of talk therapy focuses on helping you change how you think about and react to anxiety-provoking situations.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This type of talk therapy focuses on helping you manage stress, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve your relationships.
- Exposure therapy – This type of CBT involves gradually exposing you to what you’re afraid of in a safe and controlled environment.
Talk therapy is a form of treatment that involves conversing with a therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Talk therapy can help you better deal with stress and anxiety-provoking situations. It can also help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
2. Medication
Various types of medication can be prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including:
- Benzodiazepines – These are a type of medication that enhances the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, a chemical in the brain that helps an individual feel calm and possibly induces drowsiness.
- Beta-blockers – These are nonpsychoactive medications that can be used on an as-needed basis for short-term relief from performance anxiety.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – These are a type of antidepressant medication that can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. - Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – These are another type of antidepressant medication that can effectively treat anxiety disorders.
- Trifluoperazine – This is the only first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment option for anxiety.
Medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, but it’s essential to work with your doctor to find the proper medication and dosage for your case.
3. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Several CAM approaches can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Alternative techniques that can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation include:
- Yoga – This is a type of exercise that involves physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- Meditation – This practice involves focusing your attention on a single point, such as your breath, a mantra, or an object. Meditation can help to clear your mind and promote relaxation.
- Acupuncture – This traditional Chinese medicinal practice involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture can help to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
- Aromatherapy – This is the use of essential oils to promote relaxation. Aromatherapy can be used in various ways, such as by diffusing essential oils or applying them to the skin.
CAM is not always available in mental health clinics, but there are often CAM practitioners in the community who can provide these services.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Springfield Wellness Center’s Anxiety Treatment Program?
If you’re struggling with an anxiety disorder, there is hope. Effective treatment options for anxiety are available to you, including talk therapy, medication, and alternative forms of therapy. At Springfield Wellness Center, we offer all of these treatment options to find the one that works best for you. Contact us today at 844.334.4727 to schedule an appointment. We’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that will help you overcome your anxiety and live a happier, healthier life.