Treatments for anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Effective methods are psychological therapy, medicines and self help. Studies have found that psychological treatment may have more lasting affects than medication, but treatment should be adjusted to suit the individual.
Medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's - a type of antidepressant) are commonly used to treat generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorders. Other types may be offered if these do not work.
Benzodiazepines provide rapid relief from the symptoms of anxiety. This group of drugs should only be used to treat anxiety that is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress. This is because there is a risk that a patient could become dependent on them.
Psychological therapies
There are several psychological approaches th
at have proven to be effective including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This form of treatment will require you to attend sessions with a qualified therapist to talk about the thoughts you have. For more information please read our Talking treatments (psychological therapies) factsheet (190 kb) ![[pdf]](http://www.rethink.org/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
Some people find ways to manage their anxiety on their own if they feel they have sufficient support from family and friends. Advice about this should be sought from your GP but some of the links in the Useful contacts section may also help. The Mental Health Foundation offer podcasts which might help you deal with your anxiety and they are available free from their website.
