What To Expect From Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder is crucial in restoring and maintaining your mental health. Unfortunately, many will not seek help, leaving their personal and professional lives and health to suffer. This is why it is crucial to seek help, and seeking help becomes easier when you know where to look and what to expect.

When to seek help

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 31% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point. Therefore, anyone who believes they suffer from an anxiety disorder should talk to a healthcare professional. This is especially true for those who have begun noticing their symptoms interfering with their daily lives, work, and relationships. Prolonged anxiety can not only hurt a person’s mental well-being but also impact their physical health.

Anxiety disorders are experienced differently by everyone. However, common symptoms include feeling restless and on edge most days, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, and physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches. If one is experiencing these symptoms more frequently, do not just try to tough it out and hope things will improve. It is time to seek help.

Where to look for help

Many patients start by talking to their primary care provider. The primary care provider can refer patients to a mental health care professional. Patients can also start by contacting their insurance for a list of covered and qualified psychiatrists. Once patients have a list of names, they can learn more about each provider by reading online reviews or information on providers’ websites. For those without insurance, local programs often can provide mental healthcare on a sliding scale or at a low cost.

How Treatment works

Anxiety disorder treatment starts with a comprehensive exam with a psychiatrist. The doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, take a health history and do a physical exam. The doctor may order labs or additional tests to rule out any physical issues or other medications contributing to the anxiety.

All information is confidential, and the psychiatrist will be very understanding. The patient must be open about all aspects of their life, so the doctor can best help them. These appointments are a judgment-free zone, and the doctor is there to help. Using this information, the psychiatrist will suggest a treatment plan and schedule follow-ups to ensure the treatment remains effective.

Medication

A psychiatrist may recommend the patient start taking medication to help with the symptoms of their anxiety disorder. The medication the doctor recommends depends on the type and severity of the patient's anxiety disorder. Certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. Some patients need a combination of medications to achieve the desired results. The psychiatrist will work with the patient to determine the right type and dosage of medication. This requires complete honesty and cooperation on the patient’s part, both at home and during appointments.

Therapy

Though medication can go a long way in treating anxiety disorders, many patients notice the most improvement when combining therapy with medication. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy is one type of talk therapy that tends to be highly beneficial for those struggling with anxiety disorders. Therapy sessions tend to be one-hour weekly sessions where the patient works with the therapist to develop healthy coping strategies.