First of all, it is important that the affected person seeks professional care. The longer a pathological anxiety disorder persists (possibly undiagnosed and) untreated, the more difficult it will be to manage. The doctor will first rule out physical causes and other underlying disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia).
Classic therapy for an anxiety disorder
The treatment of an anxiety disorder can be quite lengthy; success depends not only on the therapist and the measures taken, but also on the present form of the disease and – of course – the cooperation and motivation of the patient. Therefore, the patient’s education about the disease, its possible course and treatment options is an indispensable prerequisite for a good cooperation between therapist and patient.
The focus is usually on non-drug procedures; drugs such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) or beta-blockers are used for – temporary – support, reduction of physical symptoms or also for acute crisis treatment. Established procedures are primarily:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: learning new patterns of behavior and thinking (especially in phobias, panic disorders).
- Exposure therapy (flooding = stimulus flooding): anxiety reduction by confrontation with the fear-inducing situation in small steps (especially in specific phobia, some generalized anxiety disorders).
- Relaxation techniques: (eg, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, but also meditation, yoga, tai chi) can be used, for example, accompanying exposure therapy, especially in generalized anxiety disorders.
Alternative treatment methods
In addition, there are numerous alternative therapies, only some of which have been scientifically tested, but in individual cases – in cooperation with the therapist – may well be worth a try. These include, for example:
- EFT: tapping acupressure, is well suited for accompanying self-treatment.
- EMDR: desensitization and restructuring through eye movement; used very successfully for post-traumatic stress syndrome
- Cardiac coherence training: a form of biofeedback procedure, which is used especially for stress management.
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Respiratory therapy
- Self-instruction training (autosuggestion)
- Light therapy with a sunrise simulation (for example, with a special alarm clock) and thus influencing the biological clock.
- Diet, for example, with omega-3 fatty acids and renunciation of sugar.
- Sports or a lot of regular exercise
What must the person with the disease pay attention to?
You are not alone – almost one in ten suffer from pathological anxiety! There is no point in suppressing or coming to terms with anxiety and avoiding triggering situations – this only consolidates the condition and makes it harder to treat as it progresses.
Instead, seek professional care or talk to someone you trust about your situation. Seek support in a self-help group.
Don’t reach for tranquilizers or alcohol – these also make the problems worse instead of solving them. Be brave, face up to your condition!
