The terms anxiety disorder and depression are commonly linked yet present a separate variety of symptoms and therefore, different treatment. If you or a loved one are suffering from a diagnosed condition then you are aware of the trials and difficulties that come with managing such a condition. Daily life becomes more difficult, and what are normally everyday scenarios and experiences are met with an additional layer of stress and uncertainty. The good news though, is that modern medicine and treatment is continually advancing. Society is becoming more aware of the dangers of untreated mental health conditions and the risks that lie on the individual for letting these conditions go untreated.
One of the most common forms of treatment for anxiety disorder is the use of medication such as an SSRI (or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Anxiety disorder causes a chemical balance to occur within the brain which lowers the level of serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical. Some physicians will prescribe medication in order to chemically rebalance the brain, which ultimately can help lower stress levels and make daily life more manageable. Individuals who suffer from anxiety disorder often view normal tasks as more stressful, so having a low dose of a naturally occurring chemical has been shown to correct the more common effects of anxiety disorder.
Co existing conditions such as anxiety and depression can trigger the need for different types of treatment however. There is no “one size fits all” method for dealing with mental health conditions. Treatment will vary from person to person, and there may be individuals who respond more positively to different types of treatment.
Another form of anxiety disorder treatment is the use of CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is designed to create a lasting, long-term treatment method wherein the patient takes a proactive approach to his or her own treatment. In most cases, CBT will start with a 12 or 16 week treatment period[1]. Some professionals will also use CBT because it often gives the patient a sense of control over their behavior, and it teaches patients to recognize behavior patterns throughout daily life that typically go unnoticed.
Low cost options are also available for individuals who struggle to make ends meet. Medication and CBT can be expensive, but there practices that operate on sliding scales based on the patient’s income. Additionally there are federal programs and funded health centers that may be able to provide direction for lower-income patients. Also, patients can check out the university health centers and local clinics to see if there are free or reduced cost mental health programs.
https://adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/therapy
