How is anxiety disorder treated?

Anxiety disorder is a type of neurosis that responds relatively well to treatment and has a favorable prognosis. It is generally treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The details are as follows::

1. Medication treatment: Based on a comprehensive consideration of the patient's condition, physical health, financial situation, presence of any physical illnesses, and any allergies, it is generally recommended to take the medication for an extended period of time, around 1 to 2 years. If you need to stop taking the medication or increase its dosage, you must consult a doctor; do not make any adjustments on your own. It is important to maintain contact with your doctor while taking the medication, and any side effects that arise should be addressed promptly. The first medication taken is a benzodiazepine, also known as a tranquilizer. These drugs are characterized by their rapid onset of action, typically within 30 to 60 minutes, and they provide good anti-anxiety effects. When taken in larger doses, they can also have a hypnotic effect. However, the duration of action for this medication is short, and it may need to be taken 2–3 times a day. Medications like lorazepam and alprazolam require three doses daily. If used extensively over a long period, they can cause physical dependence, and discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the tapering off of these medications takes a relatively longer time. Since the sedative effect of this medication is not very strong, it has less impact on patients who work during the day. Generally, benzodiazepines should be started at low doses. If one tablet is effective, then that dose should be continued; it is not recommended to increase the dose immediately to the maximum amount. If the effect is not satisfactory, the dose can be gradually increased. It is also recommended to alternate between short-acting and long-acting medications. Try not to increase the dosage of any one medication to its maximum level; this approach can help reduce the development of dependence and addiction associated with long-term use of drugs. The second one is antidepressant medications. Because individuals with anxiety disorders often experience imbalances in neurotransmitters due to disruptions in the neuroendocrine system, which can lead to depressive symptoms, the use of antidepressant medications can help alleviate these anxiety symptoms. For conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride, citalopram, and venlafaxine can be used ； For anxiety associated with panic attacks, commonly used medications include Sertraline and Citalopram ；

2. Psychotherapy: Clinicians establish a good doctor-patient relationship through their verbal and non-verbal communication, that is, through therapeutic techniques involving body language. Only when the patient trusts you and relies entirely on you can you engage in psychological dialogue and communication with them. Therefore, it is essential to first establish a good relationship between the doctor and the patient, and then proceed with psychological treatment and the imparting of medical knowledge, so that the patient is willing to open up while taking the medication.

Medication treats the symptoms, while psychotherapy addresses the root causes; both are essential. Furthermore, therapies such as feedback therapy, relaxation therapy, music therapy, and behavioral therapy can all be used in combination to treat anxiety disorders.