Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
Medication
The class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of clinical depression and anxiety disorders. SSRI medications are also anti-obsessional drugs and help reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and impulsive behaviors.
Psychotherapy
Many types of therapy have been uses in the treatment of mental health disorders. Currently, the most well-researched type of psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is especially effective for anxiety disorders and related spectrum disorders. The treatment of choice continues to be CBT for adults with OCD, CBT for children with OCD, and CBT for all anxiety disorders. For people with difficulty leaving the house due to agoraphobia, social phobia, disability, small children in the home, or other factors, then online counseling can be a good option.
There are also a number of good behavioral treatments for people with body-focused repetitive behaviors. These are impulse control disorders that include trichotillomania (hair pulling), compulsive nail biting and skin picking. Learn more about how to stop compulsive skin picking and scratching, how to stop hair pulling, and how to stop nail biting.
Alternative Treatments
There are several promising treatments for anxiety disorders that are still being researched. These include herbal treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosurgery for OCD.
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