PsycHe Finer PoinTs

Treatment

Naturally treatment will vary according to the cause and symptoms being experienced with a particular type of anxiety disorder. For instance treatments may include:

• Treat the medical condition causing the disorder (i.e. hyperthyroidism, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
• Remove the offending substance (i.e. nicotine, marihuana, caffeine)
• Resolve the ongoing stress (financial stress, examination)
• Psychotherapy (talking therapy) to resolve unresolved psychological issues
• Medication
• Psychotherapy + medication is often more effective than either treatment alone

Medication Treatment

A variety of medications are available for treating anxiety disorders. Sometimes you may need to try one or more medications to find the treatment most suitable for you.

Medication Type

Benzodiazepines
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Bromazepam (Lectopam)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Oxazepam (Serax)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Chlordiazepoxide hcl (Librium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Diazepam (Valium)

Common Side Effects
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• confusion
• disorientation dizziness
• decreased concentration, decrease memory
• dry mouth
• blurred vision

Precautions and information
Avoid tasks requiring alertness, i.e. driving.
Do not drink alcohol
Physical and psychological dependence can occur

Medication Type

Benzodiazepines
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Bromazepam (Lectopam)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Oxazepam (Serax)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Chlordiazepoxide hcl (Librium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Diazepam (Valium)

Common Side Effects

• drowsiness
• fatigue
• confusion
• disorientation dizziness
• decreased concentration, decrease memory
• dry mouth
• blurred vision

Precautions and information

Avoid tasks requiring alertness, i.e. driving.
Do not drink alcohol
Physical and psychological dependence can occur

Medication Type

Antihistamine
Hydroxyzine (Atarax)


Common Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and go away during treatment
• Drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache

Precautions and information

Do not drink alcohol
Avoid tasks requiring alertness, i.e. driving

Medication Type

Antidepressants
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft) Clomapramine (Anafranil) Venlafaxine (Effexor

Common Side Effects

• drowsiness
• trouble sleeping
• tremor
• nausea
• dry mouth
• dizziness

Precautions and information

Anxiety treatment is often more effective when an antidepressant is used along with a benzodiazepine than it is if a benzodiazepine is used alone.

Medication Type

Beta Blockers
Propranolol (Inderal)

Precautions and information

Though normally used to treat high blood pressure this medication is effective at treating anxiety in special situations such as giving a presentation, by decreasing heart rate, shaking hands etc.

Treatment Goals
1. Get rid of the anxiety disorder
2. Decrease the intensity of symptoms
3. Prevent, shorten and decrease intensity of recurrences.


Source: www.anxietytreatment.com/Treatments