Types of Treatments for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression can affect anyone, at any age. In adults, anxiety often co-occurs with depression. A cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression can help an individual to cope with depression, and to overcome its disabling symptoms. Some physicians may recommend medication as an adjunct to treatment, but sometimes patients benefit from working with their psychiatrist or psychologist directly, for anxiety and depression help.

A treatment programme for an anxiety and depression episode should be carefully designed to assist a person to overcome and manage both symptoms, and to eventually manage them all. Many individuals will have an underlying disorder that triggers much of their distress, and it makes sense to address this first. However, if the patient is unable to deal with anxiety or depression on their own, cognitive behavioural therapy can make progress toward managing these feelings. The first session usually involves evaluating the emotions and thoughts that are contributing to the condition.

Depending on the situation, several forms of medication may be recommended by the psychiatrist or psychologist. Antidepressants are usually the first course of treatment. There are many different classes of antidepressants, including different tricyclic antidepressants and MAOI medications. Other medications such as beta blockers may also be prescribed. When treating depression and anxiety with medications, it is important for patients to ensure they consult with their mental health professional before starting any type of medication.

Another type of medication used to treat anxiety and depression include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. These medications help to make serotonin, a brain chemical, more accessible to the body. Common serotonin reuptake inhibitors include Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Celexa and Zoloft. At the other end of the spectrum are tricyclic antidepressants that help to make the TCA cycle longer, thereby blocking some of the serotonin actions.

Some doctors will recommend CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy as an additional form of treating these conditions. CBT is often effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, but may not treat the root cause of these behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy, on the other hand, will focus on the person’s responses to stressful situations. This type of therapy will allow patients to recognize certain behavioral patterns or “clicks” that signal the onset of these behaviors. The purpose of CBT is to understand the roots of their anxiety or depression, learn ways to better control these behaviors, and develop tools to use in future situations.

Many psychiatrists and psychologists choose to combine CBT with a psychotherapy clinic. A psychotherapy clinic is a private, community-based facility where patients receive individualized, comprehensive care from qualified psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychotherapy clinics are located in hospitals, retirement centers, mental health clinics, and even apartments. Many offer a variety of different therapies for different problems, so it’s important to look at a clinic’s available programs carefully before deciding on one. In addition to CBT sessions, these facilities will also likely provide support groups, such as support groups for families and friends or even classes on anxiety and depression. These can be a valuable asset and can greatly enhance recovery rates.

In addition to CBT therapy, many psychiatrists will prescribe medication in conjunction with psychotherapy or CBT for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression. Antidepressants can help to ease depression, but they are not effective in tackling the root causes of these conditions. Doctors will usually try a range of different medications before finding one that works well. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in medication as a form of treating your anxiety and/or depression.

Anxiety and depression can be a tough pill to swallow. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or depressed for no apparent reason, contact your doctor right away to rule out any serious underlying medical condition. Serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can result in severe mood swings, which can make it difficult to maintain the proper mental health. However, there are plenty of other forms of treatments for these conditions, including prescription medications and holistic medications.