|
Christian Counseling Resources
ADHD |
How To Get Help For Anxiety Disorders If you, or someone
you know, have symptoms of anxiety, a visit to the family physician is usually
the best place to start. A physician can help you determine
if the symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, some other medical condition, or
both. Most often, the next step to getting treatment for an anxiety
disorder is referral to a mental health professional. Among the
professionals who can help are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and
counselors. However,
it's best to look for a professional who has specialized training in
cognitive-behavioral and who is open to the use of
medications, should they be needed. Psychologists, social
workers, and counselors sometimes work closely with a psychiatrist or other
physician, who will prescribe medications when they are required. For some
people, group therapy or self-help groups are a helpful part of treatment. Many
people do best with a combination of these therapies. When you're looking
for a health care professional, it's important to inquire about what kinds of
therapy he or she generally uses or whether medications are available. It's
important that you feel comfortable with the therapy. If this is not the case,
seek help elsewhere. However, if you've been taking medication, it's important
not to quit certain drugs abruptly, but to taper them off under the supervision
of your physician. Be sure to ask your physician about how to stop a medication.
Remember, though,
that when you find a health care professional you're satisfied with, the two of
you are working as a team. Together you will be able to develop a plan to treat
your anxiety disorder that may involve medications, behavioral therapy, or
cognitive-behavioral therapy, as appropriate. Treatments for anxiety disorders,
however, may not start working instantly. Your doctor or therapist may ask you
to follow a specific treatment plan for several weeks to determine whether it's
working. Source: National Institute of Mental Health |
Copyright © 2000 - 2003, Christian LifeSkills,™ All Rights Reserved Worldwide.