Anxiety Disorders can be treated. There are a number of effective treatments available and psychologists often use a combination of approaches that can include medication.

Psychological treatments have the highest success rate in treatment of the majority of anxiety disorders. These well-researched interventions aim to change the patterns of behaviours, thoughts and beliefs which trigger anxiety. Common treatment methods include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, behavioural therapy and solution-focussed therapy.

Your psychologist may also use systematic desensitisation, which is a slow and gradual process of exposing a person to the trigger that causes the anxiety until the fear is no longer there.

Education about anxiety is also an important treatment step. Talking about your disorder and dispelling the fears and myths that are commonly held about it assists in moving forward to recovery.

Anxiety management techniques may also be implemented. These include the challenging of unhelpful thoughts, learning new coping strategies, breathing exercises and relaxation training.

With the agreement of your medical practitioner, medication may also be used. Medication alone will not cure your anxiety disorder but it can help control your symptoms while you are receiving psychological care.

Psychology Melbourne psychologists are very experienced in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders. If you can identify with any of the information provided above, don't leave it too late. It's best to get support as early as you can.