Comparing the Heavyweight Champs of Anxiety Treatment

Medication (i.e., drug) therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) have become the two major "go to" treatments for anxiety disorders. This has not occurred by accident as their use is supported by a significant amount of research. Whether you are just now considering some form of therapy for anxiety or are already involved, you would be wise to look at the pros and cons of medical and CBT treatment in order to make informed decisions. The information below will help.

Pros and Cons of Medication Therapy for Anxiety Pros

• Supervised by a qualified medical doctor (Psychiatrist or Primary Care Physician).

• Convenient- take a pill once or more a day or as needed.

• Familiar treatment model (i.e., you've taken pills before).

• Can effectively block anxiety symptoms from occurring.

• Research supported treatment.

Cons

• Anxiety drugs can have unpleasant side effects.

• Certain anxiety drugs (e.g. Xanax), if taken improperly or abused, can lead to dependency.

• It often takes time to find the right drug. There is no "one size fits all" medication.

• You may have to stay on anxiety drug(s) indefinitely.

• Anxiety drugs often are coupled with additional anxiety drugs (e.g., SSRI antidepressants).

• If your drug is stopped, symptoms may return.

• Triggers for anxiety are not usually addressed in medical treatment for anxiety.

• Some people just don't want to take medication to solve their anxiety problems.

Pros and Cons Of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Pros

• CBT provides you with a non-medical anxiety treatment alternative.

• CBT treatment is typically supervised by a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor (LPC). Psychologists generally have lengthier training.

• CBT focuses on anxiety triggers (i.e., thinking and behavior patterns) and attempts to modify these maladaptive patterns.

• CBT provides a set of skills that you can use post-therapy to maintain gains.

• CBT may reduce risk for subsequent symptom return long after treatment is over. Research suggests that medications often work but they do so only for so long as they are taken.

• Using CBT, significant gains can be achieved in the relative short-term (5 to 20 sessions) for many clients.

• CBT homework assignments enhance treatment effect.

Cons

• CBT requires effort on your part to be successful.

• Part of that effort is completion of homework. Some individuals may not want or be able to do their homework.

• Despite good research results, not everyone benefits from CBT.

• CBT, like any psychotherapy, is best carried out by a well-trained clinician. Finding a therapist with the proper training is essential.

Summary

Treatment options for anxiety problems can be confusing to the lay person who searches for answers. Two of the primary current treatment options are medical therapy (i.e., drug therapy) and CBT. It is good consumer practice to be aware of the pros and cons of each of these treatments.

In real world application, many people actually opt to combine drug and CBT treatments together. Follow up with your caregiver to discuss which might be your best course of action.