Why You Shouldn't Use Drug Treatments For Panic and Anxiety Disorders

By Harry Constantine

Drug treatments are very common for anxiety and panic disorders and can be very helpful in managing both the often debilitating symptoms of the condition, as well as managing the stress that may occur during therapy. However, not all drugs will work for all conditions and not all drugs will work for all people with the same condition.

Your drug regime will depend upon your condition. Some anti-depressants are good for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD, a type of anxiety disorder). These are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) and there are five drugs known to help. Other types of anti-depressants may also be used for other anxiety disorders, and since depression is commonly associated with many of these conditions, they can help in both ways. Beta blockers, though designed primarily for heart conditions, have also proved useful in reducing anxiety levels, and the more traditionally used drugs for this condition are the benzodiazepines.

It is crucial to remember that drugs are not a long term cure for panic and anxiety disorders, instead commonly only helping for as long as the drug is taken. Once the drug is ceased, symptoms are likely to gradually return over a period of time, though this may be longer or shorter depending upon the drug taken and may range from a matter of days to many months for a drug like Prozac if it has been taken long term.

However when drugs are combined with therapy in the treatment program, the outlook is good. Therapy has a good record of treating people in the long term, but in the short term people often need help in coping until they have successfully learned the therapy techniques.

More than this-the therapy itself can be very stressful. When a person is being deliberately exposed to situations that trigger panic attacks is can be hard to cope with and may even lead to depression. Drug therapy is especially useful at this time, in helping people to cope with the therapy that may ultimately lead to them living an anxiety free life.

It is also important to remember that all drug treatments may carry side effects, and these may get better or get worse when taken for a longer period of time. This being the case, using drug treatment as a supplement to therapy is often a wise course of action so that ultimately, the drug therapy may be ceased. Though highly effective, drug treatment for panic and anxiety disorders provides only symptomatic relief, not a cure from this bothersome condition. - 30535

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