refer you to a specialist for a mental health assessment.
After discussing your symptoms and comparing them to the requirements of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the specialist can determine if you have an anxiety disorder.
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How Anxiety Disorders Are Treated
Anxiety disorders generally can’t be cured. However, they can be managed through a combination of medication and therapy. While the exact combination of medications can vary, some of the options include anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. Additionally, your dosages may change over time as your doctor works on figuring out what works best for you.
Where therapy is concerned, your doctor might recommend a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to give you the skills you need to manage your symptoms and carry out your daily tasks.
One effective part of CBT is known as exposure therapy, in which you’ll slowly encounter situations that cause anxiety until you’re able to handle them. This form of psychotherapy is typically short-term but can be recommended multiple times during treatment depending on your needs.
Millions of Americans have an anxiety disorder but many of them don’t seek treatment. Unfortunately, this means that they have trouble with their required tasks. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, it’s in your best interest to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.