Forms of therapy for anxiety disorders - help options for sufferers
An anxiety disorder is a mental illness in which feelings of anxiety are excessive, frequent and often occur without a clear trigger. Those affected experience persistent worry or panic that can last for weeks or months. They often begin to avoid situations that trigger anxiety – in extreme cases, this can lead to a severely restricted everyday life or even social isolation.
You can find manifestations, symptoms and specific offers of help here: What is an anxiety disorder? Symptoms and concrete help for sufferers
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Which form of therapy for anxiety disorder is right for me?
The form of therapy for an anxiety disorder depends on several factors. The severity of the disorder, your personal preferences and the amount of time you can invest in treatment are the main deciding factors. The possible costs and waiting times for certain therapy places also play an important role in the selection process.
In principle, drug treatment is not recommended as a standard therapy. Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of treatment. Nevertheless, the decision should not be seen as a question of "either or". In many cases, a combination of psychotherapeutic and drug treatment can be useful to ensure the best possible support.
Psychotherapeutic treatment of anxiety disorders: Recommendation according to type of anxiety disorder
The choice of the right psychotherapeutic treatment depends heavily on the type of anxiety disorder. In principle, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first choice for most anxiety disorders. It comprises various components such as psychoeducation (information and training offers for sufferers and relatives), exposure with response management (targeted, accompanied confrontation with anxiety-inducing situations or thoughts) and psychosocial support, for example help in difficult life situations or in developing strategies for self-help.
Form of therapy for generalized anxiety disorder:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is usually recommended for generalized anxiety disorder. It helps sufferers to better understand their fears, change stressful thought patterns and gradually train them to deal with anxiety-inducing situations.
Form of therapy for panic disorder and phobia
Here too, CBT is the preferred form of therapy. If this is not sufficiently effective or is not desired by the patient, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be an alternative.
This form of therapy is strongly oriented towards individual life experiences and aims to understand unconscious conflicts that contribute to the development of anxiety.
Internet interventions can be useful until the start of regular therapy or as accompanying support. These have increased significantly in Switzerland in recent years, but should not be seen as a complete substitute for personal interaction with a therapist.
Form of therapy for specific phobias
For specific phobias, such as fear of heights, fear of flying or arachnophobia, exposure therapy (confrontation therapy) is often carried out - a central element of CBT. This involves confronting those affected with the triggering stimuli or situations in a targeted and gradual manner until the fear reaction diminishes.
In addition to real confrontations, virtual reality (VR) is also increasingly being used. This method has proven to be effective and enables safe, controlled training, for example for fear of heights or flying.
Summary: Which form of therapy for which anxiety disorder?
| Type of anxiety disorder | Recommended therapy | Explanation | Alternative / supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generalized anxiety disorder (GAS) | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Provides knowledge about anxiety (psychoeducation), exercises for confronting anxiety, strategies for self-help. | Mindfulness-based methods (e.g. MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) |
| Panic disorder | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Step-by-step confrontation with anxiety-inducing situations or thoughts, reduction of avoidance behavior. | Psychodynamic psychotherapy, internet-based self-help programs (as a bridge) |
| Agoraphobia ("claustrophobia") | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Targeted exposure exercises to reduce fears of certain places or situations. | Psychodynamic psychotherapy, digital programs for support |
| Specific phobias (e.g. spiders, heights, flying) | Exposure therapy (part of CBT) | Targeted confrontation with the fear-inducing stimulus, also possible with the help of virtual reality. | - |
| Social anxiety disorder | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) | Training social skills, working on thoughts and fears in social situations. | Group therapy, ACT |
We also support you with anxiety disorders
Drug treatment for anxiety disorders
Drug therapy is primarily used to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders in addition to psychotherapy. At the patient's request, it can also be started for less severe cases.
An individual treatment plan is drawn up at the beginning, which includes medication as well as other forms of treatment such as psychoeducation or psychotherapy. How long drug treatment is necessary depends heavily on the course of treatment and the success of the overall therapy.
Antidepressants are generally used for medium to long-term treatment. These are not only effective against depression, but also have independent anxiety-relieving effects.
Benzodiazepines can also be prescribed, particularly at the beginning of treatment, to alleviate acute symptoms and bridge the time until the antidepressants take effect. However, they carry a high risk of addiction, which is why they should only be used in the short term and after careful consideration of the benefits and risks.
Important: You should not choose between drug and psychotherapeutic treatment, but should discuss with your doctor or therapist which combination of both approaches makes the most sense in your case.
Other effective methods for anxiety disorders
In addition to traditional psychotherapy and medication, there are a number of other approaches that can help sufferers. They are usually used in addition to the main therapy and can help to better manage anxiety and prevent relapses.
Mindfulness-based methods
- What it is: Exercises such as meditation, conscious breathing or body scans that help you to become aware of your thoughts and feelings without allowing them to overwhelm you.
- When it is useful: Particularly suitable for finding inner peace, accepting anxiety better and preventing relapses.
- Effect: Studies show that mindfulness training can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms - sometimes as effectively as medication.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- What it is: A modern form of behavioral therapy that does not attempt to completely control anxiety, but helps those affected to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings.
- When it is useful: Particularly helpful when brooding, constant worry or avoidance severely restrict your life.
- Effect: Well documented, especially for generalized anxiety disorders and mixed anxiety disorders.
EMDR - processing stressful memories
- What it is: Originally developed for the treatment of trauma. It involves working with distressing memories while at the same time performing certain eye movements or tapping movements.
- When to use: Especially when fears are associated with very stressful memories, for example after an accident or a difficult experience.
- Effect: Very effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can be helpful as a supplement for other anxiety disorders, but is not the first choice.
Animal-assisted services
- What it is: Guided therapy with animals - often dogs or horses - to reduce anxiety and build trust.
- When it's useful: Especially for people who have difficulty engaging in traditional therapy or for additional motivation.
- Effect: Can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, but does not replace psychotherapeutic treatment.
Sport and exercise
- What it is: Regular physical activity such as jogging, swimming, cycling or walking.
- When it makes sense: Always! Exercise supports mental balance, reduces stress and has a mood-enhancing effect.
- Effect: Studies show that exercise can be almost as effective as therapy for mild anxiety disorders - especially if it is practiced regularly.
Yoga and relaxation techniques
- What it is: Gentle exercises for body and mind, combined with breathing techniques and meditation. This also includes methods such as progressive muscle relaxation or conscious breathing.
- When it's useful: Especially for inner tension, sleep problems or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or shallow breathing.
- Effect: Helps to calm the body and regulate anxiety more quickly.
Psychiatric Spitex for psychosocial care
We support you competently and sensitively wherever you need us - whether at home or in other life situations. Our specialist staff are trained in psychiatric care and successfully help people with mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, after traumatic experiences or burnout. Talk to us - we will be happy to advise and help you.
Sources:
Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, The treatment of anxiety disorders
What is cognitive behavioral therapy, Swiss Society for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Anxiety disorders - therapy and treatment, Neurologists and psychiatrists on the net
