What are common therapies for anxiety?

Clinicians and federal health agencies outlined common therapies for anxiety disorders in a survey of evidence-based treatments, noting behavioral and pharmacological approaches remain central to care. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the agencies say, teaches patients to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and to practice coping skills; exposure-based CBT, including exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder and prolonged exposure for post-traumatic stress, reduces avoidance and fear. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) offer additional options that focus on acceptance and present-moment awareness.

Medication management commonly involves selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which federal guidelines cite as first-line pharmacotherapy. Short-term use of benzodiazepines can relieve acute symptoms but carries risks and is generally advised only for brief periods. Clinicians emphasize collaborative decision-making and monitoring for side effects.

Therapies are increasingly delivered in diverse formats: individual and group psychotherapy, teletherapy, and computerized CBT. Specialists report that stepped-care models, combining low-intensity interventions with specialist referral as needed, improve access. Complementary strategies commonly recommended include regular aerobic exercise, sleep optimization, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and relaxation training such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Biofeedback and neurostimulation therapies are emerging adjuncts for treatment-resistant cases.

National health bodies including the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Psychiatric Association promote treatment plans tailored to diagnosis, symptom severity, comorbidities, and patient preference. Experts caution that early intervention and sustained follow-up enhance outcomes, and encourage patients to seek qualified mental health professionals when symptoms interfere with daily life.

Access barriers persist: wait lists, insurance limits, and workforce shortages complicate care for many, health analysts say. Policymakers and providers are exploring telehealth expansion, training incentives, and integrated primary care models to bridge gaps. Ongoing research evaluates personalized treatments and biomarkers to guide future anxiety interventions in clinical settings.