Treatments for Anxiety Fact versus Fiction

This book examines 25 well-known and well-studied options for combating anxiety. These include first-line treatments such as benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as complementary modalities such as animal therapy, exercise, and dietary supplements. Utilizing a standardized structure, each entry discusses a particular treatment's origins and underlying principles, how and in what contexts it's used, and potential side effects and risks. Summaries of key research studies are included to help readers better understand the scientific community's findings. An introductory essay offers a broad overview of anxiety disorders and explains how these conditions are different from the day-to-day worries all individuals experience. The introduction also highlights different assessment tools clinicians use to gauge the presence and severity of various anxiety disorders. A further readings section at the end of each entry points readers toward additional resources to expand and deepen their knowledge.