• December 15, 2022
• Center for Developmental Psychiatry

Anxiety Treatment for Adults: CBT vs Medication

Did you know that it’s estimated that 264 million adults around the world have anxiety? Anxiety affects many people and is the most common mental health diagnosis in the US.

Managing anxiety can feel like a daily struggle. There are a lot of treatments for individuals with anxiety, but which is right for you?

Keep reading to learn more about anxiety treatment for adults.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness that can cause significant impairment in an individual’s ability to function. Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. People with anxiety disorders often have difficulty controlling their worry and may experience anxiety that is so severe that it interferes with their daily activities.

There are different types of anxiety disorders. Some of these include the following:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobias
• Agoraphobia

Treatment for anxiety disorders typically includes either cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Some people may benefit from a combination of CBT and medication.

CBT for Anxiety

CBT for anxiety is a form of therapy that helps people to understand and change their thinking and behavior patterns. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected and that if we can change our thinking, we can change our other experiences as well.

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety in adults. In one study, CBT was found to be more effective than medication in treating anxiety disorders. CBT is often used in combination with medication, however, as it can help to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of anxiety.

Benefits of CBT

CBT has been found to be an effective treatment for many mental health diagnoses. Because of its effectiveness, there are many providers who offer CBT.  Beyond the wide availability of this type of treatment, the benefits of CBT include the following.

Change Negative Thinking

CBT can help patients to change negative thinking and distorted beliefs that help to perpetuate anxiety. This is done by challenging thoughts and distorted beliefs with logic and evidence.

For example, a person who believes that everyone hates them may be challenged by their therapist to provide evidence of this belief. Once the person realizes that their belief is inaccurate, they may be able to start thinking more realistically, which can help to reduce anxiety.

Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

CBT has been shown in research to be an effective treatment for reducing anxiety symptoms. CBT has been found to be especially helpful for treating social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. A review of studies found that CBT was as effective or more effective than medication in treating social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Promote Well-Being

CBT has also been found to help promote general well-being in adults with anxiety disorders. In one study, people with anxiety disorders who received CBT reported improvements in symptoms of depression, fatigue, physical functioning, vitality, and social functioning compared to those who did not receive CBT.

Short-Term Treatment

CBT is usually a short-term treatment, which can be helpful for people who do not want to commit to long-term treatment. CBT typically consists of 10-20 sessions, although some people may need more or less depending on the severity of their anxiety and other factors.

Cons of CBT

CBT is not right for everyone, and there are some potential cons to consider. These include the following:

Requires Time and Effort

CBT can be short-term, but it still requires time and effort. CBT is not a quick fix, and it may take several weeks or months to see results. Patients need to be willing to put in the work to see results.

Requires Practice

CBT requires practice outside of therapy sessions. Patients will need to do homework assignments and practice the skills they learn in therapy in order to see results. This can be difficult for some people who may not have the time or motivation to practice on their own.

Not Always Available

CBT is widely available, but it’s not always available, especially in rural areas. There may not be therapists trained in CBT available in all areas, which can make it difficult for people to access this type of treatment.

Medication for Anxiety

The decision to start medication for anxiety should get made in consultation with a mental health professional.

There are many different types of medication that can be effective for anxiety.

Anti-anxiety medications can get divided into two main categories: benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are the older type of anti-anxiety medication and include drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam). Non-benzodiazepines are a newer type of anti-anxiety medication and include drugs such as Buspar (buspirone) and Effexor (venlafaxine).

Both types of medication can be effective for anxiety, but they work in different ways and have different side effects.

Benzodiazepines work very quickly to reduce anxiety symptoms, but they can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. They can also be addictive and should only get used for short-term treatment of anxiety. Non-benzodiazepines take longer to start working, but they are less likely to cause drowsiness or other side effects.

The choice of which medication to use depends on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.

Pros and Cons of Medication for Anxiety

There are some benefits to taking anxiety medications.

Pros of Medication:

• Medication can provide relief from anxiety symptoms quickly
• Medication is often covered by insurance plans
• There are many different types of medication available, so there is likely to be one that fits your needs and doesn’t cause unpleasant side effects

Cons of Medication:

• Medication only treats the symptoms of anxiety and doesn’t help build the skills to address the cause
• Medication does have side effects

Which Anxiety Treatment is Right for Me?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best anxiety treatment for adults may vary depending on the individual’s unique situation and preferences. However, in general, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are both effective treatments for anxiety disorders, and many people find that a combination of the two is most helpful.

Find the Right Anxiety Treatment for Adults

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to seek out professional help. While there are many different options for anxiety treatment for adults available, two of the most common are medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Both are effective in treating anxiety, but they work in different ways. It’s important to talk to your doctor or therapist about which option might be best for you. Or if a combination of both is the best choice.

Are you ready to learn how to manage your anxiety? Schedule an appointment today and start your path to wellness.