Ask the therapist: When does medication become necessary to tackle anxiety?

At which point, is medication deemed necessary if you are suffering from anxiety? I have tried to tackle it through intense therapy, but am unable to manage it now. — Name Withheld

Dear Writer,

Thank you for writing about your anxiety disorder. It must be so hard for you to live with such a high level of anxiety that you call it unmanageable.

Depending on the severity of anxiety treatment options include psychotherapy or a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can uncover underlying causes and offer cognitive tools to manage anxiety. Medication addresses the physical symptoms.

When you write that you’ve had intense therapy and your anxiety is still unmanageable, this indicates that a consultation with a psychiatrist about medication is an appropriate next step.

Generally speaking, when mental health disorders cause a breakdown of everyday functioning, a visit to a psychiatrist to discuss medication is appropriate.

Please keep in mind that anxiety is a treatable condition and the treatment goal is to become free from all symptoms.

Wishing you better mental health,

Doctor Annette

Dr. Annette is an integrated therapist at https://chmc-dubai.com/--

• Dubai