Strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to summarize strategies for effectively managing the symptoms of anxiety. The distinction between the cognitive, physiological and behavioral components of fear and anxiety is explained and various treatment targets are outlined. Empirically-supported strategies that are effective in alleviating common symptoms of anxiety are reviewed. These include various forms of psychosocial intervention (i.e., cognitive and behavioral therapies), pharmacotherapy, in addition combined treatment approaches. Expert consensus guidelines, prognostic factors, patient preferences and accessibility issues are discussed with regard to treatment selection in addition to emerging challenges in the field and future research directions.

Keywords::

• anxiety
• anxiety disorders
• behavior therapy
• cognitive therapy
• psychoeducation
• relaxation
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
• tricyclic antidepressants