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Treatments for anxiety disorders may include medication or therapy; both types have been found effective. A combination of medication and therapy may also be effective. The decision about treatment is based on your needs and preferences. Discuss your options with a professional who is familiar with your diagnosis and overall health. Scientific evidence is growing about complementary and alternative treatment, which is an approach to health care that exists outside conventional medicine practiced in the United States.

Consult a doctor or therapist to get a proper diagnosis and to learn about treatment options, length of treatment, side effects, time commitment, and other health issues to help you decide on the best treatment approach for you.

Four major classes of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders:

1. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
2. SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
3. benzodiazepines
4. tricyclic antidepressants

Find out more details about medications.

Contact your physician if you experience side effects, even if you are not sure a symptom is caused by a medication. Do not stop taking a medication without consulting with the prescribing physician; abrupt discontinuation may cause other health risks.

Medications will work only if they are taken according the explicit instructions of your physician, but they may not resolve all symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Find out more.

Any treatment plan has risks and benefits, and for pregnant women, the risks are of particular concern. The effectiveness and safety of treating symptoms for anxiety disorders and depression differs for every woman. Talk to your doctor before beginning or changing any treatment plan.

Find out more, including the recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are effective in treating children with anxiety disorders. Recent research found that a combination of CBT and an antidepressant worked better for children ages 7-17 than either treatment alone.

Because one child may respond better, or sooner, to a particular treatment than another child with the same diagnosis, it’s important to discuss with your doctor or therapist how to decide which treatment works best for your child and family lifestyle. Learn more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in October 2004 that antidepressant medications, including SSRIs, may increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in a small number of children and adolescents. However, the FDA has not prohibited or removed these medications, and no suicides were reported in the studies that led to the warning.

You should not necessarily refuse to give your child medication, but you should watch for signs of depression and talk to your child’s doctor or therapist about any concerns. Untreated anxiety disorders in children increases the risk for depression, social isolation, substance abuse, and suicide. Read more information about medications.

Find out about resources that offer assistance in paying for treatment. Family physicians also may have information about low-cost treatment resources.

Complete the downloadable form and email to [email protected] or mail with full payment to: Conference Registration, 8701 Georgia Ave., Suite 412, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. 

1. Participation in the 2021 Anxiety and Depression Virtual Conference is limited to registered attendees. 
2. All session and poster presenters must register to present and participate in the conference.
3. All participants must adhere to ADAA's Virtual Program Code of Conduct policy. 
4. ADAA is unable to offer military or government registration rates.
5. Sharing of log in information is prohibited and may result in removal from the virtual platform with no refund provided.
6. Registrations are nontransferable.
7. As attendees will have access to conference presentations for 60 days, ADAA 2021 Virtual Conference registration fees are nonrefundable.
             ADAA may consider offering a partial refund to individuals based on exigent circumstances. Emergency requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Requests made by phone will not be considered. An $85 administrative fee will apply to all refunds.
8. Only registered professional attendees can receive CE or CME credits.
9. Nonmembers must pay for credits.