Anxiety disorders and depression are treatable, and the vast majority of people can be helped with professional care.

Success of treatment varies. Some may respond to treatment after a few weeks or months, while others may need more than a year. Treatment may be complicated if people have more than one anxiety disorder or if they suffer from depression, substance abuse, or other co-existing conditions. This is why treatment must be tailored specifically for each individual.

Although treatment is individualized, several standard approaches have proved effective. Your health care professional will use one or a combination of these treatments:

Concerned About Cost?

Getting Professional Help

Finding the right health care professional is important:

Clinical Trials

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Clinical trials can also look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses."

Healthy volunteers may participate to help researchers find better treatments for the future. Those who have an illness also participate to help others, as well as for the possibility of receiving the newest treatment and additional care and attention. 

You may choose to join a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of new forms of therapy or medication.

  • Learn more about clinical trials, including the different types, the importance of participation, informed consent, and personal experiences.