Psychotherapy vs. Medication: Which is Better?

Anxiety is a common mental health issue from which people in Woodstock suffer. To treat anxiety disorders in Woodstock, people have the option of either going for psychotherapy or medications. This results in people questioning which treatment approach is more effective for resolving anxiety disorder.

So, let us look at whether psychotherapy for anxiety is better than medication for anxiety in Woodstock.

Benefits of Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders

No Risk of Side Effects

Unlike medication, psychotherapy for anxiety has no negative effects on the physical health of a patient. This method of treatment does not include the introduction of any substances inside the body of a patient. Psychotherapy for anxiety involves teaching patient techniques that help them overcome anxiety buildup in every situation.

Long Term Effects

The focus of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders is on teaching patient techniques that can help them overcome anxiety. These techniques are meant to allow a patient to learn better control over their emotions. After some time, the patient may even become desensitized to factors that cause anxiety to them.

This is the ultimate goal of psychotherapy which provides long-term relief to the patients suffering from anxiety disorders.

Cons of Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders

Difficulty in Availability

Unlike medication for anxiety, psychotherapy requires a lot of interaction between the therapist and their patients. This requires both parties to coordinate times when both can meet with each other for the necessary therapy. To fix this issue, many therapists have started to offer psychotherapy for anxiety through online mode.

Longer Time for Treatment

Medication for anxiety may provide near instant relief from anxiety to a client. Psychotherapy on the other hand needs time to evaluate the causes of anxiety buildup and then figure out the suitable techniques that will help a patient overcome them. All of this takes a long time to provide the necessary relief to a patient.

Pros of Medication for Anxiety Disorder

Easily Available 

To get medication for anxiety disorders, a patient only needs to schedule one meeting with their therapist to know about which medication they need. This makes it a very convenient form of anxiety disorder treatment.

Instant Relief

Taking the proper medication on time for anxiety disorders will provide instant relief to the patients. This is quite different from psychotherapy for anxiety which may require a longer time before it starts to show its effects.

Cons of Medication for Anxiety Disorders

Physical Side Effects

While uncommon, medication for anxiety disorders can have several side effects on the physical health of the patient. These side effects can render certain medications unviable for some patients due to the existence of certain physical conditions that can get worse from medication for anxiety.

Not a Long-Term Relief

Medication for anxiety disorders may provide speedy relief, however, this relief is often temporary. When curing anxiety disorders through medication, patients will often start experiencing the issues again once the effects of the medication have worn off.

For any medication concerns consult with your medical doctor.

Which Treatment is Best for Anxiety?

The answer to this question maybe both depending on severity. Psychotherapy for anxiety often involves treatment that includes the consumption of certain medications to better help patients overcome anxiety.

While this answer may vary depending on the case of each patient, the general answer to this question will include a combination of both medication and psychotherapy for anxiety.

So, if you are looking for a therapist for psychotherapy for anxiety disorders in Woodstock, contact Advent Counseling today.