Effective Therapeutic Interventions for Anxiety Disorders: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Anxiety disorders represent a significant mental health challenge worldwide, characterized by excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors that impair daily functioning. This paper provides a comparative analysis of effective therapeutic interventions for anxiety disorders, aiming to evaluate their respective efficacy, mechanisms of action, and suitability across different anxiety presentations. The review synthesizes current literature on evidence-based interventions, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and pharmacotherapy as primary modalities. CBT, characterized by its structured approach to identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors, has demonstrated robust efficacy across various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder . ACT, emphasizing mindfulness and acceptance of distressing thoughts and emotions, offers promising outcomes particularly in enhancing psychological flexibility and reducing experiential avoidance . the role of pharmacotherapy, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, in symptom management and acute crisis intervention. While pharmacotherapy provides rapid relief of symptoms, its long-term efficacy and potential for dependency underscore the importance of integrating psychotherapeutic approaches in comprehensive treatment plans.