Anxiety disorders

Prevention

Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented, but known triggers can be avoided and they can be managed effectively with medication and psychotherapy. However, even after medication and psychotherapy, some people will continue to experience higher than normal levels of anxiety throughout their lives, which may get worse during particularly stressful times.

Interventions that can help prevent the development of an anxiety disorder are:

• taking regular exercise 
• practising relaxation or yoga and attending meditation classes, which will help regulate breathing 
• resting when necessary 
• simplifying everyday tasks and prioritising them 
• taking deep breaths if they feel a panic attack coming on 
• joining a support group.

Last updated: 20.12.2011