There are several options in the treatment of anxiety disorders. A treatment may consist of behavioral therapy, dietary change, medication and nutritional supplementation. MedicineNet.com states that sufferers of anxiety disorders are often referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist if their disorder does not involve an underlying physical illness. They further add that a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy is often done to treat symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

Here are some of the most common anxiety treatment options available for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety problems:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A licensed professional works with the sufferer in this type of treatment to identify the triggers of panic attack in the sufferer. This treatment includes probing for the thoughts, behaviors and emotions that cause the sufferer to act irrationally.

2. Medication. Some prescription medicines have been proven to help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorders. A type of tranquilizing drugs known as benzodiazepines, are usually prescribed for anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as BuSpar, Librium, Xanax and Valium.

3. Prescribing Antidepressants. Depression often accompanies anxiety disorders. In some cases, alleviating the depression helps reduce most symptoms of anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as Paxil and Effexor, help reduce stress and enhance the disposition of a person.

4. Lifestyle changes. Reducing stress naturally through regular exercise, meditation or stretching can help to improve the effects of an anxiety disorder and reduce many symptoms. People who experience chronic stress and tension can limit these feelings naturally by undertaking a vigorous cardiovascular exercise regimen, doing yoga or pilates, or meditation regularly. Increasing oxygen and blood circulation can help the person feel more relaxed and centered.

5. Nutritional supplements. For people who have difficulty sleeping or calming down, nutritional supplements such as Valerian extract, chamomile and lavender can help to reduce tension and induce sleep naturally. These supplements may be most effective for people with mild symptoms and brief episodes of chronic anxiety.

6. Dietary Change. Food plays a role in amplifying or diminishing the risk of anxiety attacks. Eating sugar-rich foods aggravates symptoms of anxiety disorder because it increases the heart rate and over stimulates the mind and body of a person. A person with anxiety disorder is advised to eat foods with a calming effect such as milk, lentils, oats and yogurt. These foods provide a stable supply of energy thereby diminishing the risk of an anxiety attack.

There may not be a definitive cure or solution for anxiety disorders but there are several treatment options to diminish the effects of anxiety disorders. It is important for a person afflicted with anxiety disorder to work with a mental health professional in crafting a suitable treatment plan for immediate and long-lasting results.