Therapy or Meds: Anxiety Treatment Options

The following videos, produced by AnswerTV, provide information about treatment options for those who suffer from an anxiety disorder.

I’ve experimented with both CBT and medication. CBT for me has been in the form of self-help materials, such as The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (by Dr. Edmund J. Bourne) and the Attacking Anxiety and Depression program (produced by the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety). I’ve found their information to be accurate and helpful, though I have to admit I’ve done a poor job of following their regimen very consistently. For about a year I took the drug Paxil, but it was only somewhat effective, and then only for a few months. (Frankly, I feel that I just wasted my money on the stuff.)  Since I haven’t tried any other medications, I can’t say anything about their efficacy. St. John’s wort and SAM-e have also provided some relief, though the latter (which I haven’t taken for some time) caused me some terrible gastrointestinal bloating and discomfort. I have considered trying medication again–something besides Paxil, that is. And I need to buckle down and commit to following a consistent program of CBT.

Any feedback–including suggestions and personal experiences–is always welcome!