If you think you have an anxiety disorder, the first person you
should see is your family doctor. A physician can determine
whether the symptoms that alarm you are due to an anxiety
disorder, another medical condition, or both. If an anxiety
disorder is diagnosed, the next step is usually seeing a mental
health professional. The practitioners who are most helpful with
anxiety disorders are those who have training in cognitive-
behavioral therapy and/or behavioral therapy, and who are open
to using medication if it is needed. You should feel comfortable
talking with the mental health professional you choose. If you
do not, you should seek help elsewhere. Once you find a mental
health professional with whom you are comfortable, the two of
you should work as a team and make a plan to treat your anxiety
disorder together. Remember that once you start on medication,
it is important not to stop taking it abruptly. Certain drugs
must be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor or bad
reactions can occur. Make su