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are the most common mental illness in the United States (2016). They affect 40 million adults
age 18 and older, equal to 18% of the population (Anxiety and Depression Association of
America, 2016). Although anxiety and depression are treatable, only about 1/3 of those suffering
receive treatment or it. Of those with an anxiety disorder, are three to five times more likely to go
to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for a mental disorder (Anxiety and
Depression Association of America, 2016). There are many reasons why an individual may not
seek therapy for their anxiety. With all of the easy options of various prescriptions offered on the
television it almost takes psychotherapy out of the picture completely. With the added social
stigma, or cultural stigma, add the fear and shame, this is a perfect mix to keep an individual
clear from therapeutic treatment (Anxieties, 2016). With possible lack of insight and/or having
limited awareness of their illness, can also lead a client into the belief that there is no need for
therapeutic treatment, that all they need is the magic pill on television which says it will get rid
of all of their symptoms, and a promise to do so quickly. There is a time for medication
treatment, and for therapy. And often times the medication is not necessary or would actually be
a hindrance to the client’s treatment, as will be shown in the following. Only after a careful
interview and assessment of the client, their goals and severity of symptoms can any
When a client decides on treatment they are faced with many challenges. They are often
confused, scared, and uncertain of their future. Battling the symptoms of their mental illness and
the impact it has had on their life can be intimidating. When coming in for treatment many
clients just seek the “quick fix” of a prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms. This may
help with some of the symptoms but it does not help the client with understanding their disorder,
and with other treatment options. It is difficult for some client’s to for see a future with therapy
sessions, short term or long term. Taking medication is easier to hide and to cope with. With
therapy there is much more a client has to face. The have to face the reality of family and friends
learning about their disorder, and possibly their employer. The client also has to be willing to
invest in him or herself, and commit to doing the work necessary for successful treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and pharmacology treatment combined has shown
2010). A team, at Massachusetts General Hospital tested adults (86) with medication combined
with 1-on-1 sessions of CBT. The study showed there is greater improvement of symptoms than
compare to a client who has only the medication (Nordqvist, 2010). But the average person seeks
out medication before therapy to alleviate their symptoms. Consumer Reports states that in a
1994 survey of their readers only 40% of those who sought care for any type of mental health
problem received medication compared with 68% in the current survey and 80% of those with
depression or anxiety (Consumer Reports, 2016). This number reflects the fast growing sales of
antidepressant drugs over the past decade (Consumer Reports, 2016). This can be for various
reasons. For example, psychotherapy works at a different pace then medication. Of the same
study done by Consumer Reports, those who responded and took prescription medications alone
did improve substantially in just a few visits (Consumer Reports, 2016). Yet, those who received
only psychotherapy had gradual improvement, but their improvements were not as successful in
the short term as those with prescription treatment alone. But the longer they stayed with therapy
the outcome was better than those who only received medication. Consumer Reports also found
that the most successful were those who received both psychotherapy and medication treatment
(Consumer Reports, 2016). This future counselor believes that the increase in the use of
medications over psychotherapy can be attributed to the media and the many prescription
advertisements, which are shown on a regular basis. Any amount of time watching television and
you will be witness to ads for heartburn, for bi-polar, depression, or anxiety, and the supposedly
best prescription available on the market. Unfortunately, with no mention of the benefits of
psychotherapy in conjunction with the medication. The vast majority of people seeking treatment
for depression and anxiety prefer medication to therapy by a ration of 3 to 1 (McHugh, Whitton,
For the treatment of anxiety, the use of medications can help to ease symptoms caused by
mental health issues. Yet, medication does not cure mental illness, it can assist in managing the
symptoms and their severity (Wilson PhD & Guerra, PhD, 2016). It may also be necessary at
times, for the client’s stability and safety. When a client is struggling with anxiety and/or
depression, the use of medication can help to stabilize a client. It can allow the client to focus on
the therapy, without symptoms interfering. Clients may be prescribed one or any of these
medications, which have been found to be successful in the treatment for anxiety:
(MAOI’S), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) (Wilson PhD & Guerra, PhD,
2016). Benzodiazepines are a class of widely prescribed medication, which have rapid, anti-
anxiety and sedative-hypnotic effects. The four most commonly prescribed for the treatment of
anxiety disorders are, diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and alprazolam (Xanax).
Studies have shown that they are effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in 70%-80% of patients
(Anxieties, 2016). Benzodiazepines are preferred since they are fast acting, and there is not a
tolerance in the anti-panic or other therapeutic effects (Anxieties, 2016).
treatment, there have been limitations (Talbot MD PhD, & McMurray, MD, 2016). It has been
suggested CBT and medication may have differing effects across anxiety disorders. Preliminary
data has shown that CBT and medication has shown to better than medication alone for the
treatment for OCD. Also, for the treatment of patients with PTSD, CBT with sertraline greatly
improved their symptoms (Talbot MD PhD, & McMurray, MD, 2016). Yet, when a follow up
was conducted one year later of patients with SAD who were treated with therapy and placebo,
therapy and sertraline or sertraline alone discovered that those treated with therapy alone or
placebo alone did not deteriorate after the treatment was completed. This suggests that the
combining of medication and CBT for the treatment of anxiety may have a negative effect. The
explanation being that clients with anxiety are hyper sensitive to any anxiety related
physiological responses. Medication reduces the anxiety response and may interfere with CBT
treatment, which is meant for clients to understand their maladaptive beliefs about these