PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PHOBIC ANXIETY DISORDERS: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Abstract

Nowadays, the problem of diagnosis, interpretation and selection of treatment options for phobic anxiety disorders is becoming more acute taking into account the multidimensionality of a human being. The data obtained on psychopharmacotherapy show its moderate effectiveness for phobic anxiety disorders. The combination of psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, which often plays a leading role in the treatment process, works much better. The paper aims at analyzing psychotherapeutic treatment options for phobic anxiety disorders, such as exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy and self-help groups, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation method. There are pros and cons for both psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment options. Therefore, the choice of the most effective treatment options should be determined after an in-depth examination of a patient and carried out by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.