Psychiatrist Questions Anxiety

When should one begin taking anti-anxiety medication?

I'm a 28-year-old woman, and I am sometimes totally crippled by my anxiety. When should one begin taking anti-anxiety medication?

5 Answers

Now. There are also non-medication strategies that can help.
If you are crippled by anxiety, I recommend taking anti-anxiety meds starting right now.
See a psychiatrist and together decide. It depends on the severity and if functioning is getting impaired.
It would be wise to see a therapist first. Often anxiety is situational or associated with past behavior patterns. Medication should not be your first consideration.
Medication is warranted when an illness causes disorder—the inability to function properly. If your anxiety is not allowing you to function properly on a daily, consistent basis, then medication needs to be strongly considered.