Plato did not write specifically about anxiety as a mental health condition, however, in his philosophical works he did discuss the human experience of fear. One relevant quote comes from Plato’s dialogue “Timaeus,” in which he states “Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity.” This quote suggests that anxiety can be a motivating force that drives individuals to create and innovate, which may have some relevance to contemporary theories about the link between anxiety and creativity.

Descartes wrote about the relationship between mind and body, which has some relevance to anxiety. One relevant quote from Descartes comes from his “Meditations on First Philosophy,” in which he states “I am not my body, I am my mind.” Descartes believed that the mind and body were distinct entities, with the mind being the true essence of the self. This idea has some relevance to contemporary theories about the relationship between anxiety and the body, such as the somatic symptom theory of anxiety. This theory suggests that anxiety can be experienced as physical sensations in the body which current knowledge supports.

Anxiety Therapy & Supporting Evidence

Contemporary studies have progressed since then and much has been done examining effective ways of managing the anxiety condition. Anxiety therapy refers to various types of therapy or counselling that are aimed at helping individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders. The goal of anxiety therapy is to help the individual manage or reduce the intensity and frequency of their anxiety symptoms, and to improve their ability to cope with anxiety-inducing situations.

There is a significant amount of evidence supporting the effectiveness of various types of therapy for anxiety. Here are some examples:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been extensively studied and has consistently been found to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Research has shown that CBT can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and can be as effective as medication in treating anxiety. One meta-analysis found that both CBT and medication were effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. Studies have also shown that CBT was an effective treatment for all anxiety disorders studied (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and OCD).

Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT), such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), has also been studied and found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. These types of therapy focus on cultivating mindfulness and awareness of the present moment, which can help individuals better manage their anxious thoughts and emotions.

Exposure therapy is another type of therapy that has been found to be effective for anxiety. It involves gradually exposing the individual to anxiety-provoking situations in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to learn new coping skills and reduce their fear and avoidance of those situations. Research has shown that exposure therapy can be effective in treating various anxiety disorders, such as phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies support Exposure Therapy finding that prolonged exposure therapy was an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Conclusion

Overall, the evidence supports the use of various types of therapy for treating anxiety including CBT, mindfulness-based therapy and exposure therapy. The effectiveness of therapy can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs, so it is important to work with a qualified mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment.

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Adelaide Psychology is a private ‘depth psychology’ practice that works with clients experiencing issues with anxiety. If you are looking for an anxiety psychologist in Adelaide, we offer appointments in-person or via telehealth online (videoconference or phone) across Australia.