Anxiety Treatment: Choosing the Right Approach
Anxiety disorders — generalised anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, panic-related anxiety — respond to different combinations of therapy and medication depending on type and severity. Our team, led by Dr. Pavan Sonar — MBBS, DPM, DNB Psychiatry, helps patients across Mumbai and Maharashtra work out which approach fits, with 22+ years of experience and 50,000+ patients treated.
CBT, Medication, or Both? A Decision Guide
When CBT Alone Is the Better Starting Point
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard treatment for most anxiety disorders and often works well on its own for generalised anxiety, specific phobias, and mild-to-moderate social anxiety. CBT teaches practical skills to identify and interrupt anxious thought patterns and gradually reduce avoidance — skills that continue working after treatment ends, which is why many patients prefer starting here.
When Medication Helps Alongside Therapy
For moderate-to-severe anxiety where symptoms interfere significantly with daily functioning, or when panic attacks are frequent and disabling, SSRIs or SNRIs are often added to reduce baseline anxiety enough that therapy becomes more effective. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medication is used sparingly and short-term, given dependence risk with longer use.
Matching Treatment to Anxiety Type
Panic disorder responds particularly well to a specific CBT protocol addressing catastrophic interpretation of physical sensations. Social anxiety often benefits from exposure-based CBT combined with SSRIs for more severe cases. Generalised anxiety typically responds to a broader CBT approach targeting worry patterns, with medication reserved for more persistent or severe presentations.
Recognising Anxiety
Excessive, hard-to-control worry, restlessness, muscle tension, sleep disturbance, racing heart or breathlessness during panic episodes, and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety.
Access Across Maharashtra
In-person at our Mumbai clinic locations (Borivali West, Malad West, Malad East, Andheri West) or via online video consultation for patients across Maharashtra — Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad, and beyond. CBT delivered via video call has strong evidence for effectiveness, making it accessible regardless of location.
Considering the therapy route specifically? See our dedicated Individual Therapy (CBT, DBT) page for what a course of CBT actually involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try therapy before medication?
For mild-to-moderate anxiety, yes — CBT alone is often sufficient and avoids medication side effects entirely. A clinical evaluation will clarify whether your presentation is likely to respond to therapy alone or needs medication support.
How many CBT sessions does anxiety treatment typically take?
Most structured CBT programmes for anxiety run 8–16 sessions, with many patients noticing meaningful improvement by session 6–8. Panic disorder protocols are often shorter and highly structured.
Are anti-anxiety medications addictive?
Fast-acting benzodiazepine-type medications carry dependence risk with prolonged use and are prescribed short-term only. SSRIs and SNRIs, the mainstay for longer-term anxiety management, are not addictive.
Can anxiety be treated fully online?
Yes, for most patients. CBT delivered via video consultation is well-supported by research and works particularly well for anxiety, since exposure exercises and worry-tracking can be structured effectively over video call.
Book Your Anxiety Consultation
A treatment plan matched to your specific type and severity of anxiety — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 85918 40141
📧 Email: drpavansonar@gmail.com
Clinic Locations: Borivali West | Malad West | Andheri West | Malad East — and online across Maharashtra