Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Anxiety is one of the most common and most treatable mental health conditions — yet many people live with it for years, either not recognising it or fearing that treatment means being on medication forever. Neither is true. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) treats anxiety disorders with a clear, evidence-based, collaborative approach, in-person in Gurugram and online across India.
Who this is for
This page is for you if you experience persistent worry, tension, or fear that interferes with daily life — including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, or panic attacks. It is also for people whose anxiety shows up physically (racing heart, tight chest, restlessness, sleep problems) without an obvious cause.
How anxiety is assessed
Effective treatment starts with an accurate picture. Dr. Mitra takes a careful history to understand what kind of anxiety you have, how long it has been present, what triggers or maintains it, and whether other conditions — depression, ADHD, thyroid problems, or substance use — are contributing. Getting this right shapes the whole plan.
Treatment options
Following the practice's "cafeteria approach," you are shown every reasonable option with its evidence and trade-offs, and you decide together:
- Therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the best-evidenced psychological treatment for most anxiety disorders. Dr. Mitra coordinates with experienced clinical psychologists.
- Medication. Where helpful, evidence-based medication (typically antidepressants such as SSRIs/SNRIs, which are effective for anxiety) can be used — with a clear explanation of what it does, how long it may be needed, and how it would eventually be reviewed or tapered.
- Practical and lifestyle strategies. Sleep, exercise, caffeine, breathing and grounding techniques, and structured problem-solving all have a genuine effect.
Importantly, sedative medications like benzodiazepines are used sparingly and short-term, if at all, because of the risk of dependence — and where someone is already dependent, structured benzodiazepine tapering is offered.
What to expect
Most people improve significantly with the right combination of treatment. Anxiety treatment is not usually lifelong; the aim is to help you recover, build lasting skills, and, where medication is used, reach the minimum effective dose or come off it safely when the time is right.
In-person in Gurugram and online across India
Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.
Safety and urgent help
If anxiety becomes overwhelming or you have thoughts of self-harm, seek help promptly via emergency services, your nearest hospital, or Tele-MANAS on 14416. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.
Book a consultation
- WhatsApp: +91 93104 65035
- Practo: Dr. Anindo Mitra on Practo
See fees · panic attacks · depression
Frequently asked questions
Can anxiety be cured, or only managed? Many people recover fully, especially with therapy and skills that last beyond treatment. Others manage it well long-term. The goal is meaningful, durable improvement, not lifelong dependence on medication.
Will I have to take medication for anxiety? Not necessarily. Therapy alone helps many people. Where medication is appropriate, it is explained fully and is your choice, and a plan for reviewing or stopping it is part of the conversation.
Are anxiety medications addictive? The mainstay medications (SSRIs/SNRIs) are not addictive, though they should be tapered rather than stopped abruptly. Sedatives like benzodiazepines can cause dependence and are used sparingly.
How long does anxiety treatment take? It varies, but many people notice meaningful improvement within weeks to a few months. Therapy skills and, where used, medication are reviewed regularly.
Is my physical symptom (palpitations, chest tightness) anxiety or something medical? Part of assessment is making sure physical causes are considered. Anxiety can produce very real physical symptoms, but relevant medical causes are not overlooked.