[Therapy of anxiety disorders from the behavior therapy viewpoint]

Every patient with severe anxiety symptoms needs a physical examination in a medical practice first. Secondly, the indication for a specific psychiatric treatment is the decision of a physician with the proper qualifications. Due to practical views, the psychiatric diagnostic is described with following classical forms: agoraphobia, anxiety neurosis, and cardioneurosis. The beginning of the treatment consists of the behaviour analysis. This is followed by the decision for an outpatient or hospitalized treatment as well as the general treatment plan. Systematic desensitization and exposure are introduced as specific behavior treatment techniques as well as the availability of behaviour treatment in Germany.