Here is an example of how looking for the meaning behind a symptom like anxiety can allow treatment at Riggs to work when symptom-focused treatments have failed.

Anxiety is part of being human. Sometimes, though, anxiety is incapacitating. Symptoms of anxiety may arise as a signal of some inner conflict that is outside conscious awareness. Anti-anxiety medication often alleviates some of the symptoms of anxiety, but, many of those who seek treatment at Riggs, continue to have difficulty re-engaging more fully in relationships, work or play. For these people anxiety is like the “check engine” light on your car’s dashboard. Turning it off may make the light go away, but the underlying problem is not addressed. At Riggs your psychopharmcologist may prescribe medication to reduce anxiety, but the overall treatment program will focus on discovering with you problems that lead to unmanageable anxiety.