Psychological Treatment for Driving Anxiety

A motor vehicle accident can be a terrifying experience and the psychological effects of it can be disturbing and powerful. The majority of people involved in a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA) experience symptoms of travel related anxiety (driving anxiety/ phobia, passenger anxiety/ phobia). A significant number of people develop symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which include fear, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, anger, and depression.

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy, and significantly effective treatment approach for dealing with travel-related anxiety and PTSD. It would provide you with skills including learning a number of relaxation techniques, and learning different ways to think about the MVA and the reactions that followed. It also includes an exposure intervention in which you will learn how to face provoked uncomfortable feelings and anxiety, coping with anger, and managing life changes caused by the MVA.    

 

Reference:

Hickling, E. J., Blanchard, E. B. (2006). Overcoming the Trauma of Your Motor Vehicle Accident, A Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment Program Workbook. Oxford University Press.