How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder

There are a variety of reasons to be concerned. However, people with GAD suffer from a constant anxiety that impacts their work, school and relationships.

Genetics, traumatic events or chronic medical conditions could be associated with GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.

Medicines

It's important to discuss with your doctor the potential benefits and consequences of GAD medications. Generally, the first medications that are tried for anxiety disorders are antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. These medications can decrease anxiety and may also improve depression and other mental health conditions. These medications are typically taken for a short period of time and are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

SSRIs block serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin is available for release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase neurotransmitter supply. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders such as GAD. They are typically the first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders like panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). Medications that fall into these classes include escitalopram sertraline, fluoxetine and duloxetine, and venlafaxine. In addition, agomelatine, a melatonin-1/melatonin-2 agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, has been found to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, although it is more commonly used for the treatment of depression.

It's important to remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders do not respond to treatment with medications at first. It can take four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve, which is why it's essential to adhere to your treatment program. If you're still not feeling better after several months, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or switching medications.

Certain older antidepressants along with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They can cause more sedation, and have more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.

There is limited research on clonidine and guanfacine as an anxiety treatment. However, numerous studies show that these drugs are more effective than placebos. The addition of psychotherapy to the use of these medications improves the frequency of treatment and reduces side effects.

Talking therapy

GAD is a common mental health condition however, it can be difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. The use of medication is frequently used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Talking therapy and self-help techniques can help with symptoms over time. Support groups are available to those with GAD.

Everyone is anxious at times however, those suffering from GAD have an ongoing state of anxiety that affects their daily activities. Symptoms may include a lack of concentration, restlessness, muscle tension and an overall feeling of being anxious. The majority of the time, the concerns are focused on everyday issues such as work-related responsibilities, family health and even minor issues, such as chores such as car repairs or appointments.

People who suffer from GAD may not be able to identify the cause of their anxiety and the anxiety may last for at minimum six months. They might avoid situations that cause anxiety. People with this disorder often begin to experience symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe during times of stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.

Some people are more prone to develop GAD than others, but there is no proven reason for this. Some theories suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors like temperament and the influence of the environment. A traumatizing experience or life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one, could also trigger.

There are many ways to combat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments will be most effective. Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a great way to control your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you identify and alter negative thinking patterns that can cause anxiety. It will teach you how to confront your fears, rather than avoiding them in a secure setting.

You can lead a more peaceful, healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. You can use meditation or exercise to relax your mind and body. You can also spend time with friends and family to keep from feeling isolated. You might also try a relaxing method, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to find compassion and understanding from people who have similar experiences.

Self-help groups

Everyone feels nervous or anxious at times and these emotions are a normal part of life. However, people suffering from GAD are constantly battling with excessive, unrealistic worries that they cannot control. They worry that things will go wrong and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not caused by a medical problem.

There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Psychotherapy can teach you coping techniques, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different method to treat GAD. CBT teaches you to identify and confront your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can aid you in reducing anxiety and slowly return to activities that you had avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be combined with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

Medication is usually the most effective treatment for GAD. The medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments. These include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants decrease anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.

Self-help groups are a good alternative treatment for depression and anxiety for those who can't afford to see a specialist or do not wish to commit to talking therapy. These groups are regularly scheduled to provide assistance to those suffering from the same condition. Some groups are run by professionals while others are self-organized and informal. The meetings last for about one and a quarter hours and participants share their personal experiences. Some groups charge a fee however, others do not.

The factors that cause GAD include genetics, a person's temperament and the impact of environmental events. Children may experience anxiety if parents or both suffer from the condition. A traumatic event may also trigger anxiety. People with certain underlying illnesses, such as an overactive thyroid gland, are more likely to have the condition.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for treating GAD. It teaches you specific skills that will assist you in managing your stress. CBT assists you to gradually resume activities you were unable to do due to anxiety-related symptoms. As you continue to build on your successes, your anxiety will decrease as time passes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure that you are following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to manage anxiety since they may interfere with your medication.

In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of network randomized clinical trials, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, self-affirmations in alternative ways and relaxation training were all found to be efficient. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Psychodynamic therapy can help you discover negative patterns of behavior rooted in your past experiences. This treatment uses open-ended questions to reveal the subconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can aid in improving your relationships with other people.

Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps you overcome maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that are associated with childhood traumas. It is often used to address unresolved childhood traumas, however it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema therapy sessions, you share your trauma with your therapist, while they direct your eye movements in order to process the memory in a way that doesn't create anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety can be crippling. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible. With the appropriate treatment, you'll be able to manage your symptoms and live a a full, happy life. If you're suffering from anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to make an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you take control of your life.