How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times - and there could be reasons to be concerned. However, people with GAD suffer from a constant anxiety-like state that can affect their school, work and relationships.
Traumatic events, genetics or chronic medical conditions could be associated with GAD. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.
Medicines
A number of medications are used to treat GAD and it's recommended to speak with your doctor about the benefits and effects of these drugs. 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 help reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression or other mental health conditions. These drugs are typically used for a short time and are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin, ensuring that it is accessible for release. The SNRIs block reuptakes norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters to increase access to neurotransmitters. Both have been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often used as the first-line treatment of psychiatric conditions like panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The drugs that fall into these classes include escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, 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 keep it in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond well to the initial treatment. It could take up to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. So, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment regimen. If you don't see improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or if you should consider taking a different medication.
Certain antidepressants that are older, as well as monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors, are sometimes helpful 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 newer medications.
There is not much research on clonidine and guanfacine as an anxiety treatment. However, many studies show that these medications are more effective than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these drugs increases treatment adherence and decreases reported adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health problem, but it isn't easy to treat. There are a variety of treatment options available. The use of medication is frequently employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Self-help and talk therapy techniques can help with symptoms over time. People suffering from GAD can also join a support group to receive additional support.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to the. However, people with GAD experience a constant anxiety that can affect their daily life. Some symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating on tasks, muscle tension, and an overall feeling of being in a state of anxiety. Most often, the thoughts focus on daily issues like work responsibilities, family health and even minor issues, such as chores, car repairs and appointments.
GAD sufferers might not be aware of the source of their anxiety, and the symptoms can last up to six months. They may avoid situations that trigger anxiety. Symptoms of this disorder are often first observed in adolescence or childhood. generalized anxiety disorder treatment may become worse during times of stress or illness and could even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. Some theories suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing event or life change, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one, could also trigger.
There are many ways to treat GAD however the combination of treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a great way to control your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you identify and alter negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. It can also teach you to face your fears in a secure environment, rather than avoiding them.
Making the effort to reduce anxiety can help live a more relaxed and happier life. You can try exercise or meditation to help relax your mind and body. Spending time with your family and friends can help you avoid feeling alone. You might also try a relaxing technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to find compassion and understanding from others who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at some point and these feelings are a normal part of life. However, those with GAD have persistent, excessive, unrealistic worries that they cannot control. They believe that terrible things could happen and their anxiety interferes with their daily lives. The symptoms last for at least six months and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are many ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves speaking with professionals in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. It can help you learn to recognize and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Another way to treat GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It can assist you in controlling anxiety and slowly return to the activities you avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be combined to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective method to treat GAD. Medications from the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like duloxetine and escitalopram are typically first-line treatments. These antidepressants can help reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups can be a great alternative for those who cannot afford an experienced therapist or wish to commit to talk therapy. They are regularly scheduled to provide support to those with the same condition. Some groups are led by professionals while others are self-organized and informal. The average meeting lasts for one and a half hours, and participants are able to share their experiences with one the other. Some groups charge a fee while others do not.
Genetics, temperament and environmental factors are all elements which can cause GAD. For instance, a child may develop anxiety if his or her parents have the condition. A traumatic event may also trigger anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses like an overactive thyroid gland are more likely to have the condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches you specific techniques to help you manage your worries. CBT also helps you gradually return to activities you had avoided due to anxiety-related symptoms. Over time your anxiety will decrease as you build upon your successes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you're adhering to the treatment plan and not relying on supplements or herbal remedies to treat your anxiety, since they can interact with your medications.
In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of network clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all proven to be efficient. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found be effective, including interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment that helps identify negative behavior patterns that are rooted in your past experiences. It involves open-ended inquiries and free association to discover unconscious patterns that cause your anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you how to improve your relationship with other people.
Schema therapy helps you overcome abnormal behaviors and thoughts that are linked to childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but can be beneficial for any kind of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. In schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements in order to reprocess your trauma in a way that does not cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating and it's essential to seek treatment as quickly as you are able to. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a an active, healthy life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information on our services, or to set up a a first appointment if you are struggling with anxiety. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will assist you in regaining control of your life.