How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious every now and then, and there could be reasons to be worried. However, people with GAD are in an ongoing anxiety-like state that can affect their school, work and relationships.
Genetics, traumatic events or chronic medical conditions may be the cause of GAD. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines
It's important to discuss with your doctor the benefits and possible side 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 help reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression or other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a short period of time and are typically combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin to ensure that it is accessible to release. The SNRIs block reuptakes norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters to increase neurotransmitter accessibility. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders , including GAD. They are often utilized as the first line treatment for mental illnesses such as 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 remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to the initial treatment options. It could take up to six weeks before symptoms improve. Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment plan. If you don't see improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or if you should consider taking an alternative medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation, and could have more serious side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is also limited research on the efficacy of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these medications are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy may increase the adherence to treatment and decrease the risk of adverse side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are many treatment options. Medications are commonly employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, while talking therapy and self-help strategies can ease symptoms over time. Support groups are available for people with GAD.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but those with GAD are in an ongoing state of anxiety that can affect their daily activities. The symptoms can include anxiety, a difficult time concentrating or concentrating, muscle tension and a feeling of being anxious. Usually, the worries focus on daily issues, such as job duties, family health and other minor things, like chores, car repairs and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not know the cause of their anxiety, and the symptoms can last for up to six months. They may also avoid situations which cause anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may worsen during times of stress or illness, and could even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more susceptible to developing GAD than others, but there is no definitive reason. Some theories suggest that it may be a genetic predisposition, or an amalgamation of factors, such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or life change, such as divorce or the death of a loved one could also trigger.
There are many methods to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments will be most effective. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be a great way to control your anxiety. This kind of therapy can help you recognize and change negative thought patterns which can cause anxiety. It can also help you to confront your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them.
Making the effort to reduce your anxiety can help you live a more relaxed and happier life. You can utilize meditation or exercise to calm your body and mind. Spending time with your family and friends can help you feel less lonely. You might also try a relaxing method, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a group of support for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from people who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some moment in their lives. These feelings are normal. People with GAD however, suffer from excessive or unrealistic anxiety that they are unable to control. They believe that bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety interferes with their daily routines. The symptoms persist for at least six months, and are not caused by any medical issue.
There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that involves speaking with an expert in mental health such as psychologist or psychiatrist. It can help you identify and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you learn strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Another way to treat GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to identify and confront your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can assist you in controlling your anxiety, and eventually return to the activities you resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be combined with medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective treatment for GAD. Medications from the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (SNRI) like duloxetine and escitalopram are typically first-line treatments. These antidepressants decrease anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups can be an excellent alternative for those who can't afford to see a professional or do not want to commit to talking therapy. These groups meet regularly and provide support to others with similar disorders. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last about one and a quarter hours, and participants share their personal experiences. Some groups charge a fee while others do not.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all aspects which can cause GAD. For example children may experience anxiety if parents suffer from the condition. Also, a traumatic incident can trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases, such as an excessive thyroid gland, may increase the risk of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
The most effective therapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is focused on teaching you specific skills to help you manage your stress. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. As you continue to build on your successes, your anxiety will decrease over time. Working closely with your mental health professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment program. Do not use herbal remedies or supplements as a method of treating anxiety as they could interact with your medication.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long-term effectiveness as well as acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder among adults. Several different CBT treatments have been proven to be efficient, including cue-control alternative self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, including schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your previous experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to discover unconscious patterns that contribute to your anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help you improve your relationships with others.
Schema therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that are rooted in childhood traumas. It is typically used to address unresolved childhood traumas, however it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. During schema therapy sessions, you share your trauma with your therapist, while they guide your eye movements to reprocess the memories in a manner that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue. It's important to get treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your symptoms with the right treatment and lead a healthy and full life. If you're struggling with anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to set up an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will assist you in regaining control of your life.