How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious every now and then, and there may be good reasons to worry. People suffering from GAD are constantly in a state anxiety, which can impact their relationships, work or school.
GAD may be caused by genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medications
There are a variety of medications used to treat GAD and it's recommended to consult your physician about the advantages and side effects of these 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 reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin so that it is accessible for release. They block reuptakes of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters, thereby increasing access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective in treating anxiety disorders such as GAD. They are frequently used as the first line treatment for psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder. These medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram) and sertraline (also called sertraline) as well as 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 aren't responding to treatment with medications at first. It can take four to six weeks before symptoms start to improve, which is why it's crucial to stick with your treatment regimen. If you don't notice improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking a different medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, these medications are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation, and could cause more serious side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is not much research on clonidine and guanfacine as treatment for anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy can improve treatment adherence, and reduce reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is an extremely common mental illness, however it is difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. The use of medication is frequently used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Self-help and talking therapy techniques can help manage symptoms over time. Support groups are offered to those suffering from GAD.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time however, those suffering from GAD suffer from an unstoppable anxiety that can affect their daily activities. Inattention, restlessness and muscle tension are some of the signs. Worries are usually focused on things that are routine, like work responsibilities, family health, and minor concerns, like car repairs, chores, and appointments.
Those who suffer from GAD may not be able to identify the cause of their anxiety and their anxiety can last for at least six months. They might also avoid situations that cause anxiety. iampsychiatry.com with this disorder often begin experiencing symptoms in their teens or early childhood. The symptoms can become more severe during times of high stress or illness, and can even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect certain people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. Some theories suggest that it could be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors like temperament and the influence of the environment. A traumatizing experience or major life event such as divorce or death of a loved one could trigger the disorder.
There are many ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a great way to control your anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize and modify the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. It can also teach you to face your fears in a safe environment, instead of avoiding them.
Making the effort to reduce anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. Meditation or exercise to soothe your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with your family and friends to keep you from being isolated. You can also try a relaxation technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a group of support for anxiety, to find support and understanding from those who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Every person experiences nervousness or anxiety at some point in their lives. These kinds of feelings are normal. However, those with GAD suffer from persistent, overly anxiety that they are unable to manage. They think bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety interferes with their daily lives. The symptoms persist for at least six months and are not a result of a medical condition.
There are several methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires speaking with professionals in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can help you learn coping techniques, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Another way to treat GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and address your faulty thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your worry and gradually return to activities you've resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be paired with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective treatment for GAD. Treatments that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments, such as 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 can be an ideal alternative for those who can't afford to see a specialist or do not wish to commit to therapy. They meet regularly to provide support to those with the same condition. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are more informal and self-organized. Meetings typically last for about one and a half hours, and participants are able to share their experiences with one the other. Most groups accept donations, and some have no charges at all.
Some factors that contribute to GAD include the person's genetics, temperament, and environmental events. A child can develop anxiety if parents or both suffer from the disorder. Also, a traumatic incident can trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It concentrates on teaching you specific techniques to manage your anxiety directly. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you were unable to do due to anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes, your anxiety decreases as you build up on your successes. It is important to work closely with your mental health professional to ensure you're following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to manage anxiety since they can interfere with your medication.
In a recent meta-analysis of networks and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long term effectiveness and acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder among adults. Several different CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue control alternative self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment that can help you identify negative behavior patterns which are rooted in previous experiences. It involves open-ended questions and free association to uncover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy can help you overcome maladaptive behaviors and thoughts that are rooted in 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 guide your eye movements in order to process the memory in a way that doesn't trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue, and it's important to seek treatment as quickly as you are able to. You can manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and lead a happy and full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about our services or to schedule an initial appointment if you are suffering from anxiety. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're there to help you get control of your life.