How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be worried. However, those who suffer from GAD are in a constant anxiety that impacts their school, work and relationships.
Genetics, traumatic events or chronic medical illnesses may be associated with GAD. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD, and it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about the benefits and side adverse 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 and other mental health conditions. These drugs are typically used for a short period of time and are usually combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs are effective in blocking serotonin transporters that are presynaptic so that serotonin is readily available for release. SNRIs block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders including GAD. They are frequently the preferred first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). The medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram) and sertraline (also called 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 is important to keep in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to the initial treatment options. 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 don't feel better after a few months, speak to your doctor about changing the dosage or switching medications.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They can cause more sedation, and have more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.
There is a limited amount of research on the efficacy of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies show that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these medications increases the frequency of treatment and reduces adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is an extremely common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are many treatment options. Medications are commonly used to reduce anxiety symptoms, and self-help and talking therapy can help manage symptoms over time. People with GAD can also join a support group for more assistance.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to moment. However, those with GAD have a constant fear that interferes in their daily lives. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension are some of the symptoms. Most often, the thoughts tend to be about everyday concerns like work duties, family health and other minor things, like chores such as car repairs or appointments.
The people with GAD may not be able identify the source of their anxiety, and the feelings persist for at minimum six months. They might also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. Symptoms of this disorder tend to be observed in adolescence or childhood. The symptoms can become more severe in times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However there is no reason for this. Some theories suggest that it could be a genetic predisposition or an amalgamation of factors, like temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing event or life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one, can also be a trigger.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. However the combination of treatments will be most effective. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method to manage anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize and alter the negative thought patterns that cause anxiety. It can teach you how to face your fears instead of avoiding them, in a secure environment.
You can live a happier and healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. You can do exercises or meditation to relax your mind and body. Spending time with your loved ones and family can help you avoid feeling alone. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group to help you find compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some point in their lives. These kinds of feelings are normal. However, people suffering from GAD have persistent, excessive, unrealistic worries that they are unable to manage. They worry that bad things will occur and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not caused by a medical problem.
There are several methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This will help you understand how to recognize and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapy can also teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT helps you recognize and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It can aid you in reducing your anxiety, and eventually return to the activities you avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with other therapies to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective way to treat GAD. Treatments in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually first-line treatments, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). Antidepressants can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are an ideal alternative for those who cannot afford to see a professional or do not wish to commit to a therapy session. They meet regularly and provide assistance to those suffering from the same condition. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings usually last about one and a half hours, and participants discuss their experiences with each others. Most groups accept a donation or a donation, while some have no fees whatsoever.
Some factors that contribute to GAD include the person's genetics, temperament and the impact of environmental events. Children may experience anxiety when parents or both suffer from the disorder. A traumatizing event can cause anxiety. People suffering from certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland are more likely to be suffering from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It teaches you specific skills to help you manage your worries. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you were unable to do because of anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes your anxiety will decrease as you build up on your successes. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure that you follow the treatment program. Avoid using supplements or herbal remedies as a way to treat anxiety because they could 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 in adults. A variety of CBT treatments were found to be efficient, including cue-control, alternative self-statements and relaxation training. Other psychotherapies, like interpersonal therapy and schematherapy, were also found to be extremely effective.
A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in your previous experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to uncover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you how to improve your relationship with other people.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aids you in overcome maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that are related to childhood traumas. It is typically used to treat unresolved childhood traumas, however it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema therapy you share your experiences with your therapist while they guide your eye movements to process the memory in a way that doesn't create anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue. www.iampsychiatry.com is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and lead a healthy and fulfilled life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information on our services or to schedule a first appointment if you are suffering from anxiety. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you take control of your life.