How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious now and then - and there could be reasons to be worried. However, people who suffer from GAD suffer from an ongoing anxiety-like state that can affect their school, work and relationships.
GAD may be caused by genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.
Medicines
It is 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 drugs can be effective in reducing anxiety, and they may also improve depression and other mental health conditions. These medications are usually taken for a short period of time and are typically combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block serotonin transporters that are presynaptic so that serotonin is readily available for release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine in order to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as GAD. They are frequently the preferred first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). These medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram), 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's important to remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders do not respond to initial medication treatments. It could take up to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Therefore, it's essential to stick to your treatment program. If you don't notice improvement after some time, consult with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking an alternative medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These drugs are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and have more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.
There is also limited research on the effectiveness of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, many studies show that these drugs are more efficacious than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these medications increases the frequency of treatment and reduces side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental illness, but it is difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options available. Medications are often employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and self-help techniques and talking therapy can aid in managing symptoms over time. Support groups are available to those with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. However, those who suffer from GAD have a constant fear that affects their daily life. Inattention, restlessness and muscle tension are some of the signs. Usually, the worries are focused on everyday issues like work responsibilities, family health and other minor things, like chores or car repairs, appointments and so on.
The people suffering from GAD might not be able identify the cause of their anxiety, and the feelings persist for at minimum six months. They might avoid situations that cause anxiety. People with this disorder often start experiencing the symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe in times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more predisposed to developing GAD than others, but there isn't a definitive reason. Some theories suggest it may be a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament or the influence of the environment. A traumatizing event or life-changing event, like divorce or the loss of a loved one could also trigger.
There are many ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method of reducing anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. It can help you learn to confront your fears, rather than avoid them, in a secure environment.
Doing treatment for anxiety to ease your anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. You can use meditation or exercise to soothe your mind and body. Spending time with family and friends can help you avoid feeling lonely. You might also try a relaxing technique, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join an online support group to assist you in finding compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at some point and these feelings can be a normal part of life. However, those with GAD have persistent, excessive, unrealistic worries that they can't control. They think bad things will happen, and their anxiety affects their daily routines. The symptoms last 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, also known as "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires talking to a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can also help you learn how to cope, including relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another way to treat GAD. CBT helps you identify and change your unadaptive thinking patterns. It will also help you gain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities that you have avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with other therapies to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective treatment for GAD. Treatments based on the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) such as escitalopram and duloxetine are often first-line treatments. These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups can be a great option for those who can't afford a professional therapist or don't want to commit to talk therapy. These groups are regularly scheduled to provide assistance to those suffering from the same condition. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last approximately one and a quarter hours and participants discuss their experiences. Most groups accept donations, and some have no charges at all.
A few factors that contribute to GAD include the genetics of a person's personality, their genes, and environmental events. For example the child could develop anxiety if their parents suffer from the disorder. An event that is traumatic can cause anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses such as an overactive thyroid gland are more likely to suffer from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for GAD. It teaches you specific techniques to help you manage your worries. CBT can also help you gradually return to activities that you had avoided due to anxiety symptoms. Over time your anxiety will decrease as you build upon your accomplishments. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure you are following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to manage anxiety because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized trials, CBT showed both acute and long term effectiveness and acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder among adults. A variety of CBT treatments have been proven to be effective, including cue controlling alternatives to self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment that helps identify negative behavior patterns rooted in past experiences. It involves open-ended questions and free association to discover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can aid in improving your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy assists you in overcoming negative thoughts and behaviors that are rooted in childhood traumas. It is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can be effective for any kind of anxiety that stems from unresolved trauma. In schema therapy, you share your trauma with your therapist, while they guide your eye movements to process the memory in a way that doesn't trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible. You can control your symptoms with the proper treatment and lead a healthy and fulfilled life. If you're struggling with anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information on our services and to schedule an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you take charge of your life.