How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious at times - and there are reasons to be concerned. However, people with GAD are in an unending anxiety-like state that can affect their school, work and relationships.
GAD could be triggered by genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options.
Medicines
It is essential to talk with your doctor about the benefits and possible side negative effects 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 decrease anxiety and can also help improve depression or other mental health conditions. These medicines are usually used for a brief period of time and are often paired with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin so that it is accessible for release. They block reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to increase access to 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, like panic disorder, and major depression (MDD). These medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram), 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 is important to keep in mind that many people with anxiety disorders don't respond well to the initial treatment. It could take between four and six weeks before symptoms start to improve, so it's important to stick to your treatment plan. If you're still not feeling better after several months, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or switching medications.
Some older antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However they are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They can cause more sedation, and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is also limited research on the effectiveness of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies show that these drugs are more efficient than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these medications improves treatment adherence and decreases reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health condition however, it can be a challenge to treat. There are many treatment options. The use of medication is frequently used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Talking therapy and self-help techniques can help manage symptoms with time. People suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group to receive more support.
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, people with GAD suffer from constant anxiety that can affect their daily life. Anxiety, irritability and muscle tension are some of the signs. Usually, the worries are focused on everyday issues such as work-related duties, family health and other minor things, like chores or car repairs, appointments and so on.
The people suffering from GAD may not be able identify the cause of their anxiety and the anxiety may last for at minimum six months. They might also avoid situations which cause anxiety. People with this disorder often begin experiencing symptoms in their teens or early childhood. The symptoms may worsen during times of stress or illness, and can even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more predisposed to developing GAD than others, but there is no definitive reason for this. Some theories suggest that it may be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors, like temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or major life change such as divorce or the death of a loved can also cause the disorder.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD, but the combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method of reducing anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you identify and modify negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. It also teaches you to face your fears in a safe environment, rather than avoiding them.
Making the effort to reduce your anxiety can help you live a more relaxed and happier life. Try exercising or meditation to help calm your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with friends and family to keep you from being isolated. You can also employ relaxation techniques, such as guided visualization or deep breathing. You can join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from others who have similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Everyone feels nervous or anxious at some point and these emotions can be a normal part of life. People with GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They worry that things will go wrong and their anxiety can affect their daily lives. The symptoms persist for at least six months, and are not a result of a medical condition.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves talking with an expert in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It can help you learn to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help you learn coping techniques, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT teaches you to identify and address your faulty 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 incorporated to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective method to treat GAD. The medications from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibition (SNRI) like escitalopram and duloxetine are often first-line treatments. These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances in your brain.
anxiety treatments medication -help groups are an excellent alternative for those who are unable to afford to see an expert therapist or want to commit to talk therapy. They meet regularly and provide support to those with the same condition. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are more 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 elements that contribute to GAD. Children may experience anxiety when one or both parents suffer from the disorder. A traumatizing event can trigger anxiety. Certain conditions like an overactive thyroid gland, may increase the likelihood of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for GAD. It teaches you specific skills that will assist you in managing your stress. CBT assists you to gradually resume activities you were unable to do due to anxiety symptoms. As time passes your anxiety will decrease as you build on your successes. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure that you're following the treatment plan and not using herbal remedies or supplements to treat your anxiety, since they can interact with your medications.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long term effectiveness and acceptability in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Many different CBT treatments have been proven to be effective, including cue controlling, alternative self-statements and relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that helps you identify negative behavior patterns that are rooted in your past experiences. The treatment employs open-ended questions to uncover hidden patterns that contribute to anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationships with others.
Schema therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that are linked to childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, however 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 direct your eye movements to reprocess the memory in a way that doesn't trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling and it's crucial to seek treatment as early as you can. With the proper treatment, you'll learn to manage your symptoms and lead a an enjoyable, full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about our services or to schedule an initial appointment if you have anxiety issues. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will help you take back control of your life.