How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be worried. People with GAD are in a constant state anxiety, which can impact their relationships, work or school.
GAD could be triggered by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical illnesses. Medication and psychotherapy are two treatment options.
Medicines
A number of medications are used to treat GAD, and it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about the advantages 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 be effective in reducing anxiety, and they may also improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are often paired with psychotherapy.
SSRIs are effective in blocking serotonin transporters that are presynaptic so that serotonin can be released to release, and SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase neurotransmitter supply. 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 depressive disorder (MDD). These include escitalopram (also called 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 keep in mind that most people with anxiety disorders don't respond to the first medication treatment. It can take four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve, which is why it's essential to adhere to your treatment plan. If you don't experience improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or taking a different medication.
Some older antidepressants and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, these medications are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They can cause more sedation and can cause more serious adverse side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is also a lack of research on the efficacy of guanfacine and clonidine for the treatment of anxiety. However, many studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these medications improves the frequency of treatment and reduces adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental illness, but it is difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. Medications are commonly used to reduce anxiety symptoms, and self-help and talking therapy can aid in managing symptoms over time. People suffering from GAD can also join a support group to receive additional support.
Everyone has anxiety from time to the. However, those who suffer from GAD experience a constant anxiety that affects their daily lives. Anxiety, irritability and muscle tension are just a few of the signs. The main focus of worry is things that are routine, like family health, work obligations, and minor concerns, like car repairs, chores and appointments.
People with GAD might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their anxiety and the anxiety may last for at minimum six months. They might also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. The signs of anxiety tend to be observed in adolescence or childhood. Symptoms may worsen when there is stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
Some people are more prone to develop GAD than others, but there is no proven cause. There are theories that suggest it may be a genetic predisposition or an amalgamation of factors, such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing event or life change, such as divorce or the death of a loved one can also be a trigger.
There are many methods to treat GAD, but a combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies, for instance cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a great way to control your anxiety. meds to treat anxiety of therapy teaches you to recognize and change the negative thought patterns that lead to anxious feelings. It can also teach you to confront your fears in a secure environment, instead of avoiding them.
You can lead a more peaceful and healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to help relax your body and mind. Spending time with family and friends can help you avoid feeling lonely. 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 experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some moment in their lives. These feelings are normal. People suffering from GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They are convinced that bad things will happen, and their anxiety can affect their lives. The symptoms last for at least six months, and are not caused by an illness.
There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking to professionals in the field of mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. This will help you understand how to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also help you learn how to cope, including relaxation and stress management techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different method to treat GAD. CBT helps you recognize and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It will also help you gain control over your worry and gradually return to activities that you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be combined to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective treatment for GAD. The medications in 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), Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants can reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups can be a great alternative for those who cannot afford to see a professional therapist or don't want to commit to talking therapy. These groups meet regularly to offer support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are self-organized and informal. Meetings usually last about one and a half hour, and participants are able to share their experiences with one others. Most groups accept a donation and some do not charge charges at all.
Genetics, temperament and environmental factors are all elements that contribute to GAD. A child may develop anxiety if parents or both suffer from the condition. An event that is traumatic can cause anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the risk of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It focuses on teaching you the specific skills to directly manage your worries. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities you avoided due to anxiety-related symptoms. As you continue to build on your successes and your anxiety decreases, you will experience less anxiety over time. Working closely with your mental health professional will ensure that you follow the treatment plan. Avoid using supplements or herbal remedies as a way to treat anxiety since they may interact 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 the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments such as cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all found to be effective. Other psychotherapies, including interpersonal therapy and schematherapy, were also proven to be highly effective.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychological treatment that can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in past 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 aid in improving your relationships with others.
Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aids you in overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors that are related to childhood traumas. It's commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can be beneficial for any kind of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. In schema therapy you share your experiences with your therapist as they guide your eye movements in order to process the memory in a way that doesn't create anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. You can manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and lead a healthy and full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information on our services, or to set up a a first appointment if you have anxiety issues. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're here to help you take control of your life.