How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be concerned. People with GAD are always in a state anxiety, which could affect their work, school or relationships.
GAD may be caused by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical illnesses. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines
It's important to talk with your doctor about the benefits and potential 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 be effective in reducing anxiety and may help with depression and other mental health issues. These medications are typically taken for a short period of time and are typically coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is readily available to release, and SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine to increase neurotransmitter availability. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are frequently the preferred first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders, like panic disorder, and major depression (MDD). These include escitalopram (also called citalopram), sertraline (also called sertraline) duloxetine, fluoxetine, 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 with anxiety disorders aren't responding to the initial treatment options. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks before symptoms start to improve, so it's important to stick to your treatment regimen. If you're still not feeling better after a few months, speak to your physician about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However they have less evidence of efficacy than SSRIs and SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and have more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is limited research on clonidine and guanfacine as a treatment for anxiety. However, many studies show that these medications are more efficacious than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these medications improves treatment adherence and decreases reported adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are many treatment options. Medications are commonly used to ease anxiety symptoms, while talking therapy and self-help strategies can aid in managing symptoms over time. People suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group for more support.
Everyone feels anxious at times, but those with GAD suffer from an unstoppable anxiety that interferes with their daily activities. The symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension and a feeling of being anxious. The main focus of worry is daily issues like family health, work obligations and even minor issues such as chores, repairs to the car, and appointments.
GAD sufferers might not be aware of the cause of their anxiety, and these feelings can last for as long as six months. They might avoid situations that can trigger anxiety. The signs of anxiety are usually first observed in adolescence or childhood. The symptoms may become worse during times of stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. There are theories that suggest it could be a genetic predisposition, or an amalgamation of factors, such as temperament or 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 combat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most effective. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to control anxiety. This kind of therapy can help you identify and alter negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to confront your fears, instead of avoiding them, in a secure setting.
Taking steps to relieve your anxiety can help you live a more relaxed and happier life. You can try exercise or meditation to help relax your body and mind. Spending time with family and friends can help you avoid feeling alone. You can also try a relaxation method, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a support group for anxiety to find compassion and understanding from those who have had similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some point in their lives. These feelings are normal. However, people suffering from GAD are constantly battling with excessive, unrealistic worries that they are unable to control. They fear that things will go wrong and their anxiety can affect their daily lives. The symptoms last for at least six months and are not triggered by a medical issue.
There are a variety of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves talking to an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies to cope, like relaxation or stress management techniques.
Another approach to treat GAD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It will also help you gain control over your worrying and gradually return to activities you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective way to treat GAD. The medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually first-line treatments, including escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). anxiety treatment herbal decrease anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good option for those who can't afford an experienced therapist or want to commit to talk therapy. These groups are regularly scheduled to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are self-organized and informal. Meetings last about one and a quarter hours and participants discuss their experiences. Some groups charge a fee however, others do not.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all factors that can contribute to GAD. A child can develop anxiety when one or both parents suffer from the condition. Additionally, a traumatizing event can trigger anxiety. Certain diseases that are underlying, such as an excessive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It concentrates on teaching you the specific skills to directly manage your worries. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities that you have avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. As you build on your successes, your anxiety will decrease as time passes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you are following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to manage anxiety because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Many different CBT treatments have been proven to be effective, including cue controlling alternatives to self-statements, relaxation training. Other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that helps recognize negative patterns of behavior which are rooted in previous experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to discover unconscious patterns that contribute to your anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is one type of psychotherapy that helps you overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are related to childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, however it can be effective for any type of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. In schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements to process your trauma in a way that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue. It's important to get treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your anxiety with the right treatment and lead a healthy and full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today to learn more about our services and to schedule an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will help you take back control of your life.