How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are a variety of reasons to be worried. However, those with GAD are in an ongoing anxiety-like state that can affect their school, work and relationships.
GAD could be triggered by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical conditions. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD and it is a good idea to consult your physician about the benefits and effects of these 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 may help with depression and other mental health disorders. These medications are usually taken for a short period of time and are often combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin can be released to release, and SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders including GAD. They are frequently used as the first-line treatment of mental disorders like panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The drugs in these classes include escitalopram, 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 with anxiety disorders aren't responding to initial medication treatments. It can take as long as six weeks for symptoms to begin to improve. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to your treatment regimen. If you don't experience improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or taking a different medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation and may cause more serious adverse reactions than the more recent drugs.
There is a limited amount of research on the use of guanfacine and clonidine for the treatment of anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these medications are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy can improve treatment adherence and reduce the number of the number of side effects reported.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental health issue however it can be difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. The use of medication is frequently employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Self-help and talking therapy techniques can ease symptoms over time. Support groups are offered to those with GAD.
Everyone is anxious from time to time, but those with GAD are in a constant state of anxiety that affects their daily activities. Symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating or concentrating, muscle tension and an overall feeling of being on edge. The main focus of worry is things that are routine, like family health, work obligations and even minor issues such as chores, repairs to the car, and appointments.
The people suffering from GAD may not be able identify the cause of their anxiety and their anxiety can last for at minimum six months. They may avoid situations that can trigger anxiety. People with this disorder often begin to experience symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may become worse when there is stress or illness and could even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect certain people more than others. However, there is no cause for this. Some theories suggest that it may be a genetic predisposition, or an amalgamation of factors, such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or life change, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one, can also be a trigger.
There are a variety of ways to combat GAD. However, a combination of treatments will be most efficient. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective way to control anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize and alter the negative thought patterns that cause anxiety. It can help you learn to confront your fears, instead of avoiding them, in a safe setting.
Doing something to ease your anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. You can utilize meditation or exercise to calm your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with friends and family to avoid feeling isolated. You can also use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from people who have similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at some time, and these feelings are normal aspects of life. People suffering from GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent worries that they cannot control. They worry that bad things will occur and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms persist for at least six months and are not due to any medical issue.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking with professionals in the field of mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. It can help you identify and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies to cope, like stress management or relaxation techniques.
Another method of treating GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to identify and address your faulty thinking patterns. It can help you gain control over anxiety and slowly return to the activities you resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be combined to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective method to treat GAD. Treatments in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments. These include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who are unable to afford to see a professional or do not wish to commit to therapy. They meet regularly to provide assistance to those suffering from the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are 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 don't.
Genetics, temperament and environmental factors are all aspects that contribute to GAD. For example children may experience anxiety if parents have the condition. Also, a traumatic event can trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases, such as an excessive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It concentrates on teaching you specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT also helps you gradually return to activities you have avoided because of anxiety symptoms. As you build on your successes, your anxiety will decrease over time. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment program. Do not use supplements or herbal remedies to treat anxiety since they may interfere with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of network clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability 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 were also found be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychological treatment that can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior rooted in past experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions to uncover hidden patterns that contribute to anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationship with other people.
Schema therapy helps you overcome abnormal behaviors and thoughts that are connected to childhood traumas. It is often used to treat unresolved childhood traumas, but it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. During schema sessions, your therapist will guide your eye movements to process your trauma in a manner that does not cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your symptoms with the right treatment and live a happy and full life. If you're struggling with anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information on our services and to set up an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you get control of your life.