How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are a variety of reasons to be worried. People with GAD are always in a state anxiety, which could affect their work, school or relationships.
Genetics, trauma or chronic medical conditions could be associated with GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medicines
It is important to talk with your doctor about the benefits and possible side 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 drugs can be effective in reducing anxiety, and they may also improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are typically taken for a brief period of time and are often combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block the presynaptic transporters of serotonin, ensuring that it is available to release. SNRIs inhibit reuptakes of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters to increase access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often used as the first-line treatment of mental disorders such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. These include escitalopram (also called citalopram) as well as 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 aren't responding to the first medication treatment. anxiety treatment therapy can take as long as six weeks for symptoms to begin to improve. Therefore, it is important to stick to your treatment plan. If you don't experience improvement after some time, consult with your doctor about changing your dosage or taking another medication.
Some antidepressants that are older and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) can also be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However they are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation and could cause more serious side effects than the more recent medications.
There is also a lack of research on the effectiveness of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies show that these drugs are more efficient than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use 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 many treatment options. The use of medication is often used to reduce anxiety symptoms, and self-help and talking therapy can aid in managing symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those suffering from GAD.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but those with GAD are in an ongoing state of anxiety that interferes with their daily activities. Some symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating on tasks, muscle tension, and the feeling of being in a state of anxiety. The main focus of worry is things that are routine, like work responsibilities, family health and minor concerns like car repairs, chores, and appointments.
People who suffer from GAD might not be able to pinpoint what is causing their worry and the anxiety may last for at minimum six months. They might avoid situations that trigger anxiety. People with this disorder often begin experiencing symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may become worse during times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more susceptible to develop GAD than others, but there isn't a definitive cause. There are theories that suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatic experience or a life altering event, such as divorce or the death of a loved one could trigger.
There are many methods to combat GAD. However the combination of treatments will be most effective. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be the best way to manage your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. It can also teach you to confront your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them.
You can live a more relaxed and healthier life by reducing your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to relax your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with your family and friends to avoid feeling isolated. You can also try a relaxation method, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group to help you find compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at times and these emotions are normal aspects of life. However, people suffering from GAD suffer from persistent, overly and unrealistic worries that they can't control. They are convinced that terrible things could happen and their anxiety can affect their lives. The symptoms last for six months or more and are not caused by a medical problem.
There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves talking to a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. It can help you learn to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, such as stress management or relaxation techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another way to treat GAD. CBT teaches you to identify and confront your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can assist you in controlling anxiety and slowly return to the activities you avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with other therapies to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective treatment for GAD. The medications in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically first-line treatments. These include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). Antidepressants can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who are unable to afford to see a doctor or do not want to commit to therapy. These groups meet regularly to offer support to those with the same condition. Some groups are managed by professionals, whereas others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last approximately 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 aspects that can contribute to GAD. For instance, a child may develop anxiety if parents have the condition. Also, a traumatic incident can trigger anxiety. People suffering from certain underlying diseases, such as an overactive thyroid gland are also more likely suffer from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for GAD. It teaches you specific techniques that can help you manage your worries. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As time passes, your anxiety decreases as you build on your successes. Working closely with your mental health professional will ensure you adhere to the treatment plan. Avoid using supplements or herbal remedies as a way to treat anxiety since they may interfere with your medication.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long term effectiveness and the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. A variety of CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue control alternatives to self-statements, relaxation training. Other psychotherapies, including schematherapy and interpersonal therapy were also found to be highly effective.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment that can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior rooted in past experiences. The treatment employs open-ended questions to reveal the unconscious patterns contributing to anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you how to improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors that are a result of childhood traumas. It is typically used to address unresolved childhood traumas, but it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. During schema therapy sessions you share your experiences 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 a crippling issue and it's crucial to seek treatment for it as early as you can. You can control your symptoms with the right treatment and lead a happy and full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about 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 there to help you take charge of your life.