How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times - and there may be reasons to be concerned. But people with GAD are in an ongoing anxiety that impacts their school, work and relationships.
GAD could be triggered by trauma, genetics or chronic medical illnesses. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Medicines
A number of medications are used to treat GAD, and it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about the advantages and side 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 drugs are effective in reducing anxiety and may help with depression and other mental health issues. These medications are typically taken for a short time and are usually combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is readily available for 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, including GAD. They are frequently the preferred first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders, like panic disorder, and major depression (MDD). These medications include escitalopram (also called citalopram) as well as sertraline (also known as 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 is important to keep in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders aren't responding to initial medication treatments. It can take up to six weeks for symptoms to improve. So, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment program. If you're still not feeling better after several months, talk to your physician about changing the dosage or switching medications.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors, are sometimes helpful in treating anxiety disorders. However, these medications are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They may cause more sedation, and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is not much research on clonidine or guanfacine as treatment for anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more efficacious than placebos. Psychotherapy can increase treatment adherence, and reduce the number of side effects reported.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options available. Medication is often employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Talking therapy and self-help techniques can help with symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time the. However, those with GAD suffer from constant anxiety that interferes in their daily life. Inattention, restlessness and muscle tension are a few of the signs. Usually, the worries tend to be about everyday concerns 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 to pinpoint the source of their anxiety, and the feelings persist for at minimum six months. They might avoid situations that trigger anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe in times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect certain people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. Some theories suggest that it could be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors, like temperament and environmental influences. A traumatic experience or a life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one could trigger.
There are many methods to combat GAD. However the combination of treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method to manage anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thoughts that can cause anxiety. It can also teach you to face your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them.
Taking steps to relieve your anxiety can help you live a more relaxed and happier life. Meditation or exercise to relax your body and mind. You can also spend time with your family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You can also try a relaxation technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from those who have similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Every person experiences nervousness or anxiety at some time in their lives. These are normal feelings. People suffering from GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent worries that they cannot control. They believe that bad things will happen, and their anxiety can affect their daily lives. The symptoms persist for at least six months, and are not due to a medical condition.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first treatment is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking to an expert in mental health like psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you learn to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT helps you recognize and change your unadaptive thinking patterns. It will also help you gain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be incorporated to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective treatment for GAD. Treatments based on the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (SNRI) like duloxetine and escitalopram are typically first-line treatments. These antidepressants can help reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who can't afford to see a specialist or do not wish to commit to therapy. These groups are regularly scheduled and offer assistance to those suffering from the same disorder. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. The average meeting lasts for one and a half hours, and participants are able to share their experiences with one other. Some groups charge a fee while others don't.
Genetics, temperament and environmental factors are all aspects which can cause GAD. A child may develop anxiety if parents or both suffer from the condition. Additionally, a traumatizing incident can trigger anxiety. People suffering from certain underlying diseases, such as an overactive thyroid gland, are also more likely to be suffering from the condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps you develop specific skills that will assist you in managing your stress. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities that you had avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As you build on your successes the anxiety will diminish as time passes. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure you are following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to manage anxiety because they could interact with your medications.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized trials, CBT showed both acute and long-term effectiveness as well as the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder among adults. Several different CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue controlling alternative self-statements, relaxation training. Other psychotherapies were also found to be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychological treatment that helps identify negative behavior patterns that are rooted in your past experiences. The treatment employs open-ended questions to reveal the hidden patterns that contribute to anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you how to improve your relationship with other people.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists you to overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are associated with childhood traumas. It is typically used to address unresolved childhood traumas. However, it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema sessions, your therapist will guide your eye movements to help you process your trauma in a way that does not trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you can. With the proper treatment, you'll be able to manage your symptoms and lead a an enjoyable, full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today to learn more about our services and to set up an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you take control of your life.