How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious now and then - and there could be reasons to be worried. People suffering from GAD are constantly in a state anxiety, which can impact their work, school or relationships.
GAD can be caused by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical ailments. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Medicines
It is essential to discuss with your doctor 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 help reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression and other mental health conditions. These medications are typically taken for a brief period of time and are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin is readily available to release, and SNRIs block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, such as GAD. They are frequently used as the first line treatment for psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications that fall into 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.
IamPsychiatry is important to keep in mind that most people with anxiety disorders aren't responding to the initial treatment. It could take up to six weeks for symptoms to improve. So, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment program. If you don't feel better after a few months, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Certain older antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.
There is a lack of research on clonidine and guanfacine as treatment for anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these medications increases the frequency of treatment and reduces side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health issue, but it isn't easy to treat. There are several treatment options. The use of medication is often used to ease anxiety symptoms, while talking therapy and self-help strategies can help manage symptoms over time. Support groups are offered to people with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. However, people with GAD have a constant fear that can affect their daily lives. The symptoms can include anxiety, a difficult time concentrating, muscle tension and an overall feeling of being in a state of anxiety. Most often, the thoughts tend to be about everyday concerns, such as job duties, family health and other minor things, like chores, car repairs and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not know the cause of their anxiety, and these feelings can last for as long as six months. They might also avoid situations which cause anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin experiencing symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may worsen during times of stress or illness, and can even persist into adulthood.
Some people are more prone to develop GAD than others, but there isn't a definitive reason for this. Some theories suggest it may be a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament or environment influences. A traumatizing event or life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one, can also be a trigger.
There are many ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most efficient. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method to manage anxiety. This type of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. It can also teach you to confront your fears in a safe environment, rather than avoiding them.
Taking steps to relieve anxiety can help lead a healthier and happier life. You can do exercises or meditation to relax your body and mind. You can also spend time with friends and family to avoid feeling isolated. You can also employ relaxation techniques like guided visualization or deep breathing. You can also join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from those who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Every person experiences nervousness or anxiety at some time in their lives. These kinds of feelings are normal. However, those with GAD have persistent, excessive and unrealistic worries that they can't manage. They fear that bad things will occur and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms last for six months or more and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first treatment is psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," a type that involves talking to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and modify negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you learn coping skills, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Another method of treating GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It can help you gain control over anxiety and slowly return to the activities you avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be incorporated to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is often the most effective treatment for GAD. Medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants may help to reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups are a good option for those who can't afford to see an expert therapist or want to commit to talking therapy. They meet regularly and provide support to others with the same condition. Some groups are managed 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 while others do not.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all aspects which can cause GAD. Children may experience anxiety when one or both parents suffer from the condition. A traumatic event can trigger anxiety. Certain diseases that are underlying such as an overactive thyroid gland, may increase the risk of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It is focused on teaching you the specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT assists you in gradually resuming activities you avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes, your anxiety decreases as you build upon your successes. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment program. Do not use supplements or herbal remedies as a way to treat anxiety as they could 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 efficacy and acceptance for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Several different CBT treatments proved to be efficient, including cue-control, alternative self-statements and relaxation training. Other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, including interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy can help you identify negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your previous experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions to reveal the unconscious patterns contributing to anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy helps you overcome maladaptive behaviors and thoughts that are linked to childhood traumas. It is often used to treat unresolved childhood traumas. However, it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. During schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements in order to process your trauma in a way that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you can. With the appropriate treatment, you'll manage your symptoms and lead a a full, happy life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information on our services or to make a an initial appointment if you are struggling with anxiety. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and are here to help you take back control of your life.