How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious every now and then, and there could be reasons to be worried. People suffering from GAD are in a constant state of anxiety that could affect their work, school or relationships.
Traumatic events, genetics or chronic medical conditions may be a cause of GAD. Medication and psychotherapy are two treatment options.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD and it is a good idea to consult your physician 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 can also help improve depression and other mental health disorders. These medicines are usually used for a short period of time and are usually combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block the presynaptic transporters of serotonin to ensure that it is accessible for release. They block reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to increase neurotransmitter accessibility. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often utilized as the first-line treatment of mental illnesses such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder. The medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram) and sertraline (also known as 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 keep in mind that most people with anxiety disorders don't respond well to the first medication treatment. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve, which is why it's essential to adhere to your treatment regimen. If you still don't feel better after several months, talk to your doctor about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Certain antidepressants that are older along with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These drugs are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation, and can cause more serious adverse side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is a limited amount of research on the efficacy of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety. However, many studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. The addition of psychotherapy to the use of these medications increases treatment adherence and decreases reported adverse reactions.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health issue however, it isn't easy to treat. There are many treatment options available. Medications are commonly employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and talking therapy and self-help strategies can aid in managing symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those suffering from GAD.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, those with GAD experience a constant anxiety that affects their daily life. Anxiety, irritability and muscle tension are a few of the symptoms. The main focus of worry is things that are routine, like family health, work obligations, and minor concerns, such as chores, repairs to the car, and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not know the root of their anxiety, and the symptoms can last for up to six months. They might avoid situations that cause anxiety. The symptoms of this disorder are often first seen in the adolescent or early childhood years. The symptoms can become more severe during times of stress or illness, and could even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more susceptible to develop GAD than others, but there isn't a definitive cause. 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 different ways to treat GAD and a combination of treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective way to control anxiety. This type of therapy helps you identify and alter negative thought patterns which create anxiety. It also teaches you to face your fears in a safe environment, rather than avoiding them.
Making the effort to reduce your anxiety can help you lead a healthier and happier life. You can do exercises or meditation to help calm your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join an online support group to help you find compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone feels nervous or anxious at times and these feelings are a normal part of life. However, people suffering from GAD suffer from persistent, overly, unrealistic worries that they cannot control. They are convinced that bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last at least six months, and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires talking to an expert in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you learn to recognize and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you learn coping skills, such as stress management and relaxation techniques.
Another method of treating GAD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and address your faulty thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities that you've resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective method to treat GAD. Treatments in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically first-line treatments, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants may help to reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
treatment anxiety -help groups are an excellent alternative for those who cannot afford a professional therapist or don't want to commit to talk therapy. These groups meet regularly and offer support to others with 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 share their experiences with each others. Most groups accept a donation or a donation, while some have no charges at all.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all aspects that contribute to GAD. For instance the child could develop anxiety if his or her parents suffer from the condition. Additionally, a traumatizing incident can trigger anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses like an overactive thyroid gland, are also more likely to suffer from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It teaches you specific techniques that can help you manage your worries. CBT can also help you gradually return to activities you have avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. Over time your anxiety will decrease as you build up on your accomplishments. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure you adhere to the treatment program. Do not use supplements or herbal remedies to treat anxiety because they could interact with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis randomized clinical trials, CBT was associated with both acute and long-term effectiveness and acceptance for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all proven to be efficient. Other psychotherapies, including schematherapy and interpersonal therapy were also found to be highly effective.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychological treatment that can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior rooted in past experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to reveal unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationship with others.
Schema therapy can help you overcome abnormal behaviors and thoughts that are connected to childhood traumas. It is often used to address unresolved childhood traumas, however it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema sessions, your therapist guides your eye movements to process your trauma in a manner that does not 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 manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and lead a healthy and full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information on our services or to schedule a first appointment if you are suffering from anxiety. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're here to help you take charge of your life.