How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious now and then - and there may be good reasons to worry. However, those with GAD suffer from an ongoing anxiety-like state that can affect their work, school and relationships.
GAD can be caused by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical ailments. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications.
Medications
A number of medications are used to treat GAD, and it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about the benefits and side adverse 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 conditions. These medications are usually taken for a short period of time and are typically coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin to ensure that it is ready to release. SNRIs inhibit reuptakes of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters to increase neurotransmitter accessibility. Both have been proven 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). Medications 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 is important to keep in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to treatment with medications at first. It could take up to six weeks for symptoms to improve. Therefore, it is essential to stick to your treatment regimen. If you still don't feel better after several months, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Some antidepressants that are older and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. However they have less evidence of efficacy 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 a limited amount of research on the efficacy of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy can increase treatment adherence, and reduce the risk of adverse side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental illness, however it is difficult to treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Medicine is commonly employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Self-help and talk therapy techniques can help manage symptoms with time. People suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group for more assistance.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time the. However, people with GAD experience a constant anxiety that can affect their daily lives. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension are some of the signs. Most often, the thoughts focus on daily issues like work responsibilities, family health and minor matters, like chores or car repairs, appointments and so on.
GAD sufferers may not be aware of the root of their anxiety, and these feelings can last up to six months. They might also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. People with this disorder often start experiencing the symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. Symptoms can worsen during periods of stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However, there is no cause for this. Some theories suggest that it could be due to a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatizing event or life-changing event, like divorce or the loss of a loved one, can also be a trigger.
There are many ways to combat GAD. However, anxiety depression treatment of treatments will be most efficient. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be the best way to manage your anxiety. This kind of therapy can help you identify and modify negative thought patterns which can cause anxiety. It will teach you how to face your fears, instead of avoiding them, in a secure setting.
Doing something to ease anxiety can help lead a healthier and happier life. You can try exercise or meditation to relax your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with family and friends to keep you from being isolated. You might also try a relaxing technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a support group for anxiety, to find support and understanding from those who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Everyone feels nervous or anxious at some time and these feelings can be a normal part of life. People with GAD, however, have excessive or unrealistic worries that they cannot control. They think bad things will happen, and their anxiety interferes with their daily routines. The symptoms last for at least six months and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are many methods to treat GAD. The first option is psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Another approach to treat GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to identify and confront your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can help you gain control over your anxiety, and eventually return to the activities you avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective way to treat GAD. Treatments based on the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine-reuptake inhibition (SNRI) such as duloxetine and escitalopram are frequently first-line treatments. These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups can be an excellent alternative for those who can't afford to see a doctor or do not wish to commit to talking therapy. They are regularly scheduled to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings usually last about one and a half hour, and participants are able to share their experiences with one others. Some groups charge a fee, while others don't.
Some factors that contribute to GAD include genetics, a person's temperament and the impact of environmental events. Children may experience anxiety when parents or both suffer from the condition. A traumatic event can trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, can also increase the risk of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
The most effective therapy 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 avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As you continue to build on your successes the anxiety will diminish over time. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment plan. Avoid using supplements or herbal remedies as a method of treating anxiety because they could interact with your medication.
In a recent meta-analysis of networks and systematic review of randomized trials, CBT showed both acute and long-term effectiveness as well as the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Several different CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue controlling alternative self-statements, relaxation training. Other psychotherapies, like schematherapy and interpersonal therapy, were also found to be extremely effective.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment that can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that are that are rooted in your past experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to uncover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is one type of psychotherapy that helps you overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are a result of childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can be effective for any type of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. During the schema sessions, your therapist will guide your eye movements in order to help you process your trauma in a way that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. You can manage your symptoms with the right treatment and lead a happy and full life. If you're struggling with anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to make an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and are here to assist you in regaining control of your life.