How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be worried. However, people who suffer from GAD are in a constant anxiety that impacts their school, work and relationships.
GAD could be triggered by genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses. Medication and psychotherapy are two options for treatment.
Medicines
It's important to discuss with your doctor the potential benefits and 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 may also improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a short time and are typically coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic receptors of serotonin to ensure that it is ready to release. The SNRIs block reuptakes dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to improve access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders including GAD. They are often utilized as the first-line treatment for psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder. These medications include escitalopram (also called citalopram) as well as 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 is important to keep in mind that the majority of people with anxiety disorders don't respond to treatment with medications at first. It can take up to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Therefore, it's important to stick to your treatment regimen. If you don't experience improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking an alternative medication.
Certain older antidepressants, as well as monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and can cause more serious adverse side effects than the more recent medications.
There is also limited research on the use of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these medications are more efficient than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these medications improves treatment adherence and decreases reported adverse reactions.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental health issue, but it can be a challenge to treat. There are many treatment options. The use of medication is often used to ease anxiety symptoms, and talking therapy and self-help strategies can ease symptoms over time. Patients suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group for more assistance.
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, people with GAD have a constant fear that affects their daily lives. Symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension and a feeling of being on edge. The main focus of worry is daily issues like work-related obligations, family health, and minor concerns, like car repairs, chores and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not know the source of their anxiety, and the symptoms can last for as long as six months. They may also avoid situations which cause anxiety. Symptoms of this disorder are often first observed in adolescence or childhood. Symptoms may worsen when there is stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect certain people more than others. However there is no reason for this. Some theories suggest that it could be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors like temperament and the influence of the environment. A traumatizing experience or major life change like divorce or the death of a loved one could trigger the disorder.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most effective. 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 can cause anxiety. It also teaches you to face your fears in a secure environment, instead of avoiding them.
Taking steps to relieve anxiety can help you lead a healthier and happier life. You can do exercises or meditation to relax your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with friends and family to keep you from being isolated. You might also try a relaxing technique, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group to help you gain compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some point in their lives. These feelings are normal. People suffering from GAD however, experience excessive or unrealistic anxieties that they cannot manage. They fear that bad things could happen and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last for six months or more and are not triggered by a medical issue.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires speaking with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Another method of treating GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to identify and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It can assist you in controlling your anxiety, and eventually return to the activities you resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be incorporated to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective way to treat GAD. Treatments 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), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants may help to reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who cannot afford to see a doctor or are unable to commit to a therapy session. They meet regularly and offer assistance to those suffering from the same disorder. Some groups are led by professionals while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last about one and a quarter hours, and participants discuss their experiences. The majority of groups accept donations, and some have no charges at all.
A few factors that contribute to GAD include the genetics of a person's personality, their genes, and environmental events. For instance children may experience anxiety if their parents suffer from the disorder. A traumatic event can cause anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses 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 is focused on teaching you the specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As time passes your anxiety will decrease as you build upon your accomplishments. Working closely with your mental healthcare professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment program. Do not use supplements or herbal remedies to treat anxiety since they may interact with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis randomized clinical trials, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute efficacy and acceptability for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Several different CBT treatments proved to be effective, including cue control alternative self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a type of psychological treatment that helps identify negative behavior patterns which are rooted in previous 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 relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that assists you to overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are related to childhood traumas. It's commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but can be effective for any type of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. In I Am Psychiatry , you share your trauma with your therapist, while they direct your eye movements to reprocess the memory in a way that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue and it's crucial to seek treatment as quickly as you are able to. You can manage your anxiety with the proper treatment and lead a healthy, full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today to learn more about our services and to make an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're there to help you take control of your life.