How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be worried. However, those who suffer from GAD have an unending anxiety-like state that can affect their work, school and relationships.
Genetics, traumatic events or chronic medical illnesses may be associated with GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medications
A number of medications are used to treat GAD, and it is a good idea to consult your physician 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 medications are effective in reducing anxiety and may help with depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are often combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs work by blocking presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is available to release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine in order to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often used as the first line treatment for mental disorders such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications that fall into these classes include escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and 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 many people with anxiety disorders aren't responding to the first 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 don't notice improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or taking a different medication.
Some antidepressants that are older and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can also be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These drugs are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and have more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.
There is also limited research on the use of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety . However, numerous studies suggest that these medications are more efficient than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these medications improves treatment adherence and decreases reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental illness, however it is difficult to treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Medications are often employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and talking therapy and self-help strategies can aid in managing symptoms over time. Patients suffering from GAD can also join a support group for more support.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. However, those with GAD suffer from constant anxiety that affects their daily life. Inattention, restlessness and muscle tension are some of the signs. Worries are usually focused on everyday issues such as family health, work obligations and even minor issues like chores, repairs to the car, and appointments.
GAD sufferers might not be aware of the source of their anxiety, and these symptoms can last for as long as six months. They might also avoid situations which trigger anxiety. People suffering from this disorder typically begin to experience symptoms in their teens or early childhood. The symptoms can become more severe during times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
Some people are more prone to developing GAD than others, but there isn't a definitive cause. Some theories suggest that it could be a genetic predisposition or a combination factors such as temperament or the influence of the environment. A traumatizing experience or major life event such as divorce or death of a loved can also cause the disorder.
There are many methods to treat GAD however a combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method of reducing anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you to recognize and modify the negative thought patterns that cause anxiety. It can teach you how to face your fears, rather than avoid them, in a secure environment.
Taking steps to relieve anxiety can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Meditation or exercise to calm your mind and body. Spending time with your family and friends can help you avoid feeling isolated. You can also try a relaxation technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group that can assist you in finding compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at some point and these emotions are a normal part of life. People with GAD however, experience excessive, unrealistic, and persistent anxiety that they are unable to control. They think terrible things could happen and their anxiety interferes with their lives. The symptoms last for at least six months and are not a result of any 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 involves talking to a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. It can help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also help you learn strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different method to treat GAD. CBT helps you recognize and address your faulty thought patterns. It can aid you in reducing anxiety and slowly return to the activities you resisted because of anxiety. CBT can be combined with medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective treatment for GAD. Treatments in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments. These include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances within your brain.
Self-help groups are a good option for those who can't afford an expert therapist or want to commit to talking therapy. They meet regularly and offer assistance to those suffering from the same condition. Some groups are led by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. The meetings last for about one and a quarter hours, and participants discuss their experiences. Some groups charge a fee, while others don't.
The factors that cause GAD include the genetics of a person's personality, their genes and the impact of environmental events. A child may develop anxiety if parents or both suffer from the disorder. A traumatizing event can cause anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the risk of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for treating GAD. It is focused on teaching you specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities that you have avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. As you continue to improve your results, your anxiety will decrease as time passes. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure you are following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to treat your anxiety, because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long-term efficacy and the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder among adults. A variety of CBT treatments proved to be effective, including cue control alternatives to self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found to be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that can help you identify negative behavior patterns rooted in past experiences. It involves open-ended questions and free association to reveal unconscious patterns that cause your anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can also teach you how to improve your relationships with others.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aids you in overcome maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that are related to childhood traumas. It is often used to address unresolved childhood traumas. However, it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. During schema sessions, your therapist guides your eye movements to help you process your trauma in a manner that does not cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. With the appropriate treatment, you'll learn to manage your symptoms and lead a an enjoyable, full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information on our services and to make an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and are here to help you regain control of your life.