How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious every now and then, and there are reasons to be worried. However, people who suffer from GAD are in a constant state of anxiety that affects their work, school and relationships.
GAD could be triggered by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical illnesses. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD and it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about the benefits and side effects of these 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 are effective in reducing anxiety, and can also help improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are usually combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is readily available for release. SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in order to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often used as the first-line treatment for mental disorders like panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications in 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 remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to treatment with medications at first. It could take between four and six weeks before symptoms start to improve, which is why it's crucial to stick with your treatment regimen. If you don't notice improvement after some time, consult with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking another medication.
Certain antidepressants that are older along with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors, are sometimes helpful in treating anxiety disorders. However, these medications are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation, and could cause more serious side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is not much research on clonidine or guanfacine as an anxiety treatment. However, numerous studies suggest that these medications are more effective than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the usage of these drugs increases treatment adherence and decreases reported adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options available. Medications are commonly employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and self-help techniques and talking therapy can help manage symptoms over time. Support groups are offered to those with GAD.
Everyone feels anxious at times However, those with GAD have an unstoppable anxiety that can affect their daily activities. The symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty concentrating or concentrating, muscle tension and an overall feeling of being in a state of anxiety. Worries are usually focused on things that are routine, like family health, work obligations and minor concerns such as car repairs, chores, and appointments.
GAD sufferers might not know the cause of their anxiety, and these feelings can last up to six months. They may avoid situations that cause anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin to experience symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe during times of high stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
Some people are more prone to develop GAD than others, but there is no proven cause. There are theories that suggest it could be a genetic predisposition or some combination of factors such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or life altering event, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one can also be a trigger.
There are a variety of ways to combat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method to manage anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thinking patterns that create anxiety. It can also teach you to confront your fears in a secure environment, rather than avoiding them.
Doing something to ease anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. Meditation or exercise to relax your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with friends and family to avoid feeling isolated. You can also try relaxation techniques like guided visualization or deep breathing. You can join a support group that can assist you in finding compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Every person experiences nervousness or anxiety at some moment in their lives. These are normal feelings. People with GAD however, experience excessive, unrealistic, and persistent worries that they cannot control. They think bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety affects their lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not triggered by a medical issue.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first option is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking to professionals in the field of mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Another method of treating GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to identify and address your faulty thinking patterns. It can help you gain control over anxiety and slowly return to activities that you had avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be paired with medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective treatment for GAD. Medications from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine-reuptake inhibition (SNRI) such as duloxetine and escitalopram are typically first-line treatments. best anxiety disorder treatment can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups can be a great alternative for those who cannot afford an expert therapist or wish to commit to talk therapy. These groups meet regularly and provide support to others with the same condition. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. The meetings last for about one quarter hour and participants share their personal experiences. The majority of groups accept donations or a donation, while some have no fees whatsoever.
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 either or both parents suffer from the disorder. A traumatic event can trigger anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses, such as an overactive thyroid gland, are also more likely to be suffering from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It helps you develop specific skills that can aid you in managing your anxiety. CBT assists you in gradually resuming activities you were unable to do due to anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes, your anxiety decreases as you build up on your accomplishments. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you're following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to help treat anxiety because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Many different CBT treatments have been proven to be effective, including cue control alternative self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, including schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your previous experiences. The treatment employs open-ended questions to uncover unconscious patterns contributing to anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with childhood traumas. It is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but can be effective for any kind of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. During the schema sessions, your therapist guides your eye movements in order to process your trauma in a way that does not trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating and it's crucial to seek treatment for it as early as you can. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live an enjoyable, full life. If you're struggling with anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information on our services and to schedule an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will help you regain control of your life.