How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious at times - and there may be good reasons to worry. But people who suffer from GAD have a constant state of anxiety that affects their work, school and relationships.
Genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses may be associated with 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 medications can decrease anxiety, and also help with depression or other mental health conditions. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are usually coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs are effective in blocking serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin is readily available to release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine to increase neurotransmitter availability. Both have been shown to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, such as GAD. They are frequently the preferred first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders like panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). These include escitalopram (also known as citalopram), sertraline (also called sertraline) duloxetine, fluoxetine, 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 well to the first medication treatment. It can take up to six weeks for symptoms to begin to improve. Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to your treatment plan. If you don't notice improvement after some time, consult with your doctor about changing your dosage or if you should consider taking an alternative medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past along with monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation and may cause more serious adverse reactions than the more recent drugs.
There is also a lack of research on the use of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy may increase the adherence to treatment and reduce the number of the number of side effects reported.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health problem however, it isn't easy to treat. There are a variety of treatment options available. The use of medication is often used to ease anxiety symptoms, while self-help techniques and talking therapy can help manage symptoms over time. Patients suffering from GAD can also join a support group to receive more assistance.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time however, those suffering from GAD suffer from a constant state of anxiety that affects their daily activities. Symptoms may include a lack of concentration, restlessness or concentrating, muscle tension and a feeling of being on edge. The focus is usually on daily issues like work responsibilities, family health, and minor concerns, like car repairs, chores and appointments.
Those suffering from GAD might not be able identify the source of their anxiety, and the feelings persist for at least six months. They might also avoid situations which cause anxiety. People with this disorder often begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or adolescence. Symptoms can worsen during periods of high stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
GAD may affect some people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. There are theories that suggest it may be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors, like temperament and environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or major life change like divorce or death of a loved can also trigger the disorder.
There are a variety of methods to treat GAD however a combination of treatments is the most effective. 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 thinking patterns that can cause anxiety. It can also teach you to face your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them.
You can live a happier and healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to relax your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with your family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You can also try a relaxation technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join an online support group to help you find 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, unrealistic, and persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They fear that bad things could happen and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms last for at least six months and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are many ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that involves talking to a mental health professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also help you learn strategies for coping, such as relaxation and stress management techniques.
Another way to treat GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and change your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can also help you regain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities that you have avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be combined with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective way to treat 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. These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who cannot afford an expert therapist or wish to commit to talk therapy. They meet regularly to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are more informal and self-organized. Meetings usually last about one and a half hour, and participants are able to share their experiences with one other. Some groups charge a fee while others do not.
The factors that cause GAD include genetics, a person's temperament and the impact of environmental events. For example the child could develop anxiety if their parents have the condition. An event that is traumatic can cause anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, can also increase the likelihood of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It focuses on teaching you the specific skills to help you manage your stress. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities that you had avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As time passes, your anxiety decreases as you build upon your accomplishments. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you're following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to manage anxiety since they may interfere 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 such as cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all found to be effective. Other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that are which are rooted in previous experiences. This treatment uses open-ended questions that reveal subconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can aid in improving your relationships with others.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are associated with childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, however it can be beneficial for any kind of anxiety that's a result of unresolved trauma. In schema therapy you discuss your experience with your therapist, while they direct your eye movements in order to process the memories in a manner that doesn't create anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue, and it's important to seek treatment for it as quickly as you are able to. You can manage your anxiety with the right treatment and live a happy, full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to set up an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will help you regain control of your life.