How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Everyone is anxious at times - and there could be reasons to be worried. However, those who suffer from GAD are in an unending anxiety-like state that can affect their work, school and relationships.

Genetics, trauma or chronic medical conditions may be a cause of GAD. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

Medicines

It is essential to talk with your doctor about the benefits and potential side consequences 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 decrease anxiety and can also help improve depression or other mental health conditions. These drugs are typically used for a brief period of time and are usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

SSRIs block presynaptic receptors of serotonin, ensuring that it is accessible for release. The SNRIs block reuptakes dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to improve access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective in treating anxiety disorders such as GAD. They are often used as the first-line treatment for psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder. The drugs that fall into these classes include escitalopram, duloxetine, sertraline, 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 with anxiety disorders don't respond to initial medication treatments. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks before symptoms start to improve, which is why it's crucial to stick with your treatment plan. If you're still not feeling better after a few months, speak to your physician about changing your dosage or switching medications.

Some older antidepressants and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation, and could have more serious side effects than the newer medications.

There is also a lack of research on the effectiveness of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these medications are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy can increase treatment adherence and reduce the number of reported side effects.

Talking therapy

GAD is a common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. Medications are commonly used to ease anxiety symptoms, and self-help techniques and talking therapy can aid in managing symptoms over time. Support groups are offered to those with GAD.

Everyone is anxious from time to time, but those with GAD suffer from an unstoppable stomach anxiety treatment that affects their daily activities. Symptoms may include a lack of concentration, restlessness, muscle tension and an overall feeling of being in a state of anxiety. The majority of the time, the concerns tend to be about everyday concerns such as work-related obligations, family health, and even minor issues, such as chores, car repairs and appointments.

Those who suffer from GAD might not be able to identify the cause of their anxiety and the anxiety may last for at minimum six months. They may avoid situations that trigger anxiety. The symptoms of this disorder tend to be seen in the adolescent or early childhood years. Symptoms may worsen 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. There are theories that suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors such as temperament and the influence of the environment. A traumatizing experience or life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one could also trigger.

There are a variety of ways to treat GAD and a combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a great way to control your anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize and alter the negative thinking patterns that cause anxiety. It will teach you how to confront your fears, rather than avoiding them in a secure environment.

You can live a happier and healthier life by reducing your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to relax your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with family and friends to avoid feeling isolated. You might also try a relaxing technique, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a support group for anxiety to find compassion and understanding from those who have had similar experiences.

Self-help groups

Everyone is anxious or nervous at times and these feelings can be a normal part of life. People with GAD however, experience excessive or unrealistic anxieties that they cannot manage. They are convinced that bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety affects their lives. The symptoms last at least six months and are not caused by an illness.

There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a type of treatment that involves speaking with an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist. It can help you learn to recognize and change negative thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can also teach you how to cope, including relaxation techniques and stress management.

Another method of treating GAD is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and challenge your maladaptive thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your worry and gradually return to activities that you have avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with other therapies to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Medication is typically the most effective treatment for GAD. Medications 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) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants can help reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals in your brain.

Self-help groups are an excellent alternative for those who can't afford to see a doctor or do not want to commit to therapy. These groups meet regularly to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are managed by professionals, while others are more informal and self-organized. The average meeting lasts for one and a half hour, and participants are able to share their experiences with one the other. Some groups charge a fee while others don't.

A few factors that contribute to GAD include the genetics of a person's personality, their genes and the impact of environmental events. Children may experience anxiety if one or both parents suffer from the condition. A traumatic event may also trigger anxiety. Certain conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

Psychotherapy

The most effective therapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps you develop specific skills to assist you in managing your stress. CBT assists you to gradually resume activities you avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As you continue to build on your successes the anxiety will diminish as time passes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure that you're following the natural treatment depression anxiety plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to treat your anxiety, since they can interact with your medications.

In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long-term efficacy and acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder among adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all proven to be effective. 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 that are rooted in your past experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions to reveal the hidden patterns that contribute to anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help you improve your relationships with others.

Schema therapy can help you overcome maladaptive behaviors and thoughts that are connected to childhood traumas. It's commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can be effective for any type of anxiety that's a result of unresolved trauma. In schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements to help you process your trauma in a manner that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety can be debilitating, and it's important to seek treatment for it as early as you can. You can manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and live a happy and 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. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington, and we're here to help you take charge of your life.