How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious now and then - and there may be reasons to be worried. However, those who suffer from GAD have an ongoing state of anxiety that affects their work, school and relationships.
GAD can be caused by trauma, genetics or chronic medical conditions. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD, and it's recommended to speak with your doctor about the benefits and 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 drugs can be effective in reducing anxiety and they may also improve depression and other mental health disorders. These medications are typically taken for a short time and are typically coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin so that it is ready to release. SNRIs inhibit reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to improve access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective 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. These medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram) and 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 suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to the initial treatment options. It can take four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve, so it's important to stick to your treatment plan. If you're still not feeling better after several months, talk to your physician about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Certain antidepressants that are older and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, these medications have less evidence of efficacy than SSRIs and SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and can cause more serious adverse side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is also limited research on the efficacy of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. The addition of psychotherapy to the use of these medications increases treatment adherence and decreases reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health issue however, it isn't easy to treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Medications are often used to ease anxiety symptoms, while self-help techniques and talking therapy can ease symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those suffering from GAD.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but those with GAD suffer from an unstoppable anxiety that affects their daily activities. Some symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating on tasks, muscle tension, and a feeling of being on edge. Usually, the worries tend to be about everyday concerns such as work-related obligations, family health, and even minor issues, such as chores or car repairs, appointments and so on.
GAD sufferers may not be aware of the root of their anxiety, and these feelings can last for as long as six months. They may also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. The symptoms of this disorder tend to be seen in the adolescent or early childhood years. The symptoms may become worse in times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However there isn't a reason for this. There are theories that suggest it could be a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors, such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatic event or a major life change like divorce or death of a loved can also trigger the disorder.
There are many methods to treat GAD. However, a combination of treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be an effective method to manage your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you to recognize and alter the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. It will teach you how to confront your fears, instead of avoiding them, in a safe setting.
Making the effort to reduce your anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. Meditation or exercise to calm your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with your family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You might also try a relaxing technique, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can also join a group of support for anxiety to find compassion and understanding from those who have had similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some time in their lives. These feelings are normal. People with 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 six months or more and are not triggered by a medical condition.
There are several ways to treat GAD. The first option is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves talking to an expert in mental health like psychiatrist or psychologist. It can help you identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Psychotherapy can also help you learn how to cope, including relaxation and stress management techniques.
Another way to treat GAD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and address your faulty thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your worrying and gradually return to activities that you have avoided due to anxiety. treatments for anxiety disorders can be used in conjunction with other therapies to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically 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 decrease anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances in your brain.
Self-help groups can be a good alternative for those who can't afford to see a doctor or do not want to commit to a therapy session. They meet regularly to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are informal and self-organized. The average meeting lasts for one and a half hour, and participants discuss their experiences with each other. The majority of groups accept donations, and some have no charges at all.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all aspects which can cause GAD. For example the child could develop anxiety if his or her parents suffer from the disorder. Additionally, a traumatizing incident can trigger anxiety. Certain diseases that are underlying such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for treating GAD. It is focused on teaching you specific techniques to directly manage your worries. CBT assists you in gradually resuming activities that you had to avoid due to anxiety-related symptoms. Over time your anxiety will decrease as you build on your accomplishments. Working closely with your mental health professional will ensure that you adhere to the treatment program. Avoid using supplements or herbal remedies to treat anxiety because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent meta-analysis of networks and systematic review of randomized trials, CBT showed both acute and long-term effectiveness as well as acceptability in treating generalized anxiety disorder among adults. CBT treatments such as cue-controlling, alternative self-statements and relaxation training were all proven to be effective. Other psychotherapies, like interpersonal therapy and schematherapy, were also proven to be extremely effective.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that helps discover negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in past experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions that reveal unconscious patterns contributing to anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can help you improve your relationships with others.
Schema therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that are linked to childhood traumas. It is typically used to treat unresolved childhood traumas, however it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema sessions, your therapist guides your eye movements to reprocess your trauma in a way that does not cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating. It's important to get treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your anxiety by undergoing the appropriate treatment and lead a healthy and full life. If you're suffering from anxiety, call 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 there to help you take control of your life.