How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety every now and then, and there could be reasons to be concerned. People suffering from GAD are in a constant state of anxiety, which can affect their relationship with their school, work or.
GAD may be caused by trauma, genetics 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 speak 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 can help reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression or other mental health issues. These medications are typically taken for a short period of time and are often combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic receptors of serotonin to ensure that it is ready to release. SNRIs inhibit reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to improve neurotransmitter accessibility. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are typically the first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders such as panic disorder and major depression (MDD). The drugs 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 is important to keep in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders do not respond to initial medication treatments. It can take up to six weeks before symptoms improve. Therefore, it's important to stick to your treatment regimen. If you don't experience improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or if you should consider taking a different medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past, as well as monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors are sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. However these medications are not as well-established and are less backed by evidence than SSRIs and SNRIs. They may cause more sedation, and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is a lack of research on clonidine and guanfacine as a treatment for anxiety. However, many studies show that these drugs are more efficacious than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these drugs increases the adherence to treatment and reduces adverse effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a very common mental health issue, but it can be difficult to treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. The use of medication is often used to ease anxiety symptoms, while self-help techniques and talking therapy can ease symptoms over time. Support groups are available to those suffering from GAD.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to moment. However, those who suffer from GAD suffer from constant anxiety that affects their daily lives. Symptoms may include anxiety, a difficult time concentrating, muscle tension and the feeling of being on edge. The majority of the time, the concerns are focused on everyday issues like work obligations, family health, and even minor issues, such as chores such as car repairs or appointments.
The people suffering from GAD may not be able to pinpoint what is causing their worry, and the feelings persist for at minimum six months. They may also avoid situations which can trigger anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually start experiencing the symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe when there is stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more susceptible to develop GAD than others, however there is no proven cause. Some theories suggest that it may be a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament or the influence of the environment. A traumatizing event or major life change such as divorce or death of a loved one can trigger the disorder.
There are many ways to combat GAD. However the combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are an effective method of reducing anxiety. This type of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thinking patterns that lead to anxiety. It can also help you to confront your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them.
Taking steps to relieve anxiety can help lead a healthier and happier life. You can use meditation or exercise to relax your mind and body. You can also spend time with family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You might also try a relaxing technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from people who have similar experiences.
Self-help groups
Every person experiences nervousness or anxiety at some moment in their lives. These are normal feelings. People with GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They fear that things will go wrong and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms last for six months or more and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are many ways to treat GAD. The first option is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves speaking with an expert in mental health like psychiatrist or psychologist. This will help you understand how to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy can also help you learn how to cope, including stress management and relaxation techniques.
Another method of treating GAD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and challenge your maladaptive thought patterns. It can help you gain control over anxiety and slowly return to the activities you resisted because of anxiety. CBT can be combined to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective method to treat GAD. Medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are usually first-line treatments, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants can help reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Self-help groups are an ideal alternative for those who cannot afford to see a doctor or are unable to commit to talking therapy. These groups meet regularly and offer support to those with the same condition. Some groups are managed by professionals, whereas others are more informal and self-organized. The meetings last for about one and a quarter hours and participants share their personal experiences. Most groups accept donations or a donation, while some have no charges at all.
A few factors that contribute to GAD include the person's genetics, temperament, and environmental events. A child can develop anxiety when one or both parents suffer from the disorder. An event that is traumatic can cause anxiety. People who suffer from certain illnesses, such as an overactive thyroid gland are also more likely be suffering from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychotherapy to treat GAD. It concentrates on teaching you specific techniques to manage your anxiety directly. CBT assists you in gradually resuming activities you were unable to do because of anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes anxiety levels decrease as you build up on your successes. Working closely with your mental health professional will ensure that you follow the treatment plan. Avoid using natural remedies to treat anxiety or herbal remedies as a method of treating anxiety since they may interact with your medication.
In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of network randomized clinical trials, CBT was associated with both acute and long-term effectiveness and acceptability for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, self-affirmations in alternative ways and relaxation training were all found to be effective. Other psychotherapies were also found be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your previous experiences. This treatment uses open-ended questions that reveal subconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationship 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's commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but can be effective for any type of anxiety that stems from unresolved trauma. During schema therapy sessions, you share your trauma with your therapist, while they guide your eye movements in order to process the memories in a manner that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue and it's crucial to seek treatment as quickly as you are able to. You can control your symptoms with the right treatment and live a happy, full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about our services, or to set up a an initial appointment if have anxiety issues. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and we are here to help you take back control of your life.