How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be concerned. People suffering from GAD are constantly in a state of anxiety that can affect their relationship with their school, work or.
GAD may be caused by genetics, traumatic experiences or chronic medical ailments. Medication and psychotherapy are two options for treatment.
Medicines
There are many medications used to treat GAD, and it's recommended to consult your physician about the advantages 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 drugs can be 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 often coupled with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin is readily available for release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are typically the first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders like panic disorder, and major depression (MDD). These medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram) as well as sertraline (also called 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's important to remember that the majority of people with anxiety disorders do not respond to the initial treatment options. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve, which is why it's essential to adhere to your treatment regimen. If how anxiety is treated don't feel better after a few months, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or switching medications.
Some older antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also sometimes beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation and may cause more serious side effects than the more recent drugs.
There is also limited research on the effectiveness of guanfacine and clonidine for the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies show that these medications are more efficient than placebos. Adding psychotherapy to the use of these medications improves the adherence to treatment and reduces adverse reactions.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental health problem, but it can be a challenge to treat. There are many treatment options available. Medications are often used to ease anxiety symptoms, while talking therapy and self-help strategies can ease symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. However, those with GAD experience a constant anxiety that affects their daily life. The symptoms can include a lack of concentration, restlessness, muscle tension and a feeling of being on edge. Most often, the thoughts are focused on everyday issues such as work-related responsibilities, family health and even minor issues, such as chores such as car repairs or appointments.
Those suffering from GAD may not be able to identify what is causing their worry and the anxiety may last for at least six months. They may also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin experiencing symptoms in their teens or early childhood. The symptoms may become worse when there is stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect some people more than others. However, there is no cause for this. Some theories suggest that it may be a genetic predisposition or an amalgamation of factors, such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatic experience or a life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one, could also trigger.
There are many methods to combat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most efficient. Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be an effective method to manage your anxiety. This type of therapy helps you identify and alter negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. It can teach you how to confront your fears, rather than avoid them, in a secure environment.
You can live a more relaxed and healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to relax your body and mind. You can also spend time with family and friends to keep you from being 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 time in their lives. These feelings are normal. People with GAD, however, have excessive, unrealistic, and persistent worries that they cannot control. They worry that things will go wrong and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last at least six months, and are not due to any medical issue.
There are several ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires speaking with a mental health professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you recognize and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Psychotherapy can also teach you how to cope, including relaxation and stress management techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT helps you recognize and challenge your maladaptive thinking patterns. It can aid you in reducing anxiety and slowly return to activities that you had avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is typically the most effective method to treat GAD. The 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) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants may help to reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups are an excellent option for those who can't afford to see an expert therapist or want to commit to talk therapy. These groups meet regularly and offer assistance to those suffering from the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are self-organized and informal. Meetings last approximately one and a quarter hours, and participants share their personal experiences. Some groups charge a fee, however, others do not.
A few factors that contribute to GAD include genetics, a person's temperament and even environmental factors. Children may experience anxiety when one or both parents suffer from the disorder. A traumatizing event can cause anxiety. Certain conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the risk of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on teaching you the specific skills to help you manage your stress. CBT helps you gradually resume activities you avoided due to anxiety-related symptoms. As time passes anxiety levels decrease as you build upon your accomplishments. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure you are following the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to treat your anxiety, since they can interfere with your medication.
In a recent meta-analysis of networks and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long-term efficacy and the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, self-affirmations in alternative ways 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 helps identify negative behavior patterns which are rooted in previous experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to reveal unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can aid in improving your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy assists you in overcoming negative thoughts and behaviors that are connected to childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but 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 to reprocess the memory in a way that doesn't create anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating and it's crucial to seek treatment for it as soon as you can. With the appropriate treatment, you'll manage your symptoms and lead a an active, healthy life. If you're suffering from anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information on our services and to set up an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're here to help you take control of your life.