How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times - and there may be good reasons to worry. However, people with GAD are in an unending state of anxiety that affects their school, work and relationships.
Genetics, traumatic events or chronic medical illnesses may be the cause of GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medicines
It is important to discuss with your doctor the benefits and possible 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 be effective in reducing anxiety, and can also help improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are typically taken for a brief period of time and are typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin to ensure that it is accessible for release. The SNRIs block reuptakes norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters to improve access to neurotransmitters. Both have been shown effective in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are often utilized as the first-line treatment of psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. These medications include escitalopram (also called citalopram) and sertraline (also known as 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's important to remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders do not respond to the initial treatment options. It can take up to six weeks before symptoms 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, as well as monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors, are sometimes helpful in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation, and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is a limited amount of research on the use of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. Nevertheless, many studies indicate that these medications are more efficient than placebos. The addition of psychotherapy to the use of these medications increases the frequency of treatment and reduces adverse reactions.
Talking therapy
GAD is an extremely common mental illness, however it is difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options. herbal treatment for anxiety iampsychiatry.com is commonly used to relieve anxiety symptoms. Self-help and talk therapy techniques can help with symptoms with time. Support groups are available to those suffering from GAD.
Everyone has anxiety from time to the. However, those who suffer from GAD have a constant fear that affects their daily lives. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension are just a few of the symptoms. Most often, the thoughts focus on daily issues, such as job responsibilities, family health and other minor things, like chores, car repairs and appointments.
The people with GAD may not be able to pinpoint the source of their anxiety and their anxiety can last for at minimum six months. They might avoid situations that can trigger anxiety. People with this disorder often begin experiencing symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe in times of stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more predisposed to developing GAD than others, but there is no proven reason for this. There are theories that suggest it may be a genetic predisposition, or some combination of factors such as temperament and environmental influences. A traumatic event or a major life event such as divorce or death of a loved one could trigger the disorder.
There are many methods to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most efficient. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to control anxiety. This type of therapy can help you to recognize and modify the negative thinking patterns that cause anxiety. It can also help you to face your fears in a safe setting, rather than avoid them.
Doing something to ease anxiety can help live a more relaxed and happier life. You can try exercise or meditation to relax your body and mind. Spending time with your loved ones and family can help you avoid feeling isolated. You can also employ relaxation techniques, such as guided visualization or deep breathing. You can join a support group to help you find compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some time in their lives. These are normal feelings. People suffering from GAD, however, have excessive or unrealistic anxiety that they are unable to control. They worry that bad things could happen and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms last for at least six months, and are not a result of an illness.
There are a myriad of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," a type that involves talking to a mental health professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also teach you how to cope, including relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different method to treat GAD. CBT helps you identify and address your faulty thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities that you've resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is often the most effective treatment for GAD. Medications that fall into the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically first-line treatments, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good option for those who can't afford to see an expert therapist or wish to commit to talk therapy. These groups meet regularly and offer support to those with similar disorders. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last about one and a quarter hours and participants share their personal experiences. Some groups charge a fee however, others do not.
Some factors that contribute to GAD include the person's genetics, temperament and even environmental factors. For example the child could develop anxiety if his or her parents suffer from the disorder. A traumatic event can trigger anxiety. People with certain underlying illnesses, such as an overactive thyroid gland are also more likely to suffer from the condition.
Psychotherapy
The most effective psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is focused on teaching you specific techniques to help you manage your stress. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities you had avoided due to anxiety-related symptoms. As you continue to improve your results the anxiety will diminish as time passes. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure that you're following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to manage anxiety because they could interfere with your medication.
In a recent meta-analysis of networks and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long term effectiveness and the ability to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. A variety of CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue control alternatives to self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found be effective, including interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy is a psychological treatment that can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in past experiences. It involves open-ended questions and free association to discover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Therapy with a counselor can help you improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aids you in overcome maladaptive thoughts and behavior that are a result of childhood traumas. It's often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but can be effective for any kind of anxiety that is a result of unresolved trauma. In schema therapy you discuss your experience 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 debilitating. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. You can manage your anxiety with the proper treatment and lead a happy, full life. If you're struggling with anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to schedule an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and will help you regain control of your life.