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How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times - and there are reasons to be worried. People suffering from GAD are constantly in a state of anxiety that could affect their work, school or relationships.
Traumatic events, genetics or chronic medical illnesses may be associated with GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment.
Medications
It's important to discuss with your doctor the potential benefits and negative effects 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 reduce anxiety and can also help improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a short time and are typically combined with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is readily available for release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine to increase neurotransmitter availability. Both have been shown to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, such as GAD. They are typically the first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders such as panic disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). The medications 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's important to keep in mind that most people with anxiety disorders aren't responding to the initial treatment. It can take up to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Therefore, it's essential to stick to your treatment program. If you don't see improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking another medication.
Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also sometimes beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However they have less evidence of efficacy than SSRIs and SNRIs. They can cause more sedation, and have more serious side-effects than the more recent medications.
There is also limited research on the effectiveness of clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies show that these medications are more efficient than placebos. Psychotherapy can increase treatment adherence, and reduce reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options. The use of medication is often used to reduce anxiety symptoms, while talking therapy and self-help strategies can ease symptoms over time. Patients suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group to receive additional support.
Everyone has anxiety from time to moment. However, those with GAD experience a constant anxiety that can affect their daily lives. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension are a few of the symptoms. The focus is usually on things that are routine, like work-related obligations, family health and even minor issues like car repairs, chores, and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not be aware of the cause of their anxiety, and the symptoms can last for as long as six months. They may avoid situations that trigger separation anxiety treatment. People suffering from this disorder typically begin experiencing symptoms in the early years of childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may become worse during times of stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.
GAD can affect certain people more than others. However there is no reason for this. There are theories that suggest it could be a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors such as temperament and environment influences. A traumatic experience or a life altering event, such as divorce or the death of a loved one, could trigger.
There are many ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be a great way to control your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you to recognize and modify the negative thought patterns that lead to anxious feelings. It will teach you how to confront your fears, rather than avoid them, in a safe setting.
Making the effort to reduce your anxiety can help you live a happier and healthier life. You can utilize meditation or exercise to relax your mind and body. You can also spend time with family and friends to keep from feeling isolated. You can also try a relaxation technique, like deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group for anxiety to gain compassion and understanding from people who have experienced similar issues.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at some time and these feelings are normal aspects of life. People with GAD, however, have excessive, unrealistic, and persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They think bad things will happen, and their anxiety interferes with their daily lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are a variety of ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires talking to professionals in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist. This will help you understand how to recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Psychotherapy can also teach you strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques and stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT helps you identify and address your faulty thought patterns. It can also help you gain control over your worry and gradually return to activities that you've avoided because of anxiety. CBT can be combined with medications to improve the effectiveness of treatment.
The most effective way to treat GAD. Medications in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically first-line treatments, including escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants can reduce anxiety by changing the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups are an ideal alternative for those who cannot afford to see a specialist or do not wish to commit to therapy. They meet regularly to provide assistance to those suffering from the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals while others are self-organized and informal. Meetings usually last about one and a half hour, and participants discuss their experiences with each other. Most groups accept a donation or a donation, while some have no fees whatsoever.
A few factors that contribute to GAD include genetics, a person's temperament and even environmental factors. Children may experience anxiety if parents or both suffer from the condition. A traumatic event can trigger travel anxiety treatment. Certain conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland, may increase the risk of developing this condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for GAD. It focuses on teaching you the specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT also helps you gradually return to activities that you avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As you improve your results and your anxiety decreases, you will experience less anxiety as time passes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you're following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to manage anxiety since they may interact with your medications.
In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of network randomized clinical trials, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptability for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments such as cue-controlling, alternative self statements and relaxation training were all proven to be effective. A variety of other psychotherapies were also found to be effective, such as interpersonal therapy and schema therapy.
A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you identify negative patterns of behavior rooted in your past experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions that reveal subconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you how to improve your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps you overcome maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that are related to childhood traumas. It's commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, however it can anxiety go away without treatment be effective for any kind of anxiety that stems from unresolved trauma. In schema sessions, your therapist guides your eye movements to reprocess your trauma in a way that does not trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be a crippling issue, and it's important to seek treatment as soon as you can. With the proper treatment, you'll be able to manage your symptoms and lead a an active, healthy life. If you're suffering from anxiety, contact Active Path Mental Health today to learn more about our services and to schedule an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're here to help you take control of your life.
