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How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder Everyone is anxious now and then – and there may be good reasons to worry. But people who suffer from GAD are in an ongoing anxiety that impacts their work, school and relationships. Genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses may be the cause of GAD. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Medicines There are a variety of medications used to treat GAD and it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about the benefits and adverse 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 issues. These medications are typically taken for a brief period of time and are usually combined with psychotherapy. SSRIs work by blocking presynaptic serotonin transporters so that serotonin is readily available to release, and SNRIs hinder the reuptake process of dopamine and norepinephrine in order to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders including GAD. They are often utilized as the first-line treatment for mental disorders such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications that fall into these classes include escitalopram, 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 don't respond to the initial treatment options. It could take up to six weeks for symptoms to improve. Therefore, it's essential to stick to your treatment program. If you don't see improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about altering your dosage or taking a different medication. Certain antidepressants from the past and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also sometimes useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They may cause more sedation, and can cause more serious adverse side effects than the more recent medications. There is a limited amount of research on the use of guanfacine and clonidine in the treatment of anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy can improve treatment adherence, and reduce the number of side effects reported. Talking therapy GAD is a very common mental health problem, but it can be a challenge to treat. There are many treatment options available. Medications are often employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and talking therapy and self-help strategies can help manage symptoms over time. Support groups are available for people with GAD. Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. However, people with GAD have a constant fear that interferes in their daily lives. Symptoms may include anxiety, a difficult time concentrating or concentrating, muscle tension and the feeling of being anxious. Usually, the worries are focused on everyday issues, such as job duties, family health and minor matters, like chores such as car repairs or appointments. GAD sufferers may not know the source of their anxiety, and these feelings can last for up to six months. They may avoid situations that cause anxiety. People suffering from this disorder usually begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms can become more severe during times of stress or illness, and could 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 may be a genetic predisposition, or a combination of factors such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatizing experience or major life change like divorce or death of a loved can also cause the disorder. There are many different methods to treat GAD, but the combination of treatments is the most efficient. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective method of reducing anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns which can cause anxiety. It can also teach you to face your fears in a secure setting, rather than avoid them. You can live a more relaxed and healthier life by reducing your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to help calm your body and mind. Spending time with your loved ones and family can help you avoid feeling alone. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join an online support group to help you gain compassion and understanding. Self-help groups Everyone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some time in their lives. These are normal feelings. However, people suffering from GAD have persistent, excessive and unrealistic worries that they are unable to control. They believe that bad things are likely to happen, and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not caused by a medical problem. There are many ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy or “talk therapy,” which is a kind of treatment that requires talking with a mental health professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. This can help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Psychotherapy can teach you coping techniques, such as stress management or relaxation techniques. Another approach to treat GAD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize and confront your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can also help you gain control over your worrying and gradually return to activities that you have avoided due to anxiety. CBT can be used in conjunction with medications to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Medication is usually the most effective method to treat GAD. Treatments based on the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine and escitalopram are typically first-line treatments. These antidepressants can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals within your brain. Self-help groups are a good option for those who can't afford a professional therapist or don't want to commit to talk therapy. They are regularly scheduled to provide support to those with the same condition. Some groups are led by professionals while others are informal and self-organized. Meetings last approximately one and a quarter hours, and participants share their personal experiences. Most groups accept a donation and some do not charge fees whatsoever. Some factors that contribute to GAD include the genetics of a person's personality, their genes and the impact of environmental events. Children may experience anxiety if either or both parents suffer from the condition. A traumatic event may also trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases like an overactive thyroid gland, can also increase the risk of developing this condition. Psychotherapy The most effective therapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It concentrates on teaching you specific skills to help you manage your stress. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities you have avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. As I Am Psychiatry improve your results the anxiety will diminish over time. It is important to work closely with your mental health professional to ensure that you are following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to help treat anxiety since they can interfere with your medication. In a recent network meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized studies, CBT showed both acute and long-term effectiveness as well as acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. CBT treatments like cue-controlling, alternative self-statements and relaxation training were all proven to be effective. Other psychotherapies, including schematherapy and interpersonal therapy were also found to be highly effective. Psychodynamic therapy can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in your previous experiences. It involves open-ended questions and free association to reveal unconscious patterns that contribute to anxiety. Therapy for interpersonal relationships can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationship with others. Schema therapy can help you overcome abnormal behaviors and thoughts that are rooted in childhood traumas. It is typically used to address unresolved childhood traumas, however it can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema therapy you discuss your experience with your therapist, while they direct your eye movements to process the memory in a way that doesn't cause anxiety symptoms. Anxiety can be crippling. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible. You can control your symptoms with the right treatment and lead a healthy and fulfilled life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about our services or to make a a first appointment if you have anxiety issues. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and we are here to help you regain control of your life.