Mayra Vanderpool asked 3 hónap ago
How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are many reasons to be concerned. But people with GAD suffer from an unending state of anxiety that affects their school, work and relationships.
GAD can be caused by genetics, trauma or chronic medical conditions. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options.
Medicines
A number of medications are used to treat GAD and it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about the benefits and side 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 are effective in reducing anxiety, and they may also improve depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a short time and are often paired with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block the presynaptic transporters of serotonin so that it is available to release. SNRIs inhibit reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to increase 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 depressive disorder (MDD). The drugs 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 resistant anxiety of depression.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of people with anxiety disorders aren’t responding to initial medication treatments. It could take up to six weeks before symptoms improve. So, it’s crucial to adhere to your treatment plan. If you don’t experience improvement after a few weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or taking another medication.
Some older antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also sometimes effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are not as effective as SSRIs or SNRIs. They are more likely to cause sedation, and could cause more serious side effects than the newer medications.
There is not much research on clonidine or guanfacine as an anxiety treatment. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more efficacious than placebos. Psychotherapy can improve treatment adherence and decrease reported side effects.
Talking therapy
GAD is a common mental illness, yet it is difficult to treat. There are many treatment options. Medicine is commonly used to relieve anxiety symptoms. Self-help and talk therapy techniques can help manage symptoms over time. Support groups are available for those with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time moment. However, people with GAD suffer from constant anxiety that interferes in their daily life. The symptoms can include anxiety, a difficult time concentrating on tasks, muscle tension, and a feeling of being in a state of anxiety. Worries are usually focused on things that are routine, like work responsibilities, family health and even minor issues such as car repairs, chores, and appointments.
GAD sufferers may not be aware of the cause of their anxiety treatment at home, and the symptoms can last for up to six months. They may also avoid situations which cause anxiety. The signs of anxiety are often first noticed in childhood or adolescence. The symptoms may become worse in times of stress or illness, and may even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more susceptible to developing GAD than others, but there is no definitive cause. Some theories suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition or a combination factors such as temperament and environment influences. A traumatic event or a major life change such as divorce or death of a loved can also trigger the disorder.
There are many ways to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments will be most efficient. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to control anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you to recognize and alter the negative thought patterns that cause anxiety. It also teaches you to confront your fears in a safe environment, instead of avoiding them.
You can lead a more peaceful, healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. Meditation or exercise to calm your mind and body. You can also spend time with family and friends to keep you from being isolated. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as guided visualization or deep breathing. You can join a support group that can help you find compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone feels nervous or anxious at some time and these emotions are a normal part of life. People suffering from GAD however, suffer from excessive unrealistic, persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They fear that bad things could happen and their anxiety interferes in their daily lives. The symptoms persist for at least six months and are not a result of an illness.
There are several methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as „talk therapy,” which is a kind of treatment that requires speaking with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It can help you learn to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping, such as relaxation techniques or stress management.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another way to treat GAD. CBT helps you identify and change your unadaptive thinking patterns. It can assist you in controlling anxiety and slowly return to the activities you resisted because of anxiety. CBT can be combined to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective treatment for GAD. The medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically first-line treatments. These include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). Antidepressants can reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals within your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who are unable to afford to see a professional or do not wish to commit to a therapy session. They are regularly scheduled to provide support to those with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are informal and self-organized. The average meeting lasts for one and a half hours and participants share their experiences with each the other. Some groups charge a fee while others don’t.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all elements that can contribute to GAD. A child may develop anxiety when parents or both suffer from the disorder. Also, a traumatic event can cause anxiety. People suffering from certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland are more likely to be suffering from the condition.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for treating GAD. It teaches you specific skills that will assist you in managing your stress. CBT will also assist you to gradually return to activities that you avoided due to anxiety symptoms. As you build on your successes, your anxiety will decrease as time passes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you’re adhering to the treatment plan and not relying on herbal remedies or supplements to treat your anxiety, since they may interact with your medications.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis of clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute effectiveness and acceptance 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. Other psychotherapies were also found be effective, including schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy can help you identify negative patterns of behavior that are rooted in your previous experiences. It involves open-ended inquiries and free association to reveal unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can also teach you healthy ways to improve your relationship with other people.
Schema therapy is one type of psychotherapy that assists you to overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with childhood traumas. It is often used to address unresolved childhood traumas, but it can also be beneficial in treating anxiety disorders. During the schema sessions, your therapist will guide your eye movements in order to process your trauma in a way that does not cause anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be crippling. It’s important to get treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your symptoms by undergoing the appropriate treatment and live a happy and fulfilled life. If you’re suffering from anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today to learn more about our services and to make an initial appointment. We have offices in Oregon and Washington and we are here to help you regain control of your life.
