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How to Treat Generalized Anxiety DisorderThere are many reasons to be worried. But people who suffer from GAD are in an ongoing anxiety that impacts their school, work and relationships.Genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses may be associated with GAD. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.MedicationsIt is essential to talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and 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 drugs can be effective in reducing anxiety, and may help with depression and other mental health issues. These medications are usually taken for a brief period of time and are typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy.SSRIs block serotonin transporters in the presynaptic brain, ensuring that serotonin is available to release, and SNRIs block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine to increase the availability of neurotransmitters. Both have been shown to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, such as GAD. They are frequently used as the first-line treatment of psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications include escitalopram (also known as citalopram), 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 keep it in mind that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders aren’t responding to the first medication treatment. It can take as long as six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. So, it’s crucial to adhere to your treatment plan. If you don’t notice improvement after several weeks, speak with your doctor about changing your dosage or if you should consider taking a different medication.Some older antidepressants and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders. These medications are less effective than SSRIs or SNRIs. They can cause more sedation, and have more serious 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 show that these medications are more effective than placebos. Psychotherapy may increase the adherence to treatment, and reduce reported side effects.Talking therapyGAD is an extremely common mental illness, however it is difficult to treat. There are several treatment options. Medications are often used to reduce anxiety symptoms, and self-help and talking therapy can ease symptoms over time. People suffering from GAD are also able to join a support group to receive additional support.Everyone is prone to anxiety from time moment. However, people with GAD suffer from constant anxiety that can affect their daily lives. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension are some of the signs. The focus is usually on daily issues like work responsibilities, family health and even minor issues such as chores, repairs to the car, and appointments.Those who suffer from GAD might not be able to pinpoint the source of their anxiety, and the feelings persist for at least six months. They may avoid situations that cause anxiety. Symptoms of this disorder tend to be seen in the adolescent or early childhood years. The symptoms can become more severe when there is stress or illness and can even persist into adulthood.Some people are more prone to develop GAD than others, but there is no proven reason. Some theories suggest that it could be due to a genetic predisposition or a combination factors such as temperament or environmental influences. A traumatic event or a major life change such as divorce or the death of someone loved one can cause the disorder.There are a variety of ways to treat GAD, but the combination of treatments is the most effective. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the best way to manage your anxiety. This kind of therapy helps you recognize and change negative thinking patterns that create anxiety. It also teaches you to confront your fears in a safe environment, instead of avoiding them.You can live a happier and healthier life by taking steps to reduce your anxiety. Try exercising or meditation to help calm your mind and body. You can also enjoy time with your family and friends to keep you from being isolated. You can also employ relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group to help you find compassion and understanding.Self-help groupsEveryone experiences anxiety or nervousness at some moment in their lives. These kinds of feelings are normal. However, those with GAD have persistent, excessive anxiety that they cannot manage. They fear that bad things could happen and their anxiety affects their daily lives. The symptoms last for a minimum of six months and are not triggered by a medical condition.There are a variety of methods to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” which is a type of treatment that involves talking to an expert in mental health, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It can help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies for coping, such as stress management or relaxation techniques.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 regain 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 usually the most effective treatment for 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. anxiety treatment at home may help to reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who cannot afford to see a doctor or are unable to commit to a therapy session. These groups are regularly scheduled and offer support to others with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, while others are self-organized and informal. Meetings last about one and a quarter hours and participants share their personal experiences. The majority of groups accept donations, and some have no fees whatsoever.The factors that cause GAD include the person’s genetics, temperament, and environmental events. For instance, a child may develop anxiety if parents suffer from the condition. A traumatizing event can trigger anxiety. Certain underlying diseases such as an overactive thyroid gland, could increase the risk of developing this condition.PsychotherapyThe most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on teaching you specific skills to directly manage your worries. CBT assists you in gradually resuming activities you were unable to do because of anxiety-related symptoms. Over time your anxiety will decrease as you build up on your successes. You should work closely with your mental health professional to ensure that you are following the treatment plan and not relying on supplements or herbal remedies to help treat anxiety since they may 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 as well as acceptance in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Several different CBT treatments were found to be effective, including cue control alternative self-statements, relaxation training. Other psychotherapies, such as schematherapy and interpersonal therapy were also proven to be extremely effective.A psychological treatment called psychodynamic therapy can help you discover negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your past experiences. It is a process that involves open-ended questions and free association to discover unconscious patterns that cause anxiety. Interpersonal therapy can help you improve your relationships with others.Schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aids you in overcome the negative thoughts and behaviors that are related to childhood traumas. It is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can be effective for any kind of anxiety that stems from unresolved trauma. During schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements in order to process your trauma in a way that does not cause anxiety symptoms.Anxiety can be debilitating and it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as you can. With the appropriate treatment, you’ll learn to manage your symptoms and live a an active, healthy life. If you’re struggling with anxiety, call Active Path Mental Health today for more information about our services and to schedule an initial appointment. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we’re there to help you take charge of your life.