How is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) treated?

The primary methods used worldwide to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include talk therapy and medication, as well as traditional healing methods, which include relaxation exercises or meditation, acupuncture, yoga, and systematic desensitization. In addition, peer support groups, available in many communities, can provide opportunities for those with the disorder to connect with others and learn that they are not alone.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by worry that feels uncontrollable and physical symptoms of stress including headaches, muscle aches and insomnia. With psychoeducation, people with GAD learn that worry is an unreliable false alarm in the mind, which is distorted and out of proportion with the actual events at hand. This is important information, but just knowing this is not enough to change the constant pattern of worry.

One of the most effective strategies for reducing the occurrence of worry is to establish a "worry time." Designate a time, say 6:00 each day, when for 5 minutes you will ask yourself two questions: 1) What am I worrying about? and 2) What do I really think will happen in those situations? Write down the answers to the second question and keep those available to you, so that if worry bothers you at bedtime, you can re-read the rational responses.

When worry bothers you at other times of the day, just tell yourself: It's not worry time; I'll talk to you (your worry) at 6:00. If you need to establish two worry times to start, that's fine, but over time, you'll find that you are teaching your worry to wait, and when worry waits, you win.