Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Recently Answered
-
1 Answer
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents can be effectively treated using therapy and/or medication. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the child and family. In children and adolescents, the first line of treatment is generally therapy. Two types of therapy are commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy. CBT helps the child or adolescent learn skills to manage his/her anxiety and master the situations that contribute to the anxiety; in addition, a parent component can be added to CBT to help parents assist the child in coping with anxiety. When the anxiety is affecting family routines and rhythms, family therapy may also help the entire family cope with the disorder.
Studies are currently underway worldwide to evaluate whether combination treatment -- the concurrent use of both therapy and medication -- produces better outcomes in children and adolescents with GAD.
-
1 Answer
In some parts of the world, systematic desensitization, another type of behavior therapy, is also used to overcome anxiety. Systematic desensitization, also known as graduated exposure therapy, gradually teaches people to be relaxed in a situation that would otherwise provoke anxiety.
-
2 Answers
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.
See All 2 Answers
-
2 Answers
When therapy alone does not work to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), medication is also prescribed. While medication cannot cure the disorder, it can help treat its symptoms. Several types of medications, including antidepressant medications, beta blockers, and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines) are commonly prescribed for GAD.
If you begin taking a medication for GAD, it does not mean that you will have to take it forever. However, patients treated for at least six months do better than those who discontinue its use after several weeks. For many people, discontinuing the medication causes the symptoms of anxiety to return. A health care professional can develop the best treatment plan to follow.
See All 2 Answers
-
1 Answer
Antidepressants, commonly used to treat depression, are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Antidepressants require consistent use (four to six weeks) to achieve relief from symptoms. Several types of antidepressants -- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclics -- are typically used to treat GAD.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications that alter brain chemistry (specifically the levels of serotonin in the brain) and reduce vulnerability to anxiety.
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are medications that also alter brain chemistry (affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, and other chemicals in the brain).
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) also work by altering brain chemistry, specifically the noradrenergic system.
-
1 Answer
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorders are usually treated with either psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Many doctors consider medication with antidepressants to be the first line of approach to GAD in veterans. The antidepressants most often prescribed for GAD are the SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Brand names of SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro. SSRIs relieve anxiety symptoms by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain. This makes more serotonin available in the brain, which improves your mood and reduces anxiety.
Therapy can be extremely useful in the treatment of GAD, in particular cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Some studies have even suggested that therapy is as effective as medication in treating GAD for most people. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps GAD patients see and understand distortions in the way that they perceive the world and the people around them. These distorted views greatly contribute to the chronic “worst-case scenario” anxiety experienced with GAD.
-
1 Answer
Community-based programs, like peer support groups, may help those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Peer support groups provide those with GAD the chance to see that they are not alone. They also promote social interaction, which lessens the isolation that those with the disorder may feel.
Support groups and other educational or assistance programs may be available through community-based mental health agencies, local colleges or universities, or national, regional or provincial mental health associations. The local telephone book, newspaper(s), or Internet may also have information about programs available in the community.
-
1 Answer
In addition to therapy and medications, traditional healing methods and self-help techniques are used in many parts of the world to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Many of these methods are currently under study, and include:
- Changes in diet and nutrition. Several changes in diet can reduce anxiety, which include decreasing the intake of anxiety-aggravating substances like caffeine and nicotine.
- Establishing regular exercise patterns. Exercise affects the physiological factors that underlie anxiety, reducing muscle tension and eliminating anxiety-inducing chemicals.
- Relaxation exercises and meditation. Deep relaxation or meditation, a state of concentrated attention on some object of thought or awareness, is also used to ease anxiety.
- Acupuncture and herbal remedies. Acupuncture and herbal remedies such as kava are commonly used in several cultures to ease symptoms of anxiety.
-
1 Answer
In addition to antidepressant medication, beta blockers may also be prescribed to help control the significant physical symptoms that may accompany GAD, including sweating, blushing, shaking, and heart palpitations. Beta blockers can only alleviate the physical symptoms of GAD, not the anxiety itself.
-
1 Answer
There is no definitive cure for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), but steps can be taken to manage the disorder once it's diagnosed. It is a good idea to seek assistance early if you are experiencing symptoms that might indicate excessive anxiety, as this may make your condition easier to treat and overcome. Less severe cases of GAD will be more likely to be effectively treated than very serious ones. It is important to remember, though, that even if you completely overcome your generalized anxiety, you are still more susceptible than the average person of having a relapse or reacting strongly to stressful situations.
