Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
