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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment Anxiety or worry that lasts for more than six months could hinder your ability to function, as well as your relationships. You can receive treatment for GAD through psychotherapy or medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps you develop healthy coping strategies. It can be done face-to-face or in a group setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a part of GAD, is one of most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. It helps you change the negative thoughts which cause anxiety and gives you strategies for coping and relaxation. It is a brief-term program that can be completed with a therapist, or on your own. Research shows that CBT can improve anxiety and mood symptoms, and also improve the quality of life following treatment. These effects persist over time. The future of CBT research for GAD is limited due to a lack of understanding of which treatment components are necessary for successful outcomes. It is important to identify the specific processes for patients with GAD, as well in determining which patients will benefit most from these treatments. The basic idea behind CBT is to recognize your irrational and negative thoughts, and then confront them in a structured way. CBT is focused on identifying a the behavior that is not optimal and changing it. For instance, if your anxiety is related to anticipatory anxiety, your therapist will help you anticipate difficult situations and prepare for them in advance. This will help you feel more at ease and less stressed when those events happen. Another element of CBT is exposure therapy. It involves gradually exposing you to the things that trigger your anxiety. If you are anxious when you speak in public, for example you might be urged to do so. You will be exposed to your fears in a controlled way over a period of sessions with your therapist until you are able to accept them without feeling fearful. Exposure therapy is often integrated with other forms of CBT like mindfulness techniques and reappraisal. These techniques have been proven to boost the effectiveness of CBT for anxiety disorders. More studies are needed to determine what CBT components are most effective in alleviating anxiety caused by pathological conditions. It is important to note that, even though the majority of anxiety disorders have common biological vulnerabilities but each disorder has distinct treatment requirements. There is an increasing interest in the development of strategies that target specific mechanisms that maintain worry for each disorder. Medication The first choice medication to treat GAD is SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These are antidepressants that also aid in treating anxiety-related symptoms. They are the most studied and tend to be more effective than other alternatives. You may need to try several medications before you find the right one for your needs. These medications typically take a month to work. You can find other medication options if you don't respond to the SSRIs, such as SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) or anxiolytics (benzodiazepines). Benzodiazepines may cause addiction and may have additional side effects. They are only prescribed for short periods, such as when you experience severe paralyzing anxiety. If you have generalized anxiety disorder, it's essential to consult a mental health professional. Getting anxiety depression treatment will aid in managing your symptoms more effectively. If you wait until symptoms of anxiety become overwhelming makes it more difficult to overcome. You can lessen the symptoms of anxiety through medication and psychotherapy. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) can aid in reducing anxiety, and also improve your relationships. Medication can relieve symptoms faster than psychotherapy. You can use medications alone or in combination to maximize your outcomes. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include constant, unexplained feelings of worry and dread that last for more than six months. These feelings can affect your school, work, family and personal life. Stress, anxiety, and muscle tension are just a few symptoms. You may be anxious about seeking assistance for your symptoms. You might think that your problem isn't serious enough or that people will consider you insignificant for asking for help. Most mental illnesses are treatable and seeking help isn't an issue. It's more common to heal than you think. There are a myriad of treatment options available and most people will recover with the help of friends, family and even experts. There are a number of self-help techniques you are able to try. Counseling While everyone feels anxious at times, when anxiety interferes with a person's daily life and causes them to feel “on edge” for no apparent reason, it could be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are treated by the use of a combination of medications and psychological therapies. It is essential to seek help early since the condition is likely to get worse over time. Many people don't seek treatment until their anxiety is affecting school, work or personal relationships. Some people attempt to manage their anxiety on their own, using self-help strategies such as relaxation techniques. However, these strategies have not been well studied in research studies. Many mental health professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists, treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as antidepressants, are among the most common treatments. Many people fear that taking medication could lead to dependence, but it is not likely if you take the medication in the prescribed manner and for the duration of an anxiety disorder. CBT helps people recognize and alter negative attitudes and thoughts that can result in anxiety. It also teaches ways to cope in stressful situations and to manage stress. The goal is to educate people that their fears are usually unfounded and untrue. Antidepressants can be helpful in treating GAD. They reduce the levels of the chemical serotonin that are present in the brain. They also reduce anxiety, but they require some time to begin working. Some people are uncomfortable with taking medication, especially when they view it as a sign of weakness or failure. However, if anxiety is hindering a person's ability to perform and maintain healthy relationships, it's worth trying the medicine as a short-term solution. In addition to medications and psychotherapy, those suffering from GAD can benefit from exercising as well as a healthy diet and sleep. Physical activity eases tension and increases feel-good chemical levels in the brain. Walking or jumping up and down, dancing or drumming can be particularly efficient. A low-fat, high-fiber diet that is a good source of vegetables and fruits can help. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic muscle relaxation or progressive relaxation can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Meditation Every person experiences anxiety now and then, especially when faced with a significant life event like an interview or medical test. If these anxieties become overwhelming and dominate your daily life it could be an indication that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is different from a panic attack or phobia since it's not specific to one thing, but rather a sense of anxiety that can affect all aspects of your life. It can be mentally and physically exhausting and can make it difficult to rest or sleep. There are a variety of ways to treat it including psychological treatments and medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for people with GAD. They can help you learn how to deal with negative thoughts and behaviors and how to transform them into more positive ones. They can teach you breathing techniques and relaxation techniques that can aid in managing anxiety symptoms. Medicines can be beneficial to those with GAD as well. Certain medications used to treat anxiety disorder are antidepressants that can help reduce or eliminate symptoms. Other medications act as sedatives, and can help you to have a better night's rest. Meditation is a technique that has been practiced for centuries and is used to manage anxiety. It is usually practiced in a calm environment and involves focusing your breathing. It can help you concentrate on the present moment and reduce worry about the future or regrets from the past. There are many kinds of meditation, some of which are associated with specific religions. There are a variety of non-religious methods. The benefits of meditation are backed by research, which shows that it changes the brain's structure and can help to reduce anxiety and moods. It is recommended to consult your doctor prior to beginning meditating. They may suggest a specific type, or you can try several to determine which one is most suitable for you. Meditation can be a great alternative to other forms of treatments, like CBT, medication, and therapy. However, it is important to discuss all your options with a mental health professional before beginning any new therapy.