3 Treatments For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that causes ongoing worry to the point where it interferes with daily tasks. Using a combination of treatments is often the most effective strategy to reduce symptoms and gain control over GAD.

Medication

Many people with GAD benefit from medications designed for long-term use with anxiety disorders. These medications are usually the same as those used for depression, since increasing neurotransmitters in the brain may also reduce anxiety levels. Less frequently, benzodiazepines may be used in people who have GAD that also have panic attacks. These medications may be used in small doses for a short period until other medications begin to work. Since antidepressants can take a while to work and it is common for people to try different ones before finding the right treatment, it is important to be patient and engage in other treatments while trying medication.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the more common therapeutic approaches used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. CBT is helpful for changing negative thoughts and behaviors that are caused by the underlying disorder and only help fuel more negative thinking patterns. Thought challenging is a tactic used in CBT that helps clients restructure their thinking when an anxiety-provoking situation occurs. For example, a person with GAD may struggle with meeting new people or avoid these situations altogether. When they think about all the ways that meeting a new person could go wrong, they should challenge each thought in a realistic and positive way.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be equally important for addressing GAD. There are usually self-care strategies that can help with anxiety reduction and make a person with GAD feel like they are being more productive. Managing anxiety through physical activity is a positive lifestyle change, especially if the person needs to lose weight or improve their health. Instead of being consumed with worry, doing yoga or other meditative activities can help you to clear your mind and also reduce the physical symptoms that can come with anxiety. Other lifestyle changes can include eliminating coping mechanisms that only add to anxiety. For example, it is common for people to use alcohol to unwind, but alcohol has the tendency to increase anxiety as a rebound effect.

GAD can cause symptoms that eventually make it difficult to perform ordinary tasks without significant worry. Addressing GAD in the early stages with a combination of treatment approaches can increase the chances of finding the right treatment. For more information, contact therapy professionals like Donald McEachran, PHD.