If you’re suffering with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), you are not alone.  In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine “(GAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in primary care”.  Despite how common it is, it can make an individual feel alone and create day to day difficulties for even the simplest activities.  By seeking proper professional guidance and implementing various strategies, individuals who suffer from GAD can find relief and regain control of their lives. There are different approaches and techniques for treating generalized anxiety disorder that we will review here.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition that affects 6.8 million adults in the U.S., about 3.1% of the population.  According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), women are twice as likely to suffer from GAD as men. 

People with GAD worry excessively and uncontrollably over the multitude of things that could go wrong in a day, a week, or a lifetime. They worry about homework and punctuality, relationships and health, accidents and war. While these are all things might worry anyone at some point, people with GAD spend a great deal of mental and emotional energy piling worries on top of worries. For example, a mother with GAD might worry that if she gives her child a second scoop of ice cream, he might get sick, and if he gets sick, they might have to leave the park, and if they leave the park, the other mothers might question her commitment to the play group, and if that happens, her child will be lonely. And on and on. 

Some anxiety is normal, and for most people, exercise, relaxation techniques, and other lifestyle changes are sufficient for minimizing or eliminating the worry altogether. Those who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder do not usually find these strategies effective. These people require a more targeted treatment to manage their symptoms. 

How Can Generalized Anxiety Disorder Be Treated?

The treatment for GAD is different for each individual and sometimes requires time and patience to find the right one. Generally, however, treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder fall into two categories: psychological treatment and medication. 

Psychological treatments

The most common psychological treatments for GAD include: 

• Cognitive therapy – Aims to identify and disrupt negative thought patterns. 
• Behavioral therapy – Aims to identify and replace unwanted behaviors with healthy behaviors. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Addresses both the negative thought patterns and the unwanted behaviors, replacing them with new thought patterns and healthier behaviors.

Psychological therapies can help those with GAD understand the nature of anxiety, learn to tolerate the uncertainty that causes it, and use specific techniques to make healthy behavioral choices.

Medications

Some people find that psychotherapy alone is sufficient treatment for their anxiety, while others are more likely to benefit from medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. 

The most common medications for the treatment of GAD include: 

• Antidepressants – Help stabilize levels of serotonin, decrease anxiety, and regulate mood. They usually take a few weeks to work, making them ideal for a more long-term treatment plan.
• Anti anxiety medications – Slow down the nervous system, providing physical and mental relaxation. They often work quickly and are best used for short-term treatment.

The number of choices in each of the above categories, plus the number of combinations available, makes for a wide range of treatment options for people who suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Even still, some people struggle for years to find relief from their symptoms, making clinical research studies an ongoing necessity. 

Struggling with anxiety? You may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial

Generalized anxiety disorder may feel overwhelming and create significant challenges, but with the right treatment and support, it is manageable. Seeking professional help, implementing effective strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals with GAD can find relief and improve their overall well-being. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and finding the right combination of treatments may take time, but with patience and persistence, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life while effectively managing generalized anxiety disorder.

At Synergy Research Centers, we are currently enrolling participants ages 18-65 in various research studies for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Eligible participants may be compensated for their time and effort, while also gaining access to cutting-edge and alternative treatments that could have a profound positive impact on their condition and lives. For more information on our studies or to find out if you’re eligible, fill out our contact form today. 

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• Source: https://www.synergyresearchcenters.com/how-can-generalized-anxiety-disorder-be-treated/