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How do I Choose the Best Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment?

Kasey James
Kasey James

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a medical condition that affects many people. There are generalized anxiety disorder treatment options that can relieve the symptoms and allow people with GAD to lead healthy lives. Treatment plans can include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Many people with GAD choose a combination of treatments.

Psychotherapy may be the right generalized anxiety disorder treatment plan for you. It involves talking one on one with a counselor who is trained in GAD. You may discuss life changes to help manage your stress and keep your anxiety low. Your counselor may also teach you relaxation tips for when you feel an anxiety attack coming on.

Medication may be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Medication may be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy can also include cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy involves changing your daily behavior and thoughts from negative to positive. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on how to deal with the stresses in your life instead of trying to change them. It is a short-term therapy that may be able to help with GAD.

Medication is sometimes used as a generalized anxiety disorder treatment. It can be combined with therapy to get the best results. Most GAD medications have to be prescribed by a doctor and can include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety options.

A cognitive behavioral therapist can help some people with generalized anxiety disorder.
A cognitive behavioral therapist can help some people with generalized anxiety disorder.

Anti-depressants can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain and help you with a more positive outlook, which may reduce anxiety. There are two different kinds of anti-anxiety medications. Some medications help to control long-term anxiety and are taken daily. Other medications are to help with anxiety attacks and are taken only when an attack is happening. Any of these medications may cause other side effects, and you should be monitored closely by your doctor while taking them.

Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying.
Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying.

Another generalized anxiety disorder treatment is to find a support group that you can attend on a weekly basis. Many people find that being around other people with the same disorder helps them to know they are not alone. A GAD support group will allow you to talk about your difficulties and listen to other people that may have the same problems.

Long-term anti-anxiety medications should be taken daily.
Long-term anti-anxiety medications should be taken daily.

Stress is a huge factor for people that suffer from GAD. You may find that the best generalized anxiety disorder treatment is to make healthier lifestyle choices. A nutritious diet and regular exercise can improve your life and lessen some of your stress. It is also important to work on the relationships in your life with your family and friends. These life changes may help to balance and control your daily stress.

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    • Medication may be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
      By: takasu
      Medication may be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
    • A cognitive behavioral therapist can help some people with generalized anxiety disorder.
      By: Rob
      A cognitive behavioral therapist can help some people with generalized anxiety disorder.
    • Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying.
      By: David Stuart
      Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying.
    • Long-term anti-anxiety medications should be taken daily.
      By: chaoss
      Long-term anti-anxiety medications should be taken daily.
    • Generalized anxiety disorder is the clinical diagnosis for pervasive anxiety in an individual.
      By: kmiragaya
      Generalized anxiety disorder is the clinical diagnosis for pervasive anxiety in an individual.
    • Treatment for generalized anxiety disorders may include learning relaxations tips for when an anxiety attack is triggered.
      By: Andrew Lever
      Treatment for generalized anxiety disorders may include learning relaxations tips for when an anxiety attack is triggered.