How is GAD treated?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common of all the mental disorders. Many people misunderstand these disorders and think people should be able to overcome the symptoms by sheer willpower. But, the symptoms can't be willed or wished away. There are treatments, developed through research, that work well for these disorders.Anxiety disorders are treated in two ways - with medication and with certain types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy"). Sometimes only one treatment is used or both treatments are combined. If you have an anxiety disorder, talk with your doctor about what will work best for you. If you do choose psychotherapy, make sure the therapist is able to provide you with medication, if needed.
A number of drugs used for treating depression, called antidepressants, have been found to help with anxiety disorders as well. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used, along with the newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other medicines include anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines and beta-blockers.
Treatment with psychotherapy includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral therapy. In CBT, the goal is to change how a person thinks about, and then reacts to, a situation that makes them anxious or fearful. In behavioral therapy, the focus is on changing how a person reacts to a situation. CBT or behavioral therapy most often lasts for 12 weeks. It can be group or individual therapy. With GAD, biofeedback (a type of behavioral therapy) can also be used to control muscle tension. Keep in mind that it can be a challenge to find the right treatment for an anxiety disorder. But, if one treatment doesn't work, the odds are good that another one will. Your doctor and therapist will work together to help you find the best approach. New treatments are being developed through ongoing research. So, don't give up hope. If you have recovered from an anxiety disorder and it comes back at a later date, don't think that you've failed. You can be treated again. And, the skills you learned dealing with the disorder the first time can help you in coping with it again.
What can I do to help myself if I have GAD?
Many people find it helps to join a support group because they can share their problems and successes with others who are going through the same thing. While it doesn't take the place of mental health care, talking with trusted friends or a member of your faith community can also be very helpful. Family members can play an important role in a person's treatment by offering support. Learning how to manage stress will help you to stay calm and focused. Research suggests that aerobic exercise (like jogging, bicycling and swimming) may be of value as well. Other studies have found that caffeine, illegal drugs, and some over-the-counter cold medicines can worsen the symptoms of these disorders. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines.What is the latest research on anxiety disorders?
The National Institute of Mental Health supports research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses. Studies are ongoing for how family background (genetics) and life experience puts a person at risk for these disorders. New drugs are being tested in clinical trials, as well as therapy approaches. For information on clinical trials, go to the NIMH web site and the National Library of Medicine's clinical trials database.This FAQ was adapted from anxiety disorder fact sheets of the National Institute of Mental Health.
For more information about anxiety disorders:
You can find out more about GAD and anxiety disorders, and their treatments by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center at (800) 994-9662 or the following organizations:- National Institute of Mental Health
Phone Number(s): (301) 443-4513 or (301) 443-8431 - Anxiety Disorder Education Program
Phone Number(s): (800) 647-2642 or (888) 826-9438 - National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
Phone Number(s): (800) 789-2647 - National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
Phone Number(s): (800) 553-4539 - National Mental Health Association
Phone Number(s): (800) 969-6642 - Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Phone Number(s): (301) 231-9350 - National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Phone Number(s): (800) 950-6264Reprinted from the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
