Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition that affects almost 7 million individuals in the United States. Symptoms associate with GAD can be excessive worry and anxiety that can significantly disrupt an individual’s life. Adults that suffer from GAD often worry about situations related to work, money, relationships, health issues, or even minor matters such as household chores or being late for appointments. Often, the intensity of the anxiety is far out of proportion to the likelihood or impact of the feared event. Children with GAD often have excessive worry in relation to their performances, and how they relate to children around them.
General Anxiety Disorder Treatment Methods
General Anxiety Disorder is treatable. Living with GAD without treatment can become a long-term problem and impact normal functioning. With proper therapy and support, it is possible to overcome the symptoms of excessive anxiety and troubling thoughts. Therapy for GAD includes the following:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Exposure & Response Prevention
- Mindfulness Based Awareness Training
- Medication when advised
Common therapy and treatment methods for anxiety and related disorders include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy (ET) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), combined with medication when appropriate. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. CBT is an integration of two originally separate theoretical approaches to understand and treat psychological disorders: the behavioral approach, and the cognitive approach. Studies have indicated that CBT supports individuals in identifying, understanding, and shifting their thinking and behavioral patterns, which results in relieved anxiety and worry. As a result of receiving effective treatment, individuals suffering from anxiety can regain control of their lives once again.
Other Common Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Disorder
- Trichotillomania
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
It is not uncommon for an individual to suffer from multiple anxiety disorders. Treating co-occurring conditions simultaneously is important in finding balance and healing from anxiety.
The Gateway Institute is here to support you in getting the help that you need.
Common Symptoms of GAD
Typically, someone with GAD will become overwhelmed by worry to the degree that they will have difficulty completing normal tasks, focusing at work, or getting proper sleep.
- Anxiety
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Feeling out of control
Physical Symptoms of GAD
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- Fear of going crazy
- Fear of having a heart attack
- Fear that you will never be the same
- Fear that panic attacks will continue
Comorbidity with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Due to ongoing stress and anxiety, depression commonly accompanies GAD.
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