Generalized anxiety disorder

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Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD; Anxiety disorder

The goal of treatment is to help you function well during day-to-day life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications are the mainstays of treatment.

Medications are an important part of treatment. Once you start them, do not suddenly stop without talking with your health care provider. Medications that may be used include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice in medications. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice.
• Other antidepressants and some antiseizure drugs may be used for severe cases.
• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) may be used if antidepressants don't help enough with symptoms. Long-term dependence on these drugs is a concern. Short-term memory problems may also develop with long-term use.
• A medication called buspirone may also be used.

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Cognitive-behavioral therapies should be used together with drug therapy. Ten to 20 visits with a mental health professional should take place over a number of weeks. Common parts of this therapy include:

• Gaining an understanding of, and control over distorted views of life stressors, such as other people's behavior or life events.
• Learning to recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts, decreasing the sense of helplessness.
• Learning stress management and relaxation techniques to help when symptoms occur.
• Learning not to quickly think that minor worries will develop into very bad problems.

Avoiding caffeine, illicit drugs, and even some cold medicines may also help reduce symptoms.

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, enough rest, and good nutrition can help reduce the impact of anxiety.

Support groups may be helpful for some patients with GAD. Patients have the opportunity to learn that they are not unique in experiencing excessive worry and anxiety.

Support groups are not a substitute for effective treatment, but can be a helpful addition to it.