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General Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Generalized anxiety disorder centers on a feeling of extreme apprehension and unrealistic worry that disrupts normal living. People generally suffer from a heightened anxiety that is far from normal. Medications and psychotherapy, alone or combined, can ease symptoms and manage the disorder.

  1. Symptoms

    • People with generalized anxiety disorder may not always feel overwhelmed by their worries, but they still experience moments of intense anxiety. At other times the feeling of anxiety may be all-consuming. Symptoms vary in severity, and may include loss of concentration, fatigue, impatience, restlessness, feeling keyed up, shortness of breath, stomach ache, headache and excessive sweating.

    Diagnosis

    • People who are diagnosed with general anxiety disorder have suffered from extreme worry and fear daily for at least six months, and have difficulty managing their angst. Their general anxiety has significant effects on their daily living, causing difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and generating muscle tension.

    Medications

    • Antianxiety medicines are sedative-like drugs that relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes. These medications include Antivan, Xanax and Valium. They can be habit-forming, so physicians typically prescribe them for only three to six months. These medications also can cause drowsiness, and effect balance so people should not drive, or use heavy machinery while taking thee. Another medication, Buspar, is not habit forming, but it may take several weeks to see results. A common side effect with Buspar is a brief feeling of light-headedness soon after taking the pill.
      Anti-depressants also are regularly prescribed to those suffering from general anxiety disorder. Medicines such as Prozac, Lexapro and Paxil stimulate the neurotransmitters in the brain to calm anxiety. A doctor can determine which type of medication is more appropriate for a patient.

    Psychotherapy

    • Psychotherapy helps people recognize unhealthy habits and behaviors like general anxiety disorder, and learn ways to deal with them. Even if they can't change a situation, people suffering with anxiety can learn how to view and react positively to it. Therapy can help them learn to master and control their feelings and thoughts.

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