If you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder it is important to investigate the many different types of treatment options that are available. These treatment options may include therapy, medication, alternative methods or a combination of all.  It is important to keep in mind that one single treatment method will not necessarily work best for all individuals who suffer from this disorder. This is because every individual is unique and different and even suffers from different symptoms and different variations of symptoms. Therefore it is important to work with your physician in order to find the treatment method that will work best for you as an individual.  

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that is frequently used and often with much success. This treatment method involves helping the individual with the disorder learn to relax while also learning coping skills to deal with the symptoms related to GAD.  CBT is often effective because it allows the individual to begin examining the ways in which they often view the world as well as their selves can be distorted. One of the primary tasks of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to change negative thoughts before they are able to trigger further episodes. In retraining the way you think, you will work with a therapist who will assist you in identifying negative thoughts that may have become automatic over time and are contributing to your anxiety.  

While medications are also commonly used to treat a number of anxiety and panic disorders including GAD it is important to understand the full facts about medications commonly utilized. These medications include antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines. Some of these medications can provide very quick results; however, they may also involve unwelcome side effects.  For example, with benzodiazepines, the drugs tend to go to work very quickly; generally within an hour at the most and in some cases in as little as thirty minutes. This can be a big benefit but these medications are highly addictive. After just a few weeks of continuous use, you may become both physically as well as psychologically dependent on them. Because of this, these medications are generally only recommended for very severe episodes of anxiety. Brand names for these medications include Valium and Xanax.  

Other medications do not work immediately and take some time to begin providing results. This is common with antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, Effexor and Lexapro. These medications do not provide immediate relief and may take up to six weeks for the full effect to be felt.  A third type of anxiety medication, buspirone, is currently considered to be the safest type of medication on the market for chronic anxiety because it is not addictive. That said; however, it will not completely eliminate your anxiety and can take up to two weeks before effects are felt.  

It should be understood that in most situations these prescription medications must continue to be taken to avoid having symptoms emerge once again.  Regardless of which type of treatment method you and your physician ultimately decide is best for you the importance of self-help methods and support cannot be underscored enough. These techniques can help you learn how to develop coping skills.

While it is normal to feel anxious and nervous from time to time, many individuals suffer from a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. In normal situations, anxiety can help individuals respond to very real dangers and can even help one to feel motivated in order to excel at work and studies. When an individual suffers from anxiety most of the time and even feels anxious with no apparent reason, they may suffer from an anxiety disorder.  

This type of disorder can disrupt normal daily life; resulting in excessive anxiety and unrealistic worry over any number of circumstances. Such a disorder may also involve other issues such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic attacks. 

The signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder can vary from one person to the next. They can also vary in severity. Some common symptoms include: 

• Fatigue

• Impatience

• Irritability

• Restlessness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Feeling on edge

• Easily distracted

• Insomnia

• Muscle tension

• Excessive sweating

• Diarrhea

• Headache 

Many individuals who suffer from this disorder find that even though their worries may not actually consume them, they still feel anxious much of the time. Instead of focusing their anxiety on specific issues, they may feel anxious about every aspect of their life. Frequently, individuals feel a sense of impending doom, as if something bad is about to happen; even though there may be no apparent danger.  

Typically, this type of anxiety disorder begins at an early age. The symptoms of this disorder may develop slowly.  

All anxiety, regardless of the trigger, is caused by a release of hormones that prepare you to respond to threats or danger. This is known as the fight or flight response. Unfortunately, when your anxiety grows out of control, this biological response can occur on an almost continuous basis. This can happen even during times when you might otherwise be calm.    

Factors that can contribute to this include: 

• Other medical conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland

• Stress

• Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder

• Heredity 

The most important fact about generalized anxiety disorder that should be understood is that while living with it can be a burden, there are successful treatments available.  The first step in achieving treatment is to be diagnosed with the disorder. Typically, this anxiety disorder can be set apart from normal everyday anxiety based on how long the anxiety lasts. The affect it has on your life can also be a factor in determining whether you suffer from anxiety disorder or not. By most standards, if you have suffered from intense anxiety for six months or more, you may be suffering from GAD.  

A doctor will generally also perform a physical exam as well as a psychological evaluation in order to rule out any other medical problems that could be causing similar symptoms.  

If you believe that you suffer from GAD, it is important to seek treatment as this disorder can develop into other conditions as well as prolonging any existing illnesses.  By educating yourself about generalized anxiety disorder you can take one step closer to recovery.