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.