I Think I May Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What Next?

You may approach a psychologist or your family doctor if you are suffering from anxiety, and when you do, a diagnostic process will precede treatment. You can expect to be asked questions about your symptoms, conditions of life, stresses you are exposed to, and your family medical history during the initial appointment. A physical examination may also be part of the process as it helps eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms.

Risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder include a low socioeconomic status, a childhood history of worrying, exposure to life stresses and marital or relationship stresses, and being female. A family history of anxiety disorders also contributes to your chances of developing GAD, so questions about your relatives are very relevant. 

Once other disorders have been ruled out and your healthcare provider concludes that you are dealing with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, you can then start looking into treatment options together. 

Treatment Options For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most successful treatments for GAD. CBT can help uncover your underlying fears and the ultimate causes of your anxiety and help you gain insights into your behaviors, as well as helping you develop different ways of coping and seeing things. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is carried out on a one-to-one basis with a therapist. In addition, many people with GAD benefit from support groups or group therapy, and from discussing their anxieties with their friends, relatives, and even anonymous people on the internet. 

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Medication for Generalized Anxiety Disorder can provide relief very quickly, if the right medications are chosen. If you are dealing with GAD, you may be prescribed anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines to take the edge off your symptoms and allow your mind to calm down. Antidepressants and even beta-blockers, which are typically prescribed to heart and hypertension patients, are other popular options. 

Frequently reporting back to your prescribing healthcare provider about how well your medications are working for you will help you find a medication or combination of medications that works for you. Though medications are seldom used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders, they can help improve your quality of life greatly. 

Finally, your healthcare provider will discuss lifestyle changes — including cutting back on coffee and alcohol — with you. Through meditation and mindfulness techniques and physical exercise, you can play a very practical role in reducing your symptoms. 

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In Conclusion...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder can turn your life into an extremely frightening and unpleasant experience, and while you are going through the worst of your symptoms, it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. By reaching out to mental health professionals and seeking treatment, however, you can achieve radical improvements very quickly. Nobody deserves to live with paralyzing anxiety. Seeking treatment may be a terrifying step, but it can ultimately help you achieve the results you so much want to see.