I think I may have generalized anxiety disorder. I have some of the symptoms like worry, fatigue, sleeplessnes
Question:
Answers:
If your physician rules out medical complications, your next step is to consult with a qualified psychotherapist or counselor. Visit Find a Therapist at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America for a searchable list of mental health providers, as well as tips on selecting a therapist. Your therapist will work with you to determine the cause and type of your anxiety disorder and devise a course of treatment.
What types of treatments are effective for anxiety?
Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment, yet according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America only 1/3 of those suffering from them receive help. This is unfortunate because treatment can offer immense relief, often in a relatively short amount of time. Most anxiety disorders are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of the two.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is very effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. As the name suggests, CBT focuses on changing both maladaptive thinking patterns—or cognitions—and behaviors. If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder, CBT will help you identify and challenge the negative and irrational beliefs that are holding you back from working through your fears. Another key component of CBT is exposure. In exposure therapy, you confront your fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures, you will gain a greater sense of control over your anxieties. As you learn new skills for dealing with stressful situations, you will begin to get the upper hand on anxiety.
Cognitive-behavior therapy for anxiety usually takes between 12 and 20 weeks. CBT is conducted both in individual therapy and in groups of people with similar anxiety problems. To find out more about how CBT is used to treat anxiety disorders, visit Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? To find a cognitive-behavioral therapist in your area, visit Search for Therapists.
Medication
A variety of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Medication is sometimes used in the short-term to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can be pursued. Anxiety medications can be habit forming and may have unwanted side effects, so be sure to research your options.
When you worry about everything all the time, you have GAD. I even worry if someone will work out who I am on here.
Definitly tell her. Also ask her for antidepressants and something for the anxiety. My doctor prescribes me klonopin for the anxiety, and it works wonders. It also stays in your system longer than the other antianxiety pills as well
Tell your doctor exactly what you've written here. She may ask you if there's anything in particular that's been worrying you. It may help if you write down your symptoms so you don't forget them once you get to your appointment. Make sure to mention your family history of depression.
Your doctor will likely prescribe either an anti-depressant, a benzodiazepine (anti-anxiety drug) or a combination of the two. An anti-depressant may take several weeks to start working, although a benzodiazepine will start working almost immediately. She may also recommend therapy, where you can work on anxiety-managing techniques. Ask her for the name of a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders; she may simply give you the name of someone she knows, and one therapist does not fit all.
Good luck.
I was diagnosed with anxiety back in november, but have suffered from it til now about a little over a year. i am only twenty years old, but dont really know why i started getting this but just to make a long story short, it kept on getting worse and worse each time. i didnt have any thing in particular to fear but just simple, irrational thoughts would give me a panic attack. I did my research about all this condition and found out that not only do i have anxiety but also panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder as well. one of my biggest problems are the feelings of unreality. Or another example would be a headache or a stomach ache. " o my god! what if its a brain tumor! Or what if its my appendix?!!" seconds later-- PANIC ATTACK!! and then in mid december I was lucky enough to find a book called Panic Away and it helped me instantly, after only a few days using this book I have seen my panic attacks disappear's gradually, I cant wait to let my doctors know that my solution was not the lexapro or the Klonopin.
More Questions & Answers...