Guide to GAD Treatments: Varieties, Doses, and Further Insights
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. While medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are often the primary treatments, there are several other evidence-based approaches that can help manage symptoms and address the underlying factors of GAD.
Alternative Psychotherapies
One such approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on accepting anxious thoughts rather than fighting them. This helps patients align actions with their personal values, promoting a more balanced lifestyle.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another effective method, teaching skills to manage intense emotions and distress tolerance, making it useful in anxiety management.
Exposure Therapy is particularly effective for phobias and panic but can aid in anxiety by gradual, controlled exposure to feared situations.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is primarily used for trauma-related anxiety, helping process distressing memories that may exacerbate anxiety.
Holistic and Alternative Therapies
Incorporating methods like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, and herbal remedies can promote physical and mental well-being. These can serve as adjunctive treatments for GAD.
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices help calm the nervous system and increase awareness of anxious thoughts without escalation, potentially reducing symptoms.
Regular Exercise is proven effective for mild to moderate anxiety relief, as aerobic exercise releases endorphins and decreases stress hormones.
Neuromodulation Techniques
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation targeting mood regulation areas, showing promise in treatment-resistant anxiety.
Ketamine Therapy / Spravato is an emerging rapid-acting treatment for refractory anxiety, modulating brain chemistry differently from traditional medications.
Art Therapy and Other Experiential Therapies foster relaxation and emotional expression, complementing standard treatment.
These approaches often serve as complementary strategies alongside CBT and medication but may be primary options for those who prefer or require non-pharmacologic interventions.
Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Benzodiazepines strengthen a calming neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, a decreased ability to concentrate, and impaired coordination.
Buspirone, an anxiolytic medication, can interact with certain medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selegiline, tranylcypromine, diltiazem, verapamil, and rifampin. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
Buspirone can also cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, changes in dreams, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and should be avoided alongside alcohol or illegal drugs. Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase the levels of buspirone in the blood.
In rare cases, a person may experience shortness of breath, increased heart rate, headaches, irritability, memory impairment, restlessness. Anyone taking buspirone should avoid doing so alongside the aforementioned medications within 2 weeks to avoid a severe increase in blood pressure.
Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) are types of antidepressants. They can lead to side effects such as agitation, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, appetite loss, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, loss of libido, difficulties achieving orgasm, difficulties achieving and maintaining erections.
The FDA has placed boxed warnings on these medications, warning about the risks of slowed breathing or death when taken with opioid medications, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms.
The first medication doctors usually recommend for GAD is antidepressants. However, it's important to note that these medications can be expensive, and health insurance may cover medications for GAD. Some organizations that may help include Medicaid, NeedyMeds, RxHope, and the PAN Foundation.
GAD and Its Symptoms
GAD is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, persistent, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep issues.
It's crucial not to stop taking medication without speaking with a doctor first to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or GAD, it's essential to seek help from a healthcare professional.
- holistic and alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, and herbal remedies can support self-care for physical and mental health, serving as supplementary treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a method that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and distress tolerance, is an effective treatment approach for GAD alongside primary options such as medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Meditation practices, particularly mindfulness, can help reduce symptoms of GAD by calming the nervous system and increasing awareness of anxious thoughts without escalation.
