While most everyone feels anxious about various situations at some point, when anxiety begins to disrupt daily life and continues for no logical reasons, the cause may be generalized anxiety disorder. The Mayo Clinic recommends treatment for generalized anxiety if symptoms such as muscle tension, inability to concentrate, insomnia or restlessness continue unabated. The best treatment for generalized anxiety varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of the disorder, family history of mental disease and the physical side effects experienced by the patient.
Anti-anxiety Medications
There are a number of medications used to control the symptoms of generalized anxiety, each with its own set of side effects and level of effectiveness. One of the benefits of the family of sedatives such as benzodiazepines is that they work quickly to dispel uncomfortable symptoms. Commonly used sedatives such as Xanax, Librium and Klonipin can ease anxiety symptoms in as little as 30 minutes, which can be useful in helping a patient get through particularly rough periods. Benzodiazepines are habit-forming, however, and create an addiction in as little as two weeks. They also interfere with coordination and balance and cause drowsiness and reduced muscle coordination. An anti-anxiety medicine that does not create a dependency is called BuSpar. While BuSpar is not habit forming, it does take up to two weeks to improve anxiety symptoms. Side effects include insomnia, headaches, nausea and nervousness.
Anti-depressants
Anti-depressants often are prescribed for people with generalized anxiety because they can influence the neurotransmitters in the brain thought to play a role in the disorder. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that the most common anti-depressants used to treat generalized anxiety include Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro. Anti-depressants sometimes are prescribed in addition to anti-anxiety medications. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises patients who are being treated with anti-depressants to continue taking their medications on a regular basis. Serious side effects can occur if certain drugs are not tapered off gradually under medical supervision.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the best type of counseling for generalized anxiety disorder, reports the NIH. Therapists work with patients to help them understand the unrealistic thoughts that drive their anxious feelings and discover what triggers seem to set off an anxiety episode. Behavioral training can help find ways for people with anxiety disorder to cope with anxious feelings when they arise. Thinking it through, practicing relaxation techniques and calling someone are alternatives patients can practice and incorporate into their daily lives. The NIH recommends finding a therapist that the patient can feel comfortable with in order to develop a working relationship. Therapists who are experienced working with patients taking medications and who understand the physiology of generalized anxiety also may be better suited to treat the disorder.
