Everyone experiences anxiety once in a while. Stressful life events like a financial crisis, job loss, health concerns, or death in the family may trigger anxiety in people. However, some people are generally more prone to anxiety than others. These individuals will be frequently distracted by their worries, stay ‘on edge’ for no reason and steer clear of activities that make them anxious. People showing such symptoms are considered to be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD.
Many people report having experienced anxiety right from childhood. Studies show that GAD comes on gradually and can begin at any point of one’s life cycle. While the exact cause of GAD is unknown, evidence shows that a person’s biological factors, life experiences, family, and social background all contribute to generalized anxiety.
People suffering from GAD may find it difficult to even just get through a day productively. They are unable to stop the worry cycle, even when they know that the situation is not as bad as they deem. Constant anxiety can also manifest as physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches.
Generalized anxiety is often left untreated as people fail to identify it as a disorder. So, in this blog, we will learn more about identifying GAD and providing effective treatments to help the patients live a better life.
Effective treatments for GAD
For people with mild to moderate anxiety levels, GAD treatments allow them to lead full and meaningful lives. Clinical psychology sessions are found to be one of the most effective methods to help patients cope with GAD. While there are some medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that give faster results, psychotherapy assures stable, long-term results without medicines.
Clinical psychologists highly recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is the gold standard of psychotherapy for treating GAD. CBT is a short-term structured treatment that explores and establishes a better relationship between the patient’s conscious thoughts, feelings, behaviors that normally trigger anxiety. CBT is effective in both adults and children.
Problem-focused talk therapies are also recommended by clinical psychologists to help reduce worrying and control anxious thoughts or sensations. Other talk therapies like psychodynamic psychotherapy are also employed for treated GAD. This insight-oriented therapy focuses on resolving internal conflicts that arise from thoughts and emotions outside the patient’s consciousness. Talk therapies are found to be very effective in adults but are normally not recommended for children.
Clinical psychology utilizes evidence-based GAD treatment plans that are customized for each patient; which is why it is considered to be one of the best treatment options to cope with GAD.
Overcome your GAD at The Hundred
At our wellness center in Dubai, our in-house clinical psychologist Ethar will help you break free from your GAD symptoms. After the initial assessment where we evaluate your needs and concerns, a treatment plan is developed. As you learn and develop the skills and coping mechanisms to overcome GAD, our psychologist will devise a tailored stabilization plan. Book your appointment today for your free 15 minutes consultation with our specialist.
