generalized anxiety disorder- what it is and how to treat it

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety DisorderPresented by:Carlo Carandang, MDAnxietyBoss.com

IntroductionGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder where you have excessive worry about events and situations, and it disrupts your lifeThe audience will benefit from this presentation by learning more about GAD, and how they can treat it

Carandang, C. (2014). Anxiety Protocol (1st ed.). Middletown, NY: Healthy Mind Research Corporation. Retrieved from http://anxietyprotocol.com/

ExpertiseI am an expert in anxiety and depression, a psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience treating patients with anxiety and depressionIn addition, I am the author of the self-help book, Anxiety Protocol, the founder of AnxietyBoss.com, and have many years of research and teaching experience on the topics of anxiety and depression


GAD- FactsLifetime prevalence of GAD in the population is 4.1%GAD is the most common anxiety disorder in primary care settingsThose at increased risk for developing generalized anxiety disorder include women, low-income earners, and those who are separated/divorced/widowedGeneralized anxiety disorder also tends to co-occur with other disorders, such as substance abuse, other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disordersCarandang, C. (2014). Anxiety Protocol (1st ed.). Middletown, NY: Healthy Mind Research Corporation. Retrieved from http://anxietyprotocol.com/

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GAD- SymptomsExcessive worry about everyday events and situationsLasts most of the time, for at least 6 monthsPhysical symptoms from the worry include:RestlessnessFatigueIrritabilityMuscle tensionPoor concentrationSleep problems


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GAD- DiagnosisThese symptoms of worry and physical problems interfere with your life and disrupt your functioningThese symptoms are not the result of a substance (caffeine, amphetamines) or the result of a medical illness (hyperthyroidism)Carandang, C. (2014). Anxiety Protocol (1st ed.). Middletown, NY: Healthy Mind Research Corporation. Retrieved from http://anxietyprotocol.com/

GAD- Clinical CourseGeneralized anxiety disorder can start when you are a child, teenager, or adultGeneralized anxiety disorder has a chronic and fluctuating coursein other words, it can last for a long time, and it can come and goUsually, stressors will trigger an episode of generalized anxiety disorderCarandang, C. (2014). Anxiety Protocol (1st ed.). Middletown, NY: Healthy Mind Research Corporation. Retrieved from http://anxietyprotocol.com/

GAD- How It Develops


GAD- Neurobiology and Family HistoryIn GAD, there is increased activity in the amygdalaGAD may involve the disruption of brain circuits which connect the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) and the amygdala, which may be involved in negative emotion regulationGeneralized anxiety disorder runs in families, and has a significant genetic component


GAD Treatment- PsychotherapyPsychotherapy is first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorderCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy are both effective for GAD


GAD Treatment- PharmacotherapyPrescription drug treatment for generalized anxiety disorder is a last-resort treatment; it is for cases where psychotherapy is not effective, or for severe casesMedications effective for GAD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), benzodiazepines, buspirone, and pregabalin


GAD Treatment- BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines are generally not prescribed for GAD, given that this anxiety disorder has a chronic course and benzodiazepines can have addictive potentialIf the anxiety is severe, benzodiazepines can be prescribed on a short-term basis, until the SSRI or SNRI takes effect a few weeks laterIn addition, the SSRI and SNRI may initially cause increased anxiety and agitation, so the benzodiazepine can address this side effect on a short-term basis, until the SSRI or SNRI becomes effective for anxiety symptoms weeks laterCarandang, C. (2014). Anxiety Protocol (1st ed.). Middletown, NY: Healthy Mind Research Corporation. Retrieved from http://anxietyprotocol.com/

GAD Treatment- Natural SupplementsMultiple studies show several different natural supplements are effective and safe for generalized anxiety disorder, including lavender, passionflower, galphimia glauca, ginkgo biloba, and chamomileNatural supplements generally have fewer side effects and are generally less expensive than prescription medications for anxietyKalmPro is a natural supplement that has the research studies showing its ingredients are both effective and safe for GAD


GAD Treatment: Self-HelpResearch has shown that self-help interventions are effective for generalized anxiety disorderSelf-help interventions are convenient, can be done on your own time, do not require a doctor visit, do not require a therapist visit, and are relatively inexpensiveAnxiety Protocol is a self-help book which uses evidence-based techniques to help you treat your GAD


Generalized Anxiety Disorder- SummaryGAD is characterized by excessive worry about events and situationsGAD has effective treatments, which includes psychotherapy as first-line treatment, and pharmacotherapy (prescription medications) as last-resort treatmentAlternative treatments, which include natural supplement treatment (KalmPro), self-help interventions (Anxiety Protocol), and other alternative treatments such as meditation and exercise, have preliminary evidence that they are both effective and safe for anxiety disorders such as GAD


generalized anxiety disorder- what it is and how to treat it

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