- ©2024 Harold Robert Meyer – All rights reserved
- https://www.addrc.org/ info@addrc.org 08/08/2024
Diagnosis:
- The diagnostic process typically starts with the patient describing their symptoms to their primary care doctor or a mental health professional.
- The clinician will conduct a comprehensive clinical interview to assess the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and functional impairment.
- They will specifically look for the core symptoms of GAD, including:
- Excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of issues (e.g. work, health, family) on most days
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems
- The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cause significant distress or impairment in daily life.
- The clinician will also rule out other potential causes, such as a medical condition, substance abuse, or another mental health disorder.
- Standardized diagnostic tools like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale may be used to quantify the severity of symptoms.
- Once the diagnosis is made, the clinician can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard psychological treatment for GAD.
- CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety.
- Specific CBT techniques include exposure therapy, relaxation training, and developing coping strategies.
- Medication options include:
- SSRI antidepressants (e.g. sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine)
- SNRI antidepressants (e.g. venlafaxine, duloxetine)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, clonazepam) – typically for short-term use only
- Buspirone – a non-benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication
- A combination of CBT and medication is often the most effective approach, as it addresses both the psychological and physiological components of GAD.
- Other supportive measures that can complement treatment include:
- Regular exercise
- Coaching
- Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
- Support groups
- Lifestyle changes like improving sleep habits
The key is working closely with a mental health professional to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the person’s specific symptoms and needs. Treatment is an ongoing process, and the plan may need to be adjusted over time.
Hal Meyer and The ADD Resource Center offer specialized behavioral intervention and educational services for ADHD. They empower adolescents, adults, couples, and their loved ones to manage ADHD symptoms and reach their full potential. They have the expertise to provide personalized guidance and unwavering support on the journey to success.
Harold Robert Meyer /The ADD Resource Center – http://www.addrc.org/ – 646/205.8080 08/08/2024