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<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head> <link rel=preload href="https://assets.psychcentral.com/_next/vendor-660b8-legacy.js" as=script crossorigin=anonymous><link rel=preload href="https://assets.psychcentral.com/_next/lib-66312-legacy.js" as=script crossorigin=anonymous><link rel=preload href="https://assets.psychcentral.com/_next/felib-core-f51af-legacy.js" as=script crossorigin=anonymous><link rel=preload href="https://assets.psychcentral.com/_next/a9bb37e6-e9b3-4d7e-af13-37681786137b/psy/pages/infinite.js-legacy.js" as=script crossorigin=anonymous> <title>Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment Options</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-treatment"/><meta name="description" content="There are many ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Typically, the most effective treatment incorporates both talk therapy and medication, but some home remedies and lifestyle changes may also help."/><meta name="keywords" content="anxiety treatment"/><meta name="k1" content="anxiety"/><meta name="k2" content="mentalhealth"/><meta name="ROBOTS" content="NOODP"/><meta name="sailthru.image.thumb" content="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/therapy-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg"/><meta name="sailthru.tags" content="anxiety,mentalhealth"/><meta name="article:published_time" content="2019-06-03T09:08:54.000Z"/><meta name="article:author" content="Margarita Tartakovsky, MS, Susanne Arthur"/><meta property="og:title" content="Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment Options"/><meta property="og:description" content="There are many ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Typically, the most effective treatment incorporates both talk therapy and medication, but some home remedies and lifestyle changes may also help."/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-treatment"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment Options"/><meta name="twitter:description" content="There are many ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder. 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class="css-11egx89"><button class="icon-hl-close-thick css-1ik4tkj"></button><div data-empty="true" class="css-1fteite"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="mlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="mlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-bcus5s"></div></div></div></aside><div data-placement="subheader"></div><div><div class="css-m260rd"><div data-article-body="0" class="css-blwnmv"><div class="css-z468a2"><h1>How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)</h1><div data-preamp="social-proof-lessons"></div><div data-testid="byline"><section data-testid="byline" class="css-eoj89x"><div class="css-1q67gt9"><div class="css-xc63cd"><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/200x200_Alex_Klein_mug.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Alex Klein, PsyD</a></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/authors/margarita-tartakovsky-ms">Margarita Tartakovsky, MS</a></span></span></span><span><span><span> and <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/authors/susanne-arthur">Susanne Arthur</a></span></span></span></span> — <span> Updated on January 26, 2021</span></div></section></div><div><nav id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar" class="css-7u7i0a"><ul class="css-17ztj4b"><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#psychotherapy" class="css-yn6ido">Psychotherapy</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#medication" class="css-yn6ido">Medication</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#home-remedies-lifestyle-changes" class="css-yn6ido">Home remedies & lifestyle changes</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#preparing-for-your-appointment" class="css-yn6ido">Preparing for your appointment</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div class="css-12va8w7"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><p class="css-w2pt6r">Though talk therapy and medication are first-line treatments for GAD, you may also find relief with certain home remedies and lifestyle changes.</p></div></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms" class="content-link css-150s69f">Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)</a> is a type of <a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety" class="content-link css-150s69f">anxiety disorder</a> that’s treatable, often with a combination of medical and lifestyle tools.</p></div><div><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div></div><div><p>But it can be hard to live with excessive, hard to control, and stubborn worry.</p></div><div><p>Maybe your symptoms <a href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/anxiety-at-night" class="content-link css-150s69f">keep you up at night</a>. Maybe the worry arises first thing in the morning as you wake up. Or maybe it feels like you’re rarely worry-free. </p></div><div><p>People with GAD experience excessive worry more days than not, sometimes worrying from <a href="https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">3 to 10 hours</a> a day.</p></div><div><p>But you’re not alone — even though you might sometimes feel like it. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), <hl-trusted-source source="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">more than 15%</a></hl-trusted-source> of people experienced symptoms of GAD in 2019 over a 2-week period.</p></div><div><p>Whatever the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders" class="content-link css-150s69f">causes of anxiety</a> may be, there are many GAD treatments available, along with coping tools that can help you prepare for your next doctor’s appointment.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="psychotherapy">Psychotherapy</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is one of the most effective treatment options for GAD.</p></div><div><p>Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are the two most common recommendations.</p></div><div><h3>Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)</h3></div><div><p>The first-line treatment and gold standard for treating anxiety is <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">CBT</a>.</p></div><div><p>CBT for GAD is a multimodal treatment, meaning that it includes various components that target the different symptoms of the condition — physical, cognitive, and behavioral.</p></div><div><p>Overall, CBT aims to help you reduce your anxiety and worrisome thoughts, effectively cope with stress, and calm your nervous system. </p></div><div><p>You and your therapist will work together on creating a treatment plan that’s best for you. </p></div><div><p>CBT typically consists of 8 to 15 hourlong sessions, but the number of sessions depends on the severity of your symptoms, whether you have other co-occurring conditions, and the number of treatment components your therapist will be using. </p></div><div><p>CBT often includes homework outside your therapy sessions, so your therapist will ask you to practice different strategies in your day-to-day life and report back.</p></div><div><p>In CBT, your therapist often starts by educating you about GAD and how it manifests. You’ll also learn to observe and monitor your symptoms. Think of yourself as a scientist who’s studying your thoughts, feelings, and actions, or as a journalist gathering information and trying to identify patterns.</p></div><div><p>In CBT, you may also learn <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/progressive-muscle-relaxation" class="content-link css-150s69f">progressive muscle relaxation</a> and other techniques to reduce the physical symptoms of GAD.</p></div><div><p>You’ll also challenge unhelpful thoughts that spark and exacerbate your anxiety. For instance, you may overestimate that something terrible will happen and underestimate your ability to cope with a difficult situation. </p></div><div><p>You’ll learn to change your worries into problems you can solve and create actionable plans. </p></div><div><p>As avoidance tends to make anxiety worse, you’ll gradually confront situations and activities that you tend to avoid, such as situations with an uncertain outcome. </p></div><div><p>Lastly, you and your therapist will want to come up with a relapse prevention plan. It’ll include the strategies you’ll continue to practice, along with a list of early warning signs and a plan to effectively navigate those signs. You’ll also identify future goals.</p></div><div><p>Typically, CBT is conducted face-to-face with a therapist. However, <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">research</a></hl-trusted-source> has shown that therapist-supported internet cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is also helpful.</p></div><div><p>ICBT usually involves following a treatment program that’s available online while receiving support from a therapist via calls, text, or email.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy" class="content-link css-150s69f">You can learn more about CBT here.</a></p></div><div><h3>Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)</h3></div><div><p>The second-line treatment for GAD is acceptance and commitment therapy. </p></div><div><p>In ACT, you learn to accept your thoughts without trying to alter or reduce them. </p></div><div><p>ACT also helps you focus on the present moment and your surroundings, as well as take action on your values, instead of letting your anxiety dictate your decisions and your days.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/pro/child-therapist/2019/09/brief-summary-of-the-6-core-processes-of-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act" class="content-link css-150s69f">You can learn more about ACT here.</a></p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="medication">Medications</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Your healthcare provider can prescribe several types of medications to help with your GAD, including:</p></div><div><ul><li>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)</li><li>serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)</li><li>benzodiazepines</li><li>buspirone (BuSpar)</li><li>tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)</li><li>monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)</li><li>atypical <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/antipsychotic-medications#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">antipsychotic medications</a></li><li>other medications used off-label, such as beta-blockers</li></ul></div><div><p>These types of medications are described in more detail below.</p></div><div><p>Keep in mind that many people with GAD don’t respond to the initial medications they try. The next treatment your healthcare provider prescribes will depend on your specific symptoms, treatment history, and preferences.</p></div><div><h3>SSRIs and SNRIs</h3></div><div><p>When it comes to medications, the first-line treatment for GAD is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). </p></div><div><p>These medications are also highly effective for depression, which is important because depression commonly co-occurs with GAD. This means that taking an <a href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/ssri-vs-snri" class="content-link css-150s69f">SSRI or SNRI</a> can decrease symptoms of both conditions.</p></div><div><p>Many experts recommend psychological treatments (often CBT), along with an SSRI or SNRI as the first-line treatment for people with GAD. However, therapy may be tried alone first depending on individual needs and severity of anxiety symptoms.</p></div><div><p>Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of an SSRI. While it varies by individual, you’ll often begin to feel the benefits of the medication in 4 to 6 weeks.</p></div><div><p>If you’re not showing much improvement during that time, your provider will likely increase the dose of the same medication. </p></div><div><p>If that doesn’t seem to help, that medication will be tapered off, and your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a different SSRI or move on to an SNRI.</p></div><div><p>The following SSRIs and SNRIs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating GAD:</p></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/paxil" class="content-link css-150s69f">paroxetine</a> (Paxil)</li><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/lexapro" class="content-link css-150s69f">escitalopram</a> (Lexapro)</li><li>venlafaxine XR (<a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/effexor" class="content-link css-150s69f">Effexor XR</a>)</li><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/cymbalta" class="content-link css-150s69f">duloxetine</a> (Cymbalta)</li></ul></div><div><p>Your provider may prescribe a medication “<a href="https://psychcentral.com/pro/off-label-treatments-for-anxiety-disorders#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">off label</a>,” which can still be effective for treating GAD, even though it hasn’t been FDA approved for that condition. One example is the SSRI <a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/zoloft" class="content-link css-150s69f">sertraline</a> (Zoloft).</p></div><div><p>While the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/coping-with-antidepressant-side-effects" class="content-link css-150s69f">side effects</a> of each SSRI vary, they commonly include:</p></div><div><ul><li>nausea</li><li><a href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/can-stress-cause-diarrhea" class="content-link css-150s69f">diarrhea</a></li><li>weight gain</li><li>sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive, delayed orgasm, or inability to achieve orgasm </li></ul></div><div><p>The side effects of SNRIs may include:</p></div><div><ul><li>nausea</li><li>dizziness</li><li>sedation</li><li>sweating</li><li>constipation</li><li>insomnia</li></ul></div><div><p>If you abruptly stop taking an SSRI or SNRI, or sometimes even if you taper off slowly, these medications can produce <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-discontinuation-syndrome#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">discontinuation syndrome</a>, which can include flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and insomnia.</p></div><div><p>To avoid this syndrome, work with your doctor to taper off the medication at a tolerable rate and keep them informed of any side effects.</p></div><div><h3>Benzodiazepines</h3></div><div><p>Some people may not tolerate the side effects of certain SSRIs, either when first starting the meds or as time goes on. Other people may need faster relief from panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms.</p></div><div><p>If this is the case, your healthcare provider may prescribe a low-dose benzodiazepine for short-term use. Benzodiazepines start working much faster than most medications — within minutes or hours.</p></div><div><p>Though these drugs are highly effective, they’re prescribed more cautiously due to a high potential for tolerance and dependency. They can also cause sedation and mental impairment. </p></div><div><p>In general, it’s now recommended that most people avoid long-term use of benzodiazepines.</p></div><div><p>If you have a history of substance use issues, or begin to notice signs of dependency when taking a benzodiazepine, your healthcare provider may prescribe something else.</p></div><div><p>Possible alternatives include the antihistamine hydroxyzine (Vistaril) or the anticonvulsant pregabalin (Lyrica), along with an SSRI or SNRI.</p></div><div><h3>Buspirone</h3></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/buspar" class="content-link css-150s69f">Buspirone</a> (BuSpar) is another type of FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that’s considered well tolerated and effective.</p></div><div><p>Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone doesn’t cause physiological dependence, but does take longer (about 4 weeks) to take effect.</p></div><div><p>Side effects of buspirone may include:</p></div><div><ul><li>dizziness</li><li>drowsiness</li><li>nausea</li><li>nervousness</li><li>restlessness</li><li>trouble sleeping</li></ul></div><div><h3>TCAs and MAOIs</h3></div><div><p>Another option if you don’t respond to SSRIs or SNRIs are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).</p></div><div><p>For instance, the TCA imipramine (Tofranil) may help people with GAD who don’t also have depression or panic disorder. </p></div><div><p>However, TCAs and MAOIs are older types of antidepressants and are prescribed less often because many people can’t tolerate the side effects. TCAs can also cause <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-discontinuation-syndrome#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">discontinuation syndrome</a>, when you experience side effects while stopping a medication.</p></div><div><p>Plus, overdosing can occur with TCAs and result in an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (damage to your heart muscle).</p></div><div><p>Because of the potential for severe side effects, MAOIs also require dietary restrictions, such as not eating aged cheeses, soy products, or smoked meats. You also have to avoid several medications while taking an MAOI.</p></div><div><h3>Atypical antipsychotic medications</h3></div><div><p>Atypical antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone (Risperdal), may also be prescribed, either alone or in combination with another medication to boost its effects.</p></div><div><p>Side effects of antipsychotics may include:</p></div><div><ul><li>drowsiness</li><li>weight gain</li><li>dizziness</li><li>restlessness</li><li>dry mouth</li><li>constipation</li><li>nausea or vomiting</li><li>low blood pressure</li><li>extrapyramidal symptoms, including tremors, muscle spasms, slower movement, and uncontrollable facial movements like sticking out your tongue or repeatedly blinking</li><li>a reduced number of white blood cells, which may reduce your ability to fight infections</li></ul></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lyrica" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-150s69f">Pregabalin</a> (Lyrica) can also be an effective treatment for GAD. While it’s better tolerated than benzodiazepines, you may still experience tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence.</p></div><div><p>Side effects of pregabalin include:</p></div><div><ul><li>dizziness</li><li>drowsiness</li><li>fatigue</li><li>swelling</li></ul></div><div><p>Long-term use has been associated with weight gain in some people.</p></div><div><h3>Other medications</h3></div><div><p>The antihistamine <a href="https://psychcentral.com/drugs/atarax" class="content-link css-150s69f">hydroxyzine</a> (Atarax) may also be an effective treatment for some. It may have more sedating effects than benzodiazepines and buspirone, making it a good option for treating GAD-related insomnia.</p></div><div><p>Plus, beta-blockers such as propranolol are often prescribed off-label to treat anxiety disorders.</p></div><div><p>Still, beta-blockers and antihistamines are often only taken for anxiety on an as-needed basis or right before an event that may cause anxiety, such as before giving a speech.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline7__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline7__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="home-remedies-lifestyle-changes">Home remedies and lifestyle changes for GAD</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Besides psychotherapy and medications, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes you may want to try to help reduce your GAD symptoms.</p></div><div><p>Many self-care and complementary strategies can be helpful in your overall treatment plan. Often, they’re combined with first-line treatments such as therapy and medications, but don’t usually replace them.</p></div><div><h3>Home remedies</h3></div><div><p>If you want to give certain home remedies such as essential oils or CBD a try, speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure there isn’t a risk of interactions with your current treatments.</p></div><div><h4>Essential oils</h4></div><div><p>Some essential oils may help with anxiety. <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">Research from 2017</a></hl-trusted-source> suggests that lavender oil may have both <a href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/lavender-benefits" class="content-link css-150s69f">anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities</a>. Lavender is often thought to bring on a feeling of calm.</p></div><div><p>Keep in mind that essential oils shouldn’t be ingested. Instead, they can be inhaled (aka aromatherapy) or applied to the skin topically, as long as they’ve been <a href="https://naha.org/index.php/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">diluted</a> with a carrier oil.</p></div><div><h4>CBD oil</h4></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-depression-schizophrenia-adhd-ptsd-anxiety-bipolar-more" class="content-link css-150s69f">CBD oil</a> is derived from the cannabis plant. Some <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">research</a></hl-trusted-source> indicates that it may help ease anxiety, though human studies on its effectiveness to treat GAD are currently lacking. </p></div><div><p><strong>Is CBD Legal?</strong> <em>Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3% <a href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/cbd-vs-thc" class="content-link css-150s69f">THC</a>) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some </em><a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f"><em>state laws</em></a><em>. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.</em></p></div><div><h4>Weighted blanket</h4></div><div><p>Weighted blankets are heavier than regular blankets, weighing between 4 and 30 pounds. They help ground your body, which may reduce anxiety.</p></div><div><p>A <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">2020 review</a></hl-trusted-source> concluded that weighted blankets could help with anxiety, though evidence isn’t strong enough to suggest they help with insomnia.</p></div><div><h3>Lifestyle changes</h3></div><div><h4>Exercise</h4></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-health-benefits-of-daily-exercise#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">Exercise</a> is a significant stress reliever. The key is to participate in physical activities you enjoy, which may be different from day to day.</p></div><div><p>You may try taking a walk, practicing yoga, dancing, or boxing. Any movement at all can help you feel a little bit better.</p></div><div><h4>Breathing techniques</h4></div><div><p>If you notice increased feelings of anxiety, <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-deep-breathing-helps-calm-anxiety" class="content-link css-150s69f">breathing exercises</a> can help you feel grounded. </p></div><div><h4>Meditation and mindfulness</h4></div><div><p>Practicing <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-meditation-helps-anxiety" class="content-link css-150s69f">meditation</a> and mindfulness can help reduce your symptoms of anxiety and GAD. These both teach you to be in the present moment and more mindful of your thoughts and feelings.</p></div><div><h4>Restful sleep</h4></div><div><p>Anxiety can sometimes make it hard to sleep, but sleep deprivation can also trigger anxiety, making you more sensitive to stressors.</p></div><div><p>Focus on creating a bedtime routine that consists of the same 3 or 4 activities that you can do at the same time, in the same sequence every night. Think small activities like listening to a guided meditation, sipping some herbal tea, or reading a few pages of a book. </p></div><div><p>Also, it can help to make your bedroom an inviting, soothing space. Improving your sleep environment and routine can help you feel well-rested and better throughout the day.</p></div><div><h4>Avoid anxiety triggers</h4></div><div><p>Caffeine and other substances can exacerbate anxiety in some people, so it can help to reduce or completely stop drinking coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages. </p></div><div><p>Alcohol and tobacco are other substances that may worsen anxiety. Quitting both drinking and smoking may help reduce anxiety.</p></div><div><p>If you find it difficult to quit on your own, get help by talking with someone you trust, joining a support group, or asking your healthcare provider for advice.</p></div><div><p>As an alternative to caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol, you may want to try sipping on some calming herbal tea. For example, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919316292" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">research</a> has suggested that lavender tea could help ease symptoms of anxiety in older adults.</p></div><div><h4>Self-help books</h4></div><div><p>There are many excellent books on anxiety from seasoned experts, which you can work through while in treatment.</p></div><div><p>Many self-help <a class="content-link css-150s69f sl" href="https://psychcentral.com/reviews/best-books-about-anxiety">anxiety books</a> contain worksheets, tips, and knowledge that can help you manage your anxiety.</p></div><div><h4>Find what calms you</h4></div><div><p>It can be really helpful to make a list of healthy, calming activities and strategies to engage in every day.</p></div><div><p>Everyone is different, so finding what calms you may look different and involve some trial and error.</p></div><div><p>Maybe it’s looking up at the sky, being by water, painting or crafting, going to a park, watching funny movies, dancing around your house, or simply visualizing a safe place.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="preparing-for-your-appointment">How to prepare for your doctor’s appointment </a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>If you’re ready to discuss GAD and possible treatment options with your healthcare provider, it’s vital to be your own advocate.</p></div><div><p>Prepare for your visit by jotting down questions you want to ask. Some examples include:</p></div><div><ul><li>What medications are an option for me?</li><li>What are the side effects of this medication?</li><li>How long will this medication take to work?</li><li>I’m interested in an alternative therapy, are there any interactions I should know about?</li><li>Is there anything I should avoid on this medication or with this therapy?</li><li>What do I do if I experience severe side effects when I start this medication?</li><li>What can I do in a crisis?</li></ul></div><div><p>In other words, bring up anything that concerns you. You deserve to speak up <em>and</em> be heard.</p></div></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div><div class="css-w9ag5x"><div class="css-1xn3edc"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="article-resources" class="css-1l48sh1" role="button"><p class="css-1dxissy"><span class="css-1p6d3md icon-hlvideo-minus"></span><span class="css-1p6d3md icon-hlvideo-plus"></span> <span class="css-1xdhyk6">17 sources</span><span class="sro">collapsed</span></p></div><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-1ugaz02"><ul class="css-1vedeqe"><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.</span><br/></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Anxiety disorders: Quality standard. (2014).</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs53/chapter/Quality-statement-2-Psychological-interventions">https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs53/chapter/Quality-statement-2-Psychological-interventions</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Bazrafshan M-R, et al. (2020). The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919316292">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919316292</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Chen KW, et al. (2012). Meditative therapies for reducing anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718554/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718554/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Eron K, et al. (2020). Weighted blanket use: A systematic review.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Generalized anxiety disorder. (2017).</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Hasheminasab M, et al. (2015). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for generalized anxiety disorder.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4537636/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4537636/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Hoge EA, et al. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for generalized anxiety disorder: Effects on anxiety and stress reactivity.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Katzman MA, et al. (2014). Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120194/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120194/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Malcolm BJ, et al. (2017). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Mental health medications. (2016). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml</span><br/></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Munir S, et al. (2020). Generalized anxiety disorder.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Olthuis JV, et al. (2016). Therapist-supported internet cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in adults. /</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Powers M, et al. (2015). Clinical practice review for GAD. .</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad">https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Strawn JR, et al. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adults and pediatric patients: An evidence-based treatment review.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Terlizz EP, et al. (2020). Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder among adults: United States, 2019.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm">https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Wright M, et al. (2020). Use of cannabidiol for the treatment of anxiety: A short synthesis of pre-clinical and clinical evidence.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/</a></cite></li></ul></div></div><div class="css-1wkzy2"><div class="css-1ytasfq"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-1uhtj6l print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-1uhtj6l facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fanxiety%2Fgeneralized-anxiety-disorder-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper twitter"><a 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They Work|rn0" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/psychotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">If you're looking for therapy to help you manage anxiety, you'll find there are many options to choose from. Here are some top picks and what they're…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/psychotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|10 Types of Therapy for Anxiety and How They Work|rn0" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/psychotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR1" data-ad="true" class="css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR1" data-ad="true" class="css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?|rn1" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/eyes-closed-anxiety-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/eyes-closed-anxiety-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?|rn1" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Marney-White-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Marney A. White, PhD, MS</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?|rn1" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Generalized anxiety disorder often comes on gradually and involves both physical and mental anxiety symptoms. We outline symptoms of GAD and provide…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?|rn1" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo 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click|/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Causes Anxiety?|rn2" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What Causes Anxiety?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/New-Matthew-Boland-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Matthew Boland, PhD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Causes Anxiety?|rn2" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Anxiety disorders are caused by a unique combination of genetics, your environment, important life events, and learned coping patterns.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Causes Anxiety?|rn2" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR2" data-ad="true" class="css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Male_Floor_Meditation_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Male_Floor_Meditation_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Marney-White-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Marney A. White, PhD, MS</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Learning that you have an anxiety disorder may bring relief, more questions, and more worry. The good news? Anxiety disorders are among the most…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Panic Disorder Symptoms" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Female_Looking_Up_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Female_Looking_Up_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Panic Disorder Symptoms</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Akilah-Reynolds-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Akilah Reynolds, PhD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People with panic disorder have feelings of intense fear that strike suddenly and repeatedly without warning. The frequency and severity of panic…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Alternative Treatments for Anxiety|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Alternative Treatments for Anxiety" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/08/mature-woman-amputee-disability-sitting-floor-yoga-mindfulness-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/08/mature-woman-amputee-disability-sitting-floor-yoga-mindfulness-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Alternative Treatments for Anxiety|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Alternative Treatments for Anxiety</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Debra-Rose-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Alternative Treatments for Anxiety|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Medication can be a cornerstone for anxiety treatment. Here are other components that can help fortify self-care.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Alternative Treatments for Anxiety|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/alternative-treatments-for-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/sad-depressed-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/sad-depressed-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TimothyLegg.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Our experts answer candid questions about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to equip your toolbox and set at ease your concerns. </a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|You Want Answers? 10 FAQs About Anxiety|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/frequently-asked-questions-about-generalized-anxiety-disorder?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How Is Panic Disorder Treated?|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="How Is Panic Disorder Treated?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/journal-writing-notebook-alone-home-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/journal-writing-notebook-alone-home-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How Is Panic Disorder Treated?|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">How Is Panic Disorder Treated?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nathan-Greene-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Nathan Greene, PsyD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How Is Panic Disorder Treated?|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Living with panic disorder can be challenging. Read about treatment options for panic disorder, including psychotherapy, medications, and other…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How Is Panic Disorder Treated?|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Overview|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Social Anxiety Overview" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HL_Generic-Thumb.jpeg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HL_Generic-Thumb.jpeg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Overview|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Social Anxiety Overview</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Overview|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People with social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, suffer from an intense fear of becoming humiliated in social situations.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Overview|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-overview?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HL_Generic-Thumb.jpeg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HL_Generic-Thumb.jpeg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Social Anxiety Disorder — formerly known as social phobia — is commonly treated by either psychotherapy or certain types of psychiatric medications.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-treatment;engagement|bottom page content 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She’s especially passionate about helping readers feel less alone and overwhelmed and more empowered. You can connect with Margarita on \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarita-tartakovsky/\"\u003eLinkedIn\u003c/a\u003e, or check out her writing at her \u003ca href=\"https://www.margaritatartakovsky.com/\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/04/Margarita-Tartakovsky-photo.jpg"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Margarita Tartakovsky, MS, has been writing for Psych Central for more than a decade on a wide range of topics. She’s the author of the mental health journal…"]}},{"id":279,"name":{"display":"Susanne Arthur","first":"Susanne","last":"Arthur"},"link":"/authors/susanne-arthur","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"158120","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eSusanne Arthur is a Psych Central editor committed to bringing empathetic, empowering, and evidence-based mental health content to readers worldwide. Having lived with generalized anxiety disorder since childhood, she’s particularly interested in anxiety disorders, depression, suicide prevention, and mental health in children and young adults.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/IMG_7236.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Susanne Arthur is a Psych Central editor committed to bringing empathetic, empowering, and evidence-based mental health content to readers worldwide. Having…"]}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":2821,"name":{"display":"Alex Klein, PsyD","first":"Alex","last":"Klein, PsyD"},"userLogin":"aklein","links":{"website":"http://www.dralexklein.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"164043","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eDr. Alex Klein is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy and assessment. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He works at Kaiser Permanente Oakland and has a private practice. His primary interests include neurodiversity, couples and family therapy, social justice, parenting challenging children, consulting on educational programs, integrative approaches to psychotherapy, and the supervision of graduate students. Dr. Klein loves spending time with family and friends, music, and exploring the outdoors with his wife and twin daughters in the Bay Area.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/200x200_Alex_Klein_mug.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Dr. Alex Klein is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy and assessment. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the…"]}}],"editors":[{"role":"Editor","name":{"display":"Susanne Arthur"}}],"pinterestImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/therapy-732x549-thumbnail.jpg"},"hideFeedback":false,"isMedicare":false,"isBlog":false,"publishSource":"wordpress","isAmpSupported":false,"categories":[{"name":"Uncategorized","slug":"uncategorized","link":"/uncategorized","children":[]}],"language":{"en":"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-treatment/","x-default":"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-treatment/","current":"en"},"lang":"en","links":[],"colorScheme":"default","isContentSeries":false,"brandCTAs":[],"clusterNavLinks":[],"clusterUrls":[],"clusterLinks":{},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-w2pt6r\"\u003eThough talk therapy and medication are first-line treatments for GAD, you may also find relief with certain home remedies and lifestyle changes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD)\u003c/a\u003e is a type of \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eanxiety disorder\u003c/a\u003e that’s treatable, often with a combination of medical and lifestyle tools."},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"But it can be hard to live with excessive, hard to control, and stubborn worry."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Maybe your symptoms \u003ca href=\"https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/anxiety-at-night\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ekeep you up at night\u003c/a\u003e. Maybe the worry arises first thing in the morning as you wake up. Or maybe it feels like you’re rarely worry-free. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"People with GAD experience excessive worry more days than not, sometimes worrying from \u003ca href=\"https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e3 to 10 hours\u003c/a\u003e a day."},{"tagName":"p","source":"But you’re not alone — even though you might sometimes feel like it. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003emore than 15%\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e of people experienced symptoms of GAD in 2019 over a 2-week period."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Whatever the \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ecauses of anxiety\u003c/a\u003e may be, there are many GAD treatments available, along with coping tools that can help you prepare for your next doctor’s appointment."}]},{"id":"psychotherapy","title":"Psychotherapy","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Psychotherapy"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is one of the most effective treatment options for GAD."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are the two most common recommendations."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The first-line treatment and gold standard for treating anxiety is \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eCBT\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"CBT for GAD is a multimodal treatment, meaning that it includes various components that target the different symptoms of the condition — physical, cognitive, and behavioral."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Overall, CBT aims to help you reduce your anxiety and worrisome thoughts, effectively cope with stress, and calm your nervous system. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"You and your therapist will work together on creating a treatment plan that’s best for you. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"CBT typically consists of 8 to 15 hourlong sessions, but the number of sessions depends on the severity of your symptoms, whether you have other co-occurring conditions, and the number of treatment components your therapist will be using. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"CBT often includes homework outside your therapy sessions, so your therapist will ask you to practice different strategies in your day-to-day life and report back."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In CBT, your therapist often starts by educating you about GAD and how it manifests. You’ll also learn to observe and monitor your symptoms. Think of yourself as a scientist who’s studying your thoughts, feelings, and actions, or as a journalist gathering information and trying to identify patterns."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In CBT, you may also learn \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/progressive-muscle-relaxation\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eprogressive muscle relaxation\u003c/a\u003e and other techniques to reduce the physical symptoms of GAD."},{"tagName":"p","source":"You’ll also challenge unhelpful thoughts that spark and exacerbate your anxiety. For instance, you may overestimate that something terrible will happen and underestimate your ability to cope with a difficult situation. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"You’ll learn to change your worries into problems you can solve and create actionable plans. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"As avoidance tends to make anxiety worse, you’ll gradually confront situations and activities that you tend to avoid, such as situations with an uncertain outcome. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Lastly, you and your therapist will want to come up with a relapse prevention plan. It’ll include the strategies you’ll continue to practice, along with a list of early warning signs and a plan to effectively navigate those signs. You’ll also identify future goals."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Typically, CBT is conducted face-to-face with a therapist. However, \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eresearch\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e has shown that therapist-supported internet cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is also helpful."},{"tagName":"p","source":"ICBT usually involves following a treatment program that’s available online while receiving support from a therapist via calls, text, or email."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eYou can learn more about CBT here.\u003c/a\u003e"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The second-line treatment for GAD is acceptance and commitment therapy. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"In ACT, you learn to accept your thoughts without trying to alter or reduce them. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"ACT also helps you focus on the present moment and your surroundings, as well as take action on your values, instead of letting your anxiety dictate your decisions and your days."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/pro/child-therapist/2019/09/brief-summary-of-the-6-core-processes-of-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eYou can learn more about ACT here.\u003c/a\u003e"}]},{"id":"medication","title":"Medication","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Medications"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Your healthcare provider can prescribe several types of medications to help with your GAD, including:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebenzodiazepines\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebuspirone (BuSpar)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eatypical \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/antipsychotic-medications#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eantipsychotic medications\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eother medications used off-label, such as beta-blockers\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"These types of medications are described in more detail below."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Keep in mind that many people with GAD don’t respond to the initial medications they try. The next treatment your healthcare provider prescribes will depend on your specific symptoms, treatment history, and preferences."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"SSRIs and SNRIs"},{"tagName":"p","source":"When it comes to medications, the first-line treatment for GAD is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). "},{"tagName":"p","source":"These medications are also highly effective for depression, which is important because depression commonly co-occurs with GAD. This means that taking an \u003ca href=\"https://www.psychcentral.com/health/ssri-vs-snri\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eSSRI or SNRI\u003c/a\u003e can decrease symptoms of both conditions."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Many experts recommend psychological treatments (often CBT), along with an SSRI or SNRI as the first-line treatment for people with GAD. However, therapy may be tried alone first depending on individual needs and severity of anxiety symptoms."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of an SSRI. While it varies by individual, you’ll often begin to feel the benefits of the medication in 4 to 6 weeks."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re not showing much improvement during that time, your provider will likely increase the dose of the same medication. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"If that doesn’t seem to help, that medication will be tapered off, and your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a different SSRI or move on to an SNRI."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The following SSRIs and SNRIs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating GAD:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/paxil\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eparoxetine\u003c/a\u003e (Paxil)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/lexapro\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eescitalopram\u003c/a\u003e (Lexapro)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003evenlafaxine XR (\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/effexor\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eEffexor XR\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/cymbalta\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eduloxetine\u003c/a\u003e (Cymbalta)\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Your provider may prescribe a medication “\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/pro/off-label-treatments-for-anxiety-disorders#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eoff label\u003c/a\u003e,” which can still be effective for treating GAD, even though it hasn’t been FDA approved for that condition. One example is the SSRI \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/zoloft\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003esertraline\u003c/a\u003e (Zoloft)."},{"tagName":"p","source":"While the \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/coping-with-antidepressant-side-effects\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eside effects\u003c/a\u003e of each SSRI vary, they commonly include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003enausea\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/can-stress-cause-diarrhea\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ediarrhea\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweight gain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esexual problems, such as decreased sex drive, delayed orgasm, or inability to achieve orgasm \u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The side effects of SNRIs may include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003enausea\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esedation\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esweating\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003econstipation\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003einsomnia\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you abruptly stop taking an SSRI or SNRI, or sometimes even if you taper off slowly, these medications can produce \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-discontinuation-syndrome#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ediscontinuation syndrome\u003c/a\u003e, which can include flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and insomnia."},{"tagName":"p","source":"To avoid this syndrome, work with your doctor to taper off the medication at a tolerable rate and keep them informed of any side effects."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Benzodiazepines"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some people may not tolerate the side effects of certain SSRIs, either when first starting the meds or as time goes on. Other people may need faster relief from panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If this is the case, your healthcare provider may prescribe a low-dose benzodiazepine for short-term use. Benzodiazepines start working much faster than most medications — within minutes or hours."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Though these drugs are highly effective, they’re prescribed more cautiously due to a high potential for tolerance and dependency. They can also cause sedation and mental impairment. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"In general, it’s now recommended that most people avoid long-term use of benzodiazepines."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have a history of substance use issues, or begin to notice signs of dependency when taking a benzodiazepine, your healthcare provider may prescribe something else."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Possible alternatives include the antihistamine hydroxyzine (Vistaril) or the anticonvulsant pregabalin (Lyrica), along with an SSRI or SNRI."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Buspirone"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/buspar\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eBuspirone\u003c/a\u003e (BuSpar) is another type of FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that’s considered well tolerated and effective."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone doesn’t cause physiological dependence, but does take longer (about 4 weeks) to take effect."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Side effects of buspirone may include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edrowsiness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enausea\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enervousness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erestlessness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etrouble sleeping\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"TCAs and MAOIs"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Another option if you don’t respond to SSRIs or SNRIs are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For instance, the TCA imipramine (Tofranil) may help people with GAD who don’t also have depression or panic disorder. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, TCAs and MAOIs are older types of antidepressants and are prescribed less often because many people can’t tolerate the side effects. TCAs can also cause \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-discontinuation-syndrome#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ediscontinuation syndrome\u003c/a\u003e, when you experience side effects while stopping a medication."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Plus, overdosing can occur with TCAs and result in an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (damage to your heart muscle)."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Because of the potential for severe side effects, MAOIs also require dietary restrictions, such as not eating aged cheeses, soy products, or smoked meats. You also have to avoid several medications while taking an MAOI."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Atypical antipsychotic medications"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Atypical antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone (Risperdal), may also be prescribed, either alone or in combination with another medication to boost its effects."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Side effects of antipsychotics may include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003edrowsiness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eweight gain\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003erestlessness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edry mouth\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003econstipation\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003enausea or vomiting\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003elow blood pressure\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eextrapyramidal symptoms, including tremors, muscle spasms, slower movement, and uncontrollable facial movements like sticking out your tongue or repeatedly blinking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ea reduced number of white blood cells, which may reduce your ability to fight infections\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lyrica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ePregabalin\u003c/a\u003e (Lyrica) can also be an effective treatment for GAD. While it’s better tolerated than benzodiazepines, you may still experience tolerance, withdrawal, and dependence."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Side effects of pregabalin include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edrowsiness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efatigue\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eswelling\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Long-term use has been associated with weight gain in some people."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Other medications"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The antihistamine \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/drugs/atarax\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ehydroxyzine\u003c/a\u003e (Atarax) may also be an effective treatment for some. It may have more sedating effects than benzodiazepines and buspirone, making it a good option for treating GAD-related insomnia."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Plus, beta-blockers such as propranolol are often prescribed off-label to treat anxiety disorders."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Still, beta-blockers and antihistamines are often only taken for anxiety on an as-needed basis or right before an event that may cause anxiety, such as before giving a speech."}]},{"id":"home-remedies-lifestyle-changes","title":"Home remedies \u0026 lifestyle changes","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Home remedies and lifestyle changes for GAD"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Besides psychotherapy and medications, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes you may want to try to help reduce your GAD symptoms."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Many self-care and complementary strategies can be helpful in your overall treatment plan. Often, they’re combined with first-line treatments such as therapy and medications, but don’t usually replace them."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Home remedies"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you want to give certain home remedies such as essential oils or CBD a try, speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure there isn’t a risk of interactions with your current treatments."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Essential oils"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some essential oils may help with anxiety. \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eResearch from 2017\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e suggests that lavender oil may have both \u003ca href=\"https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/lavender-benefits\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eanti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities\u003c/a\u003e. Lavender is often thought to bring on a feeling of calm."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Keep in mind that essential oils shouldn’t be ingested. Instead, they can be inhaled (aka aromatherapy) or applied to the skin topically, as long as they’ve been \u003ca href=\"https://naha.org/index.php/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ediluted\u003c/a\u003e with a carrier oil."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"CBD oil"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/blog/cbd-oil-for-depression-schizophrenia-adhd-ptsd-anxiety-bipolar-more\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eCBD oil\u003c/a\u003e is derived from the cannabis plant. Some \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eresearch\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e indicates that it may help ease anxiety, though human studies on its effectiveness to treat GAD are currently lacking. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cstrong\u003eIs CBD Legal?\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3% \u003ca href=\"https://www.psychcentral.com/health/cbd-vs-thc\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eTHC\u003c/a\u003e) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e\u003cem\u003estate laws\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.\u003c/em\u003e"},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Weighted blanket"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Weighted blankets are heavier than regular blankets, weighing between 4 and 30 pounds. They help ground your body, which may reduce anxiety."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e2020 review\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e concluded that weighted blankets could help with anxiety, though evidence isn’t strong enough to suggest they help with insomnia."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Lifestyle changes"},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Exercise"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-health-benefits-of-daily-exercise#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eExercise\u003c/a\u003e is a significant stress reliever. The key is to participate in physical activities you enjoy, which may be different from day to day."},{"tagName":"p","source":"You may try taking a walk, practicing yoga, dancing, or boxing. Any movement at all can help you feel a little bit better."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Breathing techniques"},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you notice increased feelings of anxiety, \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-deep-breathing-helps-calm-anxiety\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ebreathing exercises\u003c/a\u003e can help you feel grounded. "},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Meditation and mindfulness"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Practicing \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-meditation-helps-anxiety\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003emeditation\u003c/a\u003e and mindfulness can help reduce your symptoms of anxiety and GAD. These both teach you to be in the present moment and more mindful of your thoughts and feelings."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Restful sleep"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Anxiety can sometimes make it hard to sleep, but sleep deprivation can also trigger anxiety, making you more sensitive to stressors."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Focus on creating a bedtime routine that consists of the same 3 or 4 activities that you can do at the same time, in the same sequence every night. Think small activities like listening to a guided meditation, sipping some herbal tea, or reading a few pages of a book. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Also, it can help to make your bedroom an inviting, soothing space. Improving your sleep environment and routine can help you feel well-rested and better throughout the day."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Avoid anxiety triggers"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Caffeine and other substances can exacerbate anxiety in some people, so it can help to reduce or completely stop drinking coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Alcohol and tobacco are other substances that may worsen anxiety. Quitting both drinking and smoking may help reduce anxiety."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If you find it difficult to quit on your own, get help by talking with someone you trust, joining a support group, or asking your healthcare provider for advice."},{"tagName":"p","source":"As an alternative to caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol, you may want to try sipping on some calming herbal tea. For example, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919316292\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eresearch\u003c/a\u003e has suggested that lavender tea could help ease symptoms of anxiety in older adults."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Self-help books"},{"tagName":"p","source":"There are many excellent books on anxiety from seasoned experts, which you can work through while in treatment."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Many self-help \u003ca class=\"content-link css-150s69f sl\" href=\"https://psychcentral.com/reviews/best-books-about-anxiety\"\u003eanxiety books\u003c/a\u003e contain worksheets, tips, and knowledge that can help you manage your anxiety."},{"tagName":"h4","source":"Find what calms you"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It can be really helpful to make a list of healthy, calming activities and strategies to engage in every day."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Everyone is different, so finding what calms you may look different and involve some trial and error."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Maybe it’s looking up at the sky, being by water, painting or crafting, going to a park, watching funny movies, dancing around your house, or simply visualizing a safe place."}]},{"id":"preparing-for-your-appointment","title":"Preparing for your appointment","isCollapsable":false,"header":["How to prepare for your doctor’s appointment "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"If you’re ready to discuss GAD and possible treatment options with your healthcare provider, it’s vital to be your own advocate."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Prepare for your visit by jotting down questions you want to ask. Some examples include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eWhat medications are an option for me?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eWhat are the side effects of this medication?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHow long will this medication take to work?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eI’m interested in an alternative therapy, are there any interactions I should know about?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIs there anything I should avoid on this medication or with this therapy?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eWhat do I do if I experience severe side effects when I start this medication?\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eWhat can I do in a crisis?\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"In other words, bring up anything that concerns you. You deserve to speak up \u003cem\u003eand\u003c/em\u003e be heard."}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"title":{"tagName":"span","source":"American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association."}},{"displayLink":"nice.org.uk/guidance/qs53/chapter/Quality-statement-2-Psychological-interventions","link":"https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs53/chapter/Quality-statement-2-Psychological-interventions","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Anxiety disorders: Quality standard. (2014)."}},{"displayLink":"sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919316292","link":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919316292","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Bazrafshan M-R, et al. (2020). The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718554/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718554/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Chen KW, et al. (2012). Meditative therapies for reducing anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials."}},{"displayLink":"pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/","link":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32204779/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Eron K, et al. (2020). Weighted blanket use: A systematic review."}},{"displayLink":"nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml","link":"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/generalized-anxiety-disorder.shtml","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Generalized anxiety disorder. (2017)."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4537636/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4537636/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Hasheminasab M, et al. (2015). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for generalized anxiety disorder."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Hoge EA, et al. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation for generalized anxiety disorder: Effects on anxiety and stress reactivity."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120194/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120194/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Katzman MA, et al. (2014). Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Malcolm BJ, et al. (2017). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?"}},{"title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Mental health medications. (2016). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml"}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Munir S, et al. (2020). Generalized anxiety disorder."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077612","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Olthuis JV, et al. (2016). Therapist-supported internet cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in adults. /"}},{"displayLink":"adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad","link":"https://adaa.org/resources-professionals/practice-guidelines-gad","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Powers M, et al. (2015). Clinical practice review for GAD. ."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Strawn JR, et al. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adults and pediatric patients: An evidence-based treatment review."}},{"displayLink":"cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm","link":"https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db378.htm","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Terlizz EP, et al. (2020). Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder among adults: United States, 2019."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7480724/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Wright M, et al. (2020). Use of cannabidiol for the treatment of anxiety: A short synthesis of pre-clinical and clinical evidence."}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":1459,"name":{"display":"Margarita Tartakovsky, MS","first":"Margarita","last":"Tartakovsky, MS"},"link":"/authors/margarita-tartakovsky-ms","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eMargarita Tartakovsky, MS, has been writing for Psych Central for more than a decade on a wide range of topics. She\u0026#8217;s the author of the mental health journal \u0026#8220;Vibe Check: Be Your Best You\u0026#8221; (Sterling Teen). She’s especially passionate about helping readers feel less alone and overwhelmed and more empowered. You can connect with Margarita on \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarita-tartakovsky/\"\u003eLinkedIn\u003c/a\u003e, or check out her writing at her \u003ca href=\"https://www.margaritatartakovsky.com/\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/04/Margarita-Tartakovsky-photo.jpg"}},{"id":279,"name":{"display":"Susanne Arthur","first":"Susanne","last":"Arthur"},"link":"/authors/susanne-arthur","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"158120","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eSusanne Arthur is a Psych Central editor committed to bringing empathetic, empowering, and evidence-based mental health content to readers worldwide. Having lived with generalized anxiety disorder since childhood, she’s particularly interested in anxiety disorders, depression, suicide prevention, and mental health in children and young adults.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/IMG_7236.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":2821,"name":{"display":"Alex Klein, PsyD","first":"Alex","last":"Klein, PsyD"},"userLogin":"aklein","links":{"website":"http://www.dralexklein.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"164043","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eDr. Alex Klein is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy and assessment. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. He works at Kaiser Permanente Oakland and has a private practice. His primary interests include neurodiversity, couples and family therapy, social justice, parenting challenging children, consulting on educational programs, integrative approaches to psychotherapy, and the supervision of graduate students. Dr. Klein loves spending time with family and friends, music, and exploring the outdoors with his wife and twin daughters in the Bay Area.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/200x200_Alex_Klein_mug.png"}}],"id":"psy-9514","updateReason":[],"editor":"Susanne Arthur","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2019-06-03":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Margarita Tartakovsky, MS and John M. Grohol, Psy.D.","medicallyReviewedBy":"Scientific Advisory Board"},"2021-01-26":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Margarita Tartakovsky, MS, Susanne Arthur","editor":"Susanne Arthur","copyEditor":"Jamie Elmer","medicallyReviewedBy":"Alex Klein, PsyD"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1611619200,"display":"January 26, 2021"},"published":{"date":1559552934,"display":"June 3, 2019"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1611619200,"display":"January 26, 2021"},"modified":{"date":1675361499,"display":"February 2, 2023"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"isCorp":false,"isReference":false,"isPremiumVideo":false,"isStandaloneVideo":false,"isStandaloneRecipe":false,"schemaObj":{"@context":"https://schema.org","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Psych Central","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://images-prod.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/frontend-static/psychcentral-logo@2x.png"}},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","headline":"How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)","description":"There are many ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Typically, the most effective treatment incorporates both talk therapy and medication, but some home remedies and lifestyle changes may also help.","keywords":"anxiety treatment","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Margarita Tartakovsky, MS"},"lastReviewed":"2021-01-26T00:00:00Z","url":"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-treatment","datePublished":"2019-06-03T09:08:54Z","dateModified":"2021-01-26T00:00:00Z","articleSection":"Uncategorized","correction":{"@type":"CorrectionComment","text":"","datePublished":"2021-01-26"},"reviewedBy":"Alex Klein, PsyD","thumbnail":["https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/therapy-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg"]},"hero":{}}},"ampLibs":{},"scrollArticles":[{"title":["10 Types of Therapy for Anxiety and How They Work"],"text":["If you're looking for therapy to help you manage anxiety, you'll find there are many options to choose from. 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A single mother by choice, Leah is an adoptive and foster mom to four biological siblings who spent way too much of their life apart. She\u0026#8217;s the author of the books “\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17780419\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSingle Infertile Female\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e” and \u0026#8220;\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53928321\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Story of My Open Adoption\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u0026#8221; and has written extensively on the topics of mental health, adoption, and parenting. You can connect with Leah via \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/LeahCampbellWrites\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFacebook\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, her \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.leahcampbellwrites.com/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, and \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/LeahWritesStuff\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTwitter\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/04/Campbell16_0052-PNG.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?"],"text":["Generalized anxiety disorder often comes on gradually and involves both physical and mental anxiety symptoms. We outline symptoms of GAD and provide…"],"link":"/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms","imageAlt":"What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/eyes-closed-anxiety-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Marney A. White, PhD, MS","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Marney-White-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":4148,"name":{"display":"John M. Grohol, Psy.D.","first":"John M.","last":"Grohol, Psy.D."},"userLogin":"grohol","links":{"website":"http://psychcentral.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/john-m-grohol-psy-d","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eDr. Grohol is a Boston-area mental health professional, technologist, published author, and expert in online behavior. He’s been a pioneer in Internet mental health, indexing Internet resources since 1992 and on the web at Psych Central since 1995 until its sale to Healthline in August 2020. Dr. Grohol was the founder of Psych Central and continues publishing the trade publication \u003ca href=\"https://www.nepsy.com/\"\u003eNew England Psychologist\u003c/a\u003e. He also sits on the scientific board of the journal Computers in Human Behavior.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","src":""}},{"id":279,"name":{"display":"Susanne Arthur","first":"Susanne","last":"Arthur"},"userLogin":"sarthur","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/susanne-arthur","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"158120","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eSusanne Arthur is a Psych Central editor committed to bringing empathetic, empowering, and evidence-based mental health content to readers worldwide. Having lived with generalized anxiety disorder since childhood, she’s particularly interested in anxiety disorders, depression, suicide prevention, and mental health in children and young adults.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/IMG_7236.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What Causes Anxiety?"],"text":["Anxiety disorders are caused by a unique combination of genetics, your environment, important life events, and learned coping patterns."],"link":"/anxiety/causes-of-anxiety-disorders","imageAlt":"What Causes Anxiety?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/Pool_Overhead_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Matthew Boland, PhD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/New-Matthew-Boland-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":4947,"name":{"display":"Courtney Telloian","first":"Courtney","last":"Telloian"},"userLogin":"ctelloian","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/courtney-telloian","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eCourtney Telloian is a former editor, now a writer, for Psych Central. She has a passion for connecting to people by writing about mental health. She previously reached thousands of readers as an editor for GoodTherapy, an online therapist directory. She is a proponent of the idea that mental health is a topic for everyone, and she seeks to spread this message by creating educational and empathetic content.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Professional-Portrait-Courtney.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief"],"text":["Learning that you have an anxiety disorder may bring relief, more questions, and more worry. The good news? Anxiety disorders are among the most…"],"link":"/anxiety/living-with-an-anxiety-disorder","imageAlt":"Living with an Anxiety Disorder: Home Remedies for Relief","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Male_Floor_Meditation_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Marney A. 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The frequency and severity of panic…"],"link":"/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms","imageAlt":"Panic Disorder Symptoms","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Female_Looking_Up_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Akilah Reynolds, PhD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Akilah-Reynolds-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":4945,"name":{"display":"Christina Ward","first":"Christina","last":"Ward"},"userLogin":"cward","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/christina-ward","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eChristina Ward is an award-winning multimedia professional and passionate health and wellness advocate. Her content has reached millions and has been instrumental in helping users make informed healthcare decisions that positively impact their lives and their health.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":400,"height":400,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/CWard-Profile-Pic-3.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["Alternative Treatments for Anxiety"],"text":["Medication can be a cornerstone for anxiety treatment. 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