Question

what is the medication needed for generalized anxiety disorder and important teachings about generalized anxiety medications

Answer 1

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things.

Causes of and risk factors for GAD may include: a family history of anxiety. recent or prolonged exposure to stressful situations, including personal or family illnesses. excessive use of caffeine or tobacco, which can make existing anxiety worse.

Signs and Symptoms of GAD

• Feeling nervous, irritable, or on edge
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation), sweating, and/or trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Difficulty concentrating
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.

Medications :-

Several types of medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including those below.

• Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are the first line medication treatments. Examples of antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).
• Buspirone. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be used on an ongoing basis. As with most antidepressants, it typically takes up to several weeks to become fully effective.
• Benzodiazepines. In limited circumstances, the doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine for relief of anxiety symptoms.

Health teaching about GAD medications

Educate the patients that these sedatives for GAD are generally used only for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis. Because they can be habit-forming, these medications aren't a good choice if you have or had problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

Reinforce the patients for self-directed approaches such as education from reliable sources, relaxation techniques, stress reduction, and exercise as ways to reduce tension and stress.

Rapport and good communication should also be developed and continued to develop a therapeutic alliance.

Effective strategies for GAD rely on patient engagement with whatever therapeutic modality is used. However, no medication magic bullet will heal GAD. Patients must be actively engaged with the process.