Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychiatric condition that causes the person to become overwhelmed with anxiety or thoughts of worry. A person who has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder has experienced anxiety or worrying most days for at least six months.

Even though it may take some time, effective treatment can alleviate the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. In addition to the anxiety and worry, other symptoms that may need to be treated are sleep disturbances, muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability.

There are two main components of generalized anxiety disorder treatment. A combination of prescription medication and therapy has been beneficial for many people with generalized anxiety disorder.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication may be used for treating generalized anxiety disorder. Some of the antidepressants commonly used are Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro. Buspar is an anti-anxiety medication that is sometimes used with the antidepressants.

Sedating medications known as benzodiazepines were more commonly used for anxiety in the past, but are rarely used now. These medications can cause problems with addiction and withdrawal. Therefore, when they are used, they are typically only used temporarily. Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin are examples of benzodiazepines that are sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

For people who are having difficulty sleeping, the doctor may prescribe a sleep medication to help them get back on a regular sleeping routine. Like the benzodiazepines, these medications are often only prescribed temporarily until the person is able to get sufficient sleep on their own. Ambien is commonly used to treat sleep disturbances related to anxiety disorders.

Different types of therapy may be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common approach. A person with generalized anxiety disorder is plagued with worry, anxiety, and negative thoughts. The person will often isolate and have other behavior that is not beneficial to emotional wellbeing.

The cognitive behavioral therapy helps the person replace negative thoughts and anxiety with positive thoughts based on reality. Behaviors that are helpful are used to replace behaviors that may have made the person’s condition worse.

Home treatment for generalized anxiety disorder includes exercising regularly and doing relaxation techniques for stress management and anxiety reduction. Both exercise and relaxation can alleviate anxiety. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and establishing a regular sleep routine are other home remedies for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder.