On November 30, 2009, the manufacturer of Cymbalta, Eli Lilly and Company, announced that Cymbalta received FDA approval for maintenance generalized anxiety disorder treatment in adults. Cymbalta is the brand name for duloxetine HCl. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

Cymbalta had been previously used as an acute generalized anxiety disorder treatment in adults. Now, a clinical trial has shown that Cymbalta is also a safe and effective maintenance treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Since this anxiety disorder can be a long-lasting, chronic condition, a new treatment option is considered possibly beneficial for those who may not be happy with the results of their current treatment methods.

Using Cymbalta for generalized anxiety disorder helps reduce the anxiety symptoms and increase the individual’s ability to function normally. In addition to using Cymbalta for anxiety, Cymbalta is used to treat major depression, fibromyalgia, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Possible Cymbalta side effects include diarrhea, headaches, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue. The exact way that Cymbalta works in not understood, but this is not uncommon among many psychoactive medications.

Other generalized anxiety disorder treatment methods include antidepressant medication, BuSpar, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is focus on changing thought processes and behavior. A patient receiving cognitive behavioral therapy will often form and work on completing treatment goals. It is a proactive type of therapy.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a fairly common psychiatric condition. Nearly seven million Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms impair the person’s ability to function socially and occupationally.

In addition to therapy and prescribed medication, the person with generalized anxiety disorder may help the condition by living a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, regular sleep routine, relaxation techniques, and exercise. Kava, vitamin B, folic acid, and valerian are alternative medications for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder.

Lifestyle changes and alternative medicines for generalized anxiety disorder do not necessarily eliminate the symptoms. A person should not stop taking prescribed medication without first discussing the treatment with the physician or psychiatrist.

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.