Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Overview

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that disrupts daily functioning – affecting work, school, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Effective treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs/SNRIs, are available and can significantly reduce generalized anxiety symptoms.
• Working with anxiety disorder doctors to develop a personalized treatment plan, combining therapy and medication when needed, is crucial for addressing individual needs and achieving long-term symptom management.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder where individuals struggle with excessive worry, most days of the week, and the degree to which they worry is out of proportion to their stressor(s). Symptoms must have persisted for the last 6 + months to make the diagnosis. With that said, many individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder will report that they’ve struggled with Anxiety daily –  “for as long as I can remember.”

Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder will worry about several different stressors. For example, they may worry about finances, relationships, work, health and their families. Just when they seem to get control over one stressor, they may start worrying about something new. This can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing, especially if the individual has been working to control their anxiety about a specific topic.

How Common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects about 7 million people in the US, representing about 3% of the adult population. Women are twice as likely to suffer from GAD than men.

What are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety?

To identify generalized anxiety disorder, consider these factors:

• Excessive worry and distress, beyond what “most” would experience given the same stressors.
• An inability to control one’s anxiety.
• Worrying about several different topics or types of stressors, and a sense that once stress from one topic decreases, another tends to take over.
• Anxiety and its symptoms affecting one’s academic, work, social life and relationships.

Physical Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety may include:

• Increased heart rate, palpitations
• Gastrointestinal Distress (diarrhea, constipation, bloating)
• Shaking, trembling, twitching
• The feeling of shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
  • If this occurs, be sure to have a medical evaluation.
• Nausea or even vomiting due to stress
• Headaches
• Muscle Tension
• Fear of Losing control or “going crazy.”
• Others

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatments

We offer a range of effective treatment options for GAD, tailored to your individual needs:

Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven non-medication approach.
• CBT helps develop coping strategies to manage anxiety symptoms.

Medication Management

• Daily medications like SSRIs and SNRIs can effectively manage GAD symptoms for many patients.
• These medications can offer consistent symptom control throughout the day.
• “As needed” medications such as Benzodiazepines can provide temporary relief, but are generally not recommended for long term use.
• Clinicians may prescribe daily medication along with a “rescue” medication for breakthrough anxiety, for the appropriate patient.

Integrated Approach

• Combining therapy and medication often provides the most effective long-term results.
• A comprehensive treatment plan will be created based on your specific needs.

When to Seek Professional Help for Generalized Anxiety

We recommend that individuals schedule a psychiatric evaluation for generalized anxiety disorders if they experience:

• Symptoms interfering with academic or occupational life
• Symptoms interfering with social life or relationships
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Symptoms affecting sleep, focus, energy or libido
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Crying episodes
• Difficulty being present with friends or loved ones.
• Using poor coping mechanisms (gambling, alcohol or substance use, self-injurious behavior)
• Feelings of depression due to anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
  • If you have suicidal thoughts, call 911 or 988. Do not wait for an appointment.

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of GAD.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we provide exceptional Generalized Anxiety Disorder treatment through our team of highly qualified professionals and patient-centered approach, including:

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: Accurate GAD diagnosis via detailed evaluations.
• Personalized Treatment: Tailored care plans for unique anxiety needs.
• Board-Certified Professionals: Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
• Highly Qualified Therapists: Licensed and Doctoral-Level Psychologists.
• Academic Excellence: We have providers with teaching experience at renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania.
• Comprehensive Care: Expertise in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Accessible Appointments: Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• Flexible Options: In-office and online virtual appointments.
• Inclusive Environment: Our providers are welcoming to all individuals.