Treatment for 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 common anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, excessive worry that feels difficult to control. Individuals with GAD often experience anxiety most days of the week, even when there is no immediate threat or clear reason for concern. To receive a formal diagnosis, symptoms typically persist for six months or longer. Many patients report living with chronic anxiety for years before seeking professional anxiety treatment.

Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder often experience ongoing worry about multiple areas of life, including finances, work, relationships, health, and family responsibilities. Even when one concern improves, another source of anxiety may quickly take its place. Without proper anxiety treatment, this cycle of worry can become emotionally exhausting and difficult to manage alone.

How Common is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects approximately 7 million adults in the United States, or roughly 3% of the adult population. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience GAD, making access to effective anxiety treatment especially important for long-term mental wellness.

What are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety?

An anxiety specialist may evaluate several emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms when diagnosing GAD, including:

• Persistent and excessive worry that feels difficult to control, even in everyday situations.
• Difficulty managing anxious thoughts or stopping repetitive worry. Ongoing anxiety related to multiple life stressors, with worries frequently shifting from one concern to another.
• Anxiety symptoms interfering with work performance, school, relationships, or everyday activities.

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

Our team provides personalized anxiety treatment plans designed to help individuals manage generalized anxiety disorder symptoms and improve daily life. Treatment options may include:

Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders.
• CBT helps patients identify negative thought patterns, build coping skills, and better manage anxiety symptoms over time.

Medication Management for Anxiety Disorders

• Anxiety medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed by a doctor to help reduce persistent anxiety symptoms.
• These medications can provide consistent symptom relief and support emotional stability throughout the day.
• Short-term medications, including beta blockers and benzodiazepines, may be used for temporary symptom relief when clinically appropriate.
• In some cases, providers may recommend a combination of daily medication and short-term support medication for breakthrough anxiety symptoms.

Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment Plans

Combining therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support often provides the best long-term outcomes for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Your anxiety treatment plan will be personalized to address your symptoms, goals, and overall mental health needs.

When to See a Generalized Anxiety Disorder Specialist

You should consider scheduling an evaluation with an anxiety specialist or generalized anxiety disorder doctor if you 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 In-Person and Online Anxiety Treatment Appointments?

Yes. We provide both in-person and secure virtual anxiety treatment appointments, making it easier for patients to access care wherever they are.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Anxiety Treatment?

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, our experienced team provides compassionate, evidence-based anxiety treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.

• 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.