GAD is characterized by intense, excessive anxiety and extreme concerns over ordinary life occurrences for no cause. People suffering from GAD continually anticipate some catastrophe and cannot stop worrying about their money, health, family, etc. Unnecessary stress may cause people to avoid their job, family gatherings, and other social events that may trigger or aggravate their symptoms. Treatment for general anxiety disorder in Alexandria with your therapist helps you to examine your thoughts, talk about the issue, and develop better anxiety coping abilities.
The first step to recovery starts with some serious self-reflection. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's time to connect with your general anxiety therapist.
Similar to many mental health issues, generalized anxiety disorder is likely the result of a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors, which may include:
Here are the key mental health services we provide:
The precise causes of generalized anxiety disorder are unknown. It seems to be affected by various factors, such as heredity, brain chemistry, and environmental pressures.
Genetics- According to some studies, a person's family history may increase the likelihood of developing GAD. It implies that there may be a genetic component to the development of GAD. However, no gene for anxiety has been found, and families may potentially pass on the propensity through the environment or way of life.
Mind chemistry- It can be challenging. Problems with anxiety or mood may stem from dysfunctional neural connections connecting certain brain regions. GAD has been associated with specific nerve cell connections between certain brain regions involved in thinking and emotion. These connections between nerve cells rely on substances known as neurotransmitters, which convey information from one nerve cell to the next. The signaling between circuits may be enhanced by drugs, psychotherapies, or other treatments that affect these neurotransmitters, reducing feelings of anxiety or depression.
Environmental elements- GAD may be exacerbated by traumatic and stressful life events, including abuse, divorce, losing a loved one, or changing professions or educational institutions. When tension feels out of control, the illness may also deteriorate. Anxiety can also get worse with the use of and withdrawal from addictive substances (such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine).
Cognitive behavioral therapy- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats generalized anxiety disorder. It addresses negative patterns and distortions in your view of the world and yourself. The basic assumption of CBT is that your thoughts—not external events—affect how you feel. Our general anxiety therapists assist you in recognizing these negative thoughts and pave the way towards learning coping skills and transforming your mindset to improve the quality of your life.
Exposure therapy- Exposure therapy for general anxiety is a behavioral therapy typically used to help people with phobias and anxiety disorders. It involves a person facing what they fear, whether it's an imaginary life or a real life, but under the guidance of a trained general anxiety therapist in a secure environment. According to EBBP.org, approximately 60 to 90 percent of people have no symptoms or mild symptoms of their initial anxiety condition after completing their exposure therapy.
Acceptance and commitment therapy- Acceptance and commitment therapy aims to ease the struggle to control anxious thoughts and increase involvement in meaningful actions that align with desired life goals. It highlights acceptance as a way to deal with harmful thoughts, emotions, signs, or circumstances & also encourages increased commitment to a healthy & healing journey.
Peer support- Peer support programs allow people who have achieved considerable healing through general anxiety disorder treatment to assist others in their recovery journeys. Peer specialists encourage recovery, enhance hope and network through role modeling and activation, and supplement existing general anxiety disorder treatment with teaching and empowerment.
Read our exhaustive list of resources to learn more about general anxiety issues and related therapy.