Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
If you worry excessively about everyday activities, events, or situations, it could be a warning sign of something more serious, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
At Hanley Center, we offer personalized GAD treatment plans to help you overcome anxiety, manage triggers, and reclaim a peaceful, balanced life.
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
What Exactly Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mood disorder that causes constant and uncontrollable worry. If symptoms occur on most days for six months or longer, your healthcare provider can make a clinical diagnosis.
Everyday worries about your health, money, family, or work can be problematic if they interfere with daily functioning.
GAD vs. Normal Anxiety: Recognizing the Difference
Here’s a quick way to tell the difference between GAD and normal anxiety:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
GAD causes persistent and excessive worry that negatively impacts your life every day. These emotions are difficult to control, even if you know they are more intense than the situation dictates. - Anxiety
Normal anxiety is a natural and temporary response to specific stressors, events, or challenges. These emotions are in proportion to the situation and can be safely managed using coping mechanisms.
What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
The most common signs and symptoms of GAD are:
- Being easily startled
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty making decisions
- Headaches
- Hot flashes and sweating
- Inability to relax, focus, or concentrate
- Increased urination
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
- Tense muscles, twitching, or trembling
How GAD Affects Daily Life
If you or a loved one struggles with GAD, it can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry and fear. Those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder often describe it as a constant feeling of impending doom, even when no rational reason to worry exists.
The Connection Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
Self-Medication: Why People with GAD Turn to Substances
People with GAD struggle with severe anxiety symptoms every day. Many turn to substances like alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs to find temporary relief and relaxation.
The Vicious Cycle: How Substance Use Can Worsen Anxiety Symptoms
Unfortunately, while substance use may help alleviate symptoms in the short term, it can worsen them over time. Substances like alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs can alter the brain’s chemistry, creating an imbalance. This imbalance contributes to anxiety disorders and worsening symptoms.
Common Substances Used to Cope with Anxiety
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Cigarettes
- Illicit drugs
- Prescribed drugs
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Co-Occurring GAD and SUD
GAD and SUD can have overlapping symptoms. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent feelings of restlessness
- Increased irritability or anger
- Impaired focus and concentration
- Increased and persistent fatigue
- Recurrent headaches, stomachaches, nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Withdraw from social interactions and activities
- Increased substance use (e.g., dosage or frequency)
- Poor performance at school or work
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Causes and Risk Factors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The Role of Genetics: Is There a Family History of Anxiety?
Research suggests that genetics do play a significant role in GAD, with about one-third of the risk being inherited if close family members also struggle with excessive worry.
Brain Chemistry: Understanding Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Several neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain affect anxiety symptoms. Here’s an explanation of the common neurotransmitters impacting anxiety and why it happens:
- Norepinephrine
This neurotransmitter is involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response, arousal, and alertness. Excessive norepinephrine activity is linked to increased anxiety symptoms and panic responses. - Serotonin
Serotonin is a ‘feel-good hormone’ involved in mood regulation and emotional stability. Serotonin levels that are too high or too low can contribute to anxiety disorders. - Dopamine
Dopamine is another ‘feel-good hormone.’ This neurotransmitter is involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure. Dopamine imbalances can potentially influence anxiety symptoms. - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
GABA is responsible for producing a calming effect by dampening neural activity. Low GABA levels are linked to worry, fear, and difficulty relaxing, which are common in anxiety disorders like GAD.
Environmental Factors: Stress, Trauma, and Early Life Experiences
Significant life changes (e.g., divorce, career changes, death of a spouse) or traumatic experiences (e.g., abuse, neglect, loss) can alter brain function and increase stress hormone levels like cortisol and adrenaline.
These factors also disrupt your emotional stability, increasing the risk of GAD and other anxiety disorders, especially for those with a family history of mood disorders.
The Impact of Chronic Illnesses and Medical Conditions
Research suggests GAD often co-occurs with the following chronic illnesses and medical conditions:
- Migraines
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Coronary heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
Generalized anxiety disorder can also occur alongside other mental health disorders, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. The most common include:
- Phobias
- Panic disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Substance use disorder
Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Comprehensive Assessment
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
GAD can seriously impact your physical and mental health, leading to impairments in memory, concentration, daily functioning, work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms often overlap with other mood disorders, leading many mental health professionals to believe it is often under or misdiagnosed.
A comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis ensure patients receive appropriate and personalized generalized anxiety disorder treatment, leading to better therapeutic outcomes, reduced symptom severity, and decreased risk for complications (e.g., depression or substance use disorders).
Diagnostic Criteria for GAD: What Mental Health Professionals Look For
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the diagnostic criterion for GAD include:
- You have excessive anxiety and worry that occurs more often than not for six months or more.
- Your worry is challenging to control and may easily shift from one topic to another.
- Your anxiety and worry are accompanied by at least three of the following (only one is required for children and young adolescents):
Ruling Out Other Conditions: Differentiating GAD from Other Anxiety Disorders
Symptoms of GAD often overlap with other mood disorders, making it difficult to diagnose.
A key feature of GAD is persistent, noncontrollable, and excessive worry about a range of everyday activities, events, and situations.
To differentiate GAD from other mood or anxiety disorders, your doctor or other healthcare professional may conduct a comprehensive evaluation and rule out other disorders one at a time.
Screening for Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
Screening mood disorder patients for a co-occurring substance use disorder is a necessary step to ensure they receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The following dual diagnosis tools are commonly used to screen, assess, and diagnose co-occurring disorders in individuals:
- Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
- Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)
- Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT)
- Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM)
- Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)
- Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-900R)
Effective Treatment Approaches for Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Hanley Center
Individual Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and More
Generalized anxiety disorder can be a long-term condition for some. However, many people improve with treatment like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT treatment for GAD can last between ten and 20 sessions and may include the following interventions:
- Relaxation training
- Relaxation breathing techniques
- Cognitive restructuring (e.g., learning new, effective ways to think about challenging situations).
- Mindfulness training (e.g., staying in the present moment)
- Exposure therapy (e.g., confronting fears in a safe and controlled environment)
- Problem-solving training (e.g., learning new skills to manage stress effectively)
Group Therapy: Finding Support and Connection with Others
Group therapy sessions, led by a trained therapist, help you identify negative thoughts and replace them with healthier, more realistic ones. Benefits of group therapy for generalized anxiety disorder include:
- Emotional validation (e.g., connecting with others who have shared experiences)
- Improved communication skills
- Accountability and encouragement
- Support for triggers
- Relapse prevention strategies for SUDs (if appropriate)
Personalized Medication: Support for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
For individuals living with generalized anxiety disorder, medication can be a valuable tool in managing persistent worry and physical symptoms.
At Hanley Center, our experienced psychiatric team offers individualized medication management tailored to each person’s needs and treatment goals. Our clinicians closely monitor each patient’s progress, making careful adjustments as needed to ensure maximum benefit with minimal side effects.
When combined with therapy and holistic care, medication can play a key role in helping individuals achieve greater calm, clarity, and emotional stability.
Comprehensive Residential Mental Health Care—Even Without Addiction
At Hanley Center, we understand that not every mental health journey involves substance use.
That’s why we offer a stand-alone, boutique Residential Mental Health Program designed specifically for individuals seeking stabilization, healing, and support for conditions like:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- And more
In a serene, structured environment, patients receive evidence-based therapy, psychiatric support, and holistic care tailored to their unique needs—without the presence of addiction.
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or struggling with ongoing mental health symptoms, our dedicated team is here to help you reclaim balance, strength, and peace of mind.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are often interconnected. Our specialists are specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders and several types of addiction together to ensure the best possible health outcome. Benefits of dual diagnosis treatment for generalized anxiety disorder include:
- Increased chance of successful recovery
- Improved coping skills and overall mental health
- Improved physical, mental, and spiritual health
- Improved control and quality of life
- Increased motivation to achieve recovery goals
Holistic Therapies: Promoting Overall Well-Being and Long-Term Recovery
The doctors and mental health professionals at Hanley Center take a holistic approach to health and well-being. That means we focus on your overall physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness.
We offer several recreational and experiential therapies to help you develop the knowledge, life skills, and behaviors that support healthy recovery:
- Adventure and outdoor pursuits
- Trust activities
- Guided morning stretch
- Cooperative games
- Beach experiences
- Problem-solving initiatives
The Hanley Center Difference: A Personalized Path to Recovery from GAD and Addiction
Our Experienced and Compassionate Team of Professionals
Healing begins with personalized support. Hanley Center’s personalized approach combines expert care with compassion, helping you find balance and long-term wellness.
Contact our admissions team today and take the first step toward recovery and long-lasting wellness.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches: Proven Strategies for Success
Our evidence-based programs include residential, transitional, and outpatient treatment plans and a comprehensive mental health program to ensure our patients receive comprehensive care and optimal health outcomes. Our generalized anxiety disorder treatment approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Center for Brain Recovery
- Trauma Therapies
- Motivational Interviewing
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- 12-Step Immersion for Recovery
- Experiential Therapy
- Spiritual Care Services
- Continuing Care
- Family Program
A Supportive and Healing Environment: Creating a Safe Space for Recovery
At Hanley Center, our expert therapists provide a safe, healing space where you can recover and regain control of your life. With highly personalized care and proven strategies, we help you build resilience and lasting confidence.
Long-Term Aftercare Planning: Ensuring Continued Success and Relapse Prevention
We know recovery from mood disorders and substance use disorders is lifelong. That’s why we offer personalized continuing care services to help you thrive long after treatment ends.
Call 561.841.1033 today to get started.
Hanley Center: Most Insurance Accepted
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Address: 933 45th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
