Which medications are used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

If you’re struggling with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), you may be wondering about what medication options are available. Dr. Holly Betterly MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Weston, FL, provides an overview of GAD and the medications used to treat it.

This post is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions, always reach out to your doctor for more information.

Struggling with your mental health? Reach out for professional support. Dr. Betterly is a board-certified psychiatrist in Weston, FL dedicated to helping you overcome depression, anxiety, and OCD. She offers appointments at her office in Weston, FL, conveniently located in Weston Town Center, as well as via telehealth for patients across Florida. Request an appointment today to start your journey to better mental health.

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What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Which medications are used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Everyone experiences feelings of nervousness or worry from time to time- just like any other emotion, occasional anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. It’s common to feel nervous when you are faced with a stressful situation, such as a job interview, a big presentation at work, final exams, or a first date. The feelings of anxiety that come up in response to a specific stressor are usually temporary, and go away once the stressful event is over.

If you find that you are experiencing anxiety that is constant or persistent, or worries about many different aspects of your life, you could be experiencing an anxiety disorder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, also known as the DSM-5, provides diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders. You can think of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a list of the specific symptoms caused by each mental health condition. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria are used by mental health professionals, such as psychiatrist and psychologists, in determining a formal psychiatric diagnosis.

There are many different anxiety disorders included in the DSM-5, with one of the most common anxiety disorders being Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Around 1 in 20 adults in the US experience GAD at some point in their life.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for GAD in adults can be summarized as:

• Worry and anxiety that are:

  • Excessive

  • Present most days over a period of at least six months

  • About multiple different events or activities (such as work, school, relationships, global events)

  • Difficult to control

• Three or more of the following symptoms must also be present:

  • Feeling on-edge or restless

  • Easily worn-out or tired

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Muscle tension

  • Sleep problems (trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep, or unsatisfying sleep)

• The symptoms are significantly distressing, or limit your ability to function in your day to day life

• The symptoms are not due to the effects of a substance (like drugs, alcohol, or medications) or a medical condition (like hyperthyroidism)

• The symptoms are not better explained by a different mental health condition (like social anxiety disorder or panic disorder)

If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out to a board-certified psychiatrist for further evaluation of your symptoms. Remember, only a licensed mental health professional can provide a formal diagnosis.

Which medications are used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

When it comes to choosing a medication to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder, there are many different options available. These medications come in many different forms, but are often prescribed as a tablet or pill to be taken by mouth. They are usually taken on a consistent daily basis. They can take some time to kick in, meaning that you won’t necessarily see an improvement in your anxiety right away. Many patients can expect to see a gradual improvement in their symptoms over the course of about 4 to 6 weeks, although this varies from one person to another. These medications are available by prescription only, and must be taken under the supervision of your doctor.

Some of the most common medications used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine and escitalopram

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine

• Buspirone

Many of the medications used to treat GAD are prescribed on an “off-label” basis. This means that they have been approved by the FDA for treating other conditions, such as Major Depressive Disorder, but not specifically for treating GAD.

Other medications may be prescribed to provide short term, immediate relief from anxiety. Rather than being taken on a consistent daily basis, these medications may be taken only on an “as needed” basis. As-needed medications can provide quick relief in moments when anxiety symptoms may be more severe, but the effects are short-lived. These “as-needed” medications may include benzodiazepines or hydroxyzine.

If you’re interested in learning more about the medications used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder, reach out to your psychiatrist. They can help you to determine if medications may be an appropriate option for you and your unique health circumstances. Remember, medications are not the only option when it comes to treating GAD. Therapy can also be effective at improving symptoms of anxiety, and is often used in combination with medications. Your psychiatrist can help you to develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs and preferences.