Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Finding Daily Serenity

Recognizing GAD

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worries, difficult to control, lasting more than 6 months and concerning several areas of life (work, health, family, finances). It is accompanied by physical symptoms: muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating.

Psychotherapeutic Solutions

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment. It teaches how to identify anxious thoughts, question them, and adopt more appropriate behaviors. Efficacy equal to or greater than medication in the long term.

Medication Solutions

• SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) or SNRIs (venlafaxine): long-term treatment
• Buspirone: non-sedating alternative
• Benzodiazepines: to be reserved for acute crises, short-term (addiction risk)
• Hydroxyzine: for mild anxiety

Anti-Anxiety Lifestyle

Regular physical activity (30 minutes/day, equivalent to a mild antidepressant), mindfulness meditation, heart coherence, limiting coffee and alcohol, quality sleep, social contact, nature.