Successful treatment approaches generally involve medication combined with psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are generally used as first-line agents, followed remotely by TCAs. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven superior in placebo-controlled trials. CBT generally includes self-reward as well as problem-solving and can be as effective as medications, especially for children with mild GAD. Combining CBT with medications is extremely helpful in resistant cases. Other psychotherapies, such as relaxation therapy, supportive psychotherapy, or mindfulness therapy, have been used if CBT is not appropriate.
Psychodynamic therapies, including play therapy, are time-honored modalities in the treatment of children with GAD; however, most outcomes research has focused on the brief or intermediate therapies, which are more structured. Physical activity is an effective element of treatment regimens.
For more on treatment of GAD, read here.
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Cite this: Stephen Soreff. Fast Five Quiz: Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Medscape - Sep 20, 2018.
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