User:Jcaine215/Generalized anxiety disorder

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Lifestyle factors including: stress management, stress reduction, relaxation, exercise, sleep hygiene, and caffeine and alcohol reduction can influence anxiety levels. Physical activity has shown to have a positive impact whereas low physical activity may be a risk factor for anxiety disorders. ''' Healthy dietary habits have been shown to reduce anxiety levels. Research has demonstrated that starting the day with a protein dense meal, followed by continual intake of complex carbohydrates throughout the day is associated with reduced anxiety. '''

Cognitive behavioral therapy[edit]
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based type of psychotherapy that demonstrates efficacy in treating GAD and which integrates the cognitive and behavioral therapeutic approaches. The objective of CBT is to enable individuals to identify irrational thoughts that cause anxiety and to challenge dysfunctional thinking patterns by engaging in awareness techniques such as hypothesis testing and journaling. Because CBT involves the practice of worry and anxiety management, CBT includes a plurality of intervention techniques that enable individuals to explore worry, anxiety and automatic negative thinking patterns. These interventions include anxiety management training, cognitive restructuring, progressive relaxation, situational exposure and self-controlled desensitization. Several modes of delivery are effective in treating GAD, including internet-delivered CBT, or iCBT.

Emotion-focused therapy

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a short-term psychotherapy that is focused on humanistic needs through emotions when treating GAD. EFT can incorporate numerous practices such as experimental therapy, systemic therapy, and elements of CBT to allow individuals to work through difficult emotional states. The primary goal of EFT is to assist individuals to live with vulnerable emotions and overcoming avoidance so that adaptive experiences of compassion and protective anger can be generated in response to the emotional needs embedded in core emotional vulnerability.

Sandplay therapy

Sandplay therapy (SPT) is an intervention based on nonverbal theraputic practices. The main objecttive of SPT is to allow the individual to work through their emotional problems from childhood traumas (CT) through play using sand and toy figures. Although the therapy is mainly focused on nonverbal cues, verbal cues are also observed and documented for the safety of the individual. SPT allows a multisensory experience through a safe and protected space allowing individuals the opportunity to regulate their mind and emotions. This therapy practice is offered for both adults and children. Other forms of psychological therapy include:


 * Relaxation techniques (e.g., relaxing imagery, meditational relaxation)
 * Metacognitive therapy (MCT): The objective of MCT is to alter thinking patterns regarding worry so that worry is no longer used as a coping strategy. It has promising results in treatment of GAD as well as other mental issues.
 * Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR)
 * Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
 * Supportive therapy: This is a Rogerian method of therapy in which subjects experience empathy and acceptance from their therapist to facilitate increasing awareness. Variations of active supportive therapy include Gestalt therapy, Transactional analysis and Counseling.
 * Internet-delivered interpretation training: the focus of this training is to reduce worry and anxiety and promote positive outcomes and positive interpretations.