Treatment Resistant Anxiety

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Many people may worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. However, people with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things—even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months or years. GAD can also manifest as physically uncomfortable symptoms.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, GAD develops slowly. It often starts around age 30, although it can occur in childhood. The disorder is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive worry about everyday things
• Trouble controlling worries or feelings of nervousness
• Restlessness and/or trouble relaxing
• Difficulty concentrating
• Startle easily
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Tire easily or feel tired all the time
• Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
• Hard time swallowing
• Tremble or twitch
• Irritable or "on edge"
• Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath

How is generalized anxiety disorder treated?

GAD is generally treated with psychotherapy (typically CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication, or both. Speak with a healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

For those that have tried multiple types of therapy and medications but are still struggling with symptoms, interventional therapies might be the best course of action.

What is Treatment Resistant Anxiety Disorder?

For those with GAD, a patient's illness is considered treatment-resistant if it has failed two rounds of medication and a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For some patients, an inability to tolerate medication may also be a contributing factor.

In this instance, patients might consider interventional therapies.

How is Treatment Resistant Anxiety Treated?

Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions offers the most advanced treatment approaches for treatment-resistant anxiety, including: 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)* 

TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate sections of your brain. Dr. Giles puts an electromagnetic coil on your head, which sends out pulses that painlessly access the areas of your brain linked to mood regulation. 

IV Ketamine Therapy*

IV Ketamine is an anesthetic that also has a significant effect on anxiety. Ketamine therapy involves having an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. The medication then drips steadily into your bloodstream over the next 30 minutes. 

To find out how you can overcome treatment-resistant anxiety, call Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions today or book an appointment online.