Research study reveals treatment for generalised anxiety disorder
In a large, representative sample of over 2,000 Canadian people with a background in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), a new study explored 3 treatment levels resulting in freedom of mental health of 70 % of Canadians with a history of GAD for at least 1 year.
Overall, 40% of the Canadian population was in a state of excellent mental health, and almost 60% had no other mental illness or addiction issues, such as suicidal thoughts, substance dependence, a major depressive disorder or a bipolar disorder in the past one year.
The definition of excellent mental health sets a very high bar. To be defined in excellent mental health, respondents had to achieve 3 things- 1) almost daily happiness or life satisfaction in the past month, 2) high levels of social and psychological well-being in the past month and 3) freedom from generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts and substance dependence for at least the preceding full year.
We were so encouraged to learn that even among those whose anxiety disorders had lasted a decade or longer, half had been in remission from GAD for the past year and 1/4 had achieved excellent mental health and well-being, says the lead author.
This research provides a very hopeful message for individuals struggling with anxiety, their families and health professionals. Our findings suggest that full recovery is possible, even among those who have suffered for many years with the disorder, she said.
Individuals who had at least one person in their lives who provided them with a sense of emotional security and well-being were 3 times more likely to be in excellent mental health than those without a confidant.
For those with anxiety disorders, the social support that extends from a confidant can foster a sense of belonging and self-worth which may promote recovery, says the co-author.
The researchers found that poor physical health, functional limitations, insomnia and a history of depression were impediments to excellent mental health in the sample.
Health professionals who are treating individuals with anxiety disorders need to consider their patients' physical health problems and social isolation in their treatment plans, says the author.
The researchers examined a nationally representative sample of 2,128 Canadian community-dwelling adults who had a generalised anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Overall, 40% of the Canadian population was in a state of excellent mental health, and almost 60% had no other mental illness or addiction issues, such as suicidal thoughts, substance dependence, a major depressive disorder or a bipolar disorder in the past one year.
The definition of excellent mental health sets a very high bar. To be defined in excellent mental health, respondents had to achieve 3 things- 1) almost daily happiness or life satisfaction in the past month, 2) high levels of social and psychological well-being in the past month and 3) freedom from generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts and substance dependence for at least the preceding full year.
We were so encouraged to learn that even among those whose anxiety disorders had lasted a decade or longer, half had been in remission from GAD for the past year and 1/4 had achieved excellent mental health and well-being, says the lead author.
This research provides a very hopeful message for individuals struggling with anxiety, their families and health professionals. Our findings suggest that full recovery is possible, even among those who have suffered for many years with the disorder, she said.
Individuals who had at least one person in their lives who provided them with a sense of emotional security and well-being were 3 times more likely to be in excellent mental health than those without a confidant.
For those with anxiety disorders, the social support that extends from a confidant can foster a sense of belonging and self-worth which may promote recovery, says the co-author.
The researchers found that poor physical health, functional limitations, insomnia and a history of depression were impediments to excellent mental health in the sample.
Health professionals who are treating individuals with anxiety disorders need to consider their patients' physical health problems and social isolation in their treatment plans, says the author.
The researchers examined a nationally representative sample of 2,128 Canadian community-dwelling adults who had a generalised anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.