Which treatment is commonly used for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

• A. Anti-anxiety medication
• B. Psychodynamic Therapy
• C. Hypnosis
• D. CBT

Answer: (D)

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the treatment most commonly used and supported by research is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT targets the patterns that keep worry going by teaching you to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, reduce avoidance, and develop practical skills for coping with anxiety. It often includes cognitive restructuring, worry scheduling, problem-solving strategies, and relaxation techniques, all aimed at breaking the cycle of excessive worry and physical arousal. The benefits tend to be durable and improvements in functioning are frequently seen even after treatment ends. While medications like SSRIs or SNRIs can help and may be used in combination, they don’t provide the same emphasis on changing thought processes and behaviors that CBT offers, which is why CBT is considered the standard first-line psychotherapy for GAD.