The Role of Psychoanalysis in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Anxiety is one of the common mental health issues in the United States. There are diverse forms of anxiety but among them, Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common mental health disorder. Any individual can suffer from GAD and face complexities in multiple areas of life.
Different therapeutic approaches can help with GAD treatment. However, psychoanalysis therapy is highly significant among all other treatment options for GAD.
This article will guide you that what is the significant role of Psychoanalysis in the treatment of GAD. You will also find out its techniques, effectiveness, and how it helps in the GAD treatment.
What is Generalized Anxiety disorder?
Every individual experiences anxiety as stress is the body’s natural response. The controlled and reduced stress levels are useful as they are necessary for motivation and productivity. However, if the stress levels exceed the normal values then it becomes overwhelming and negatively affects the life functioning of individuals.
A large number of individuals are suffered from Generalized anxiety disorder. This mental illness comprises uncontrolled and excessive stress levels, worry, or fear. Moreover, affected individuals face difficulty in coping with daily life stress factors as they feel reduced control over their minds. Their fight-or-flight response presents more challenges for them.
Symptoms / Key Features of GAD
The most common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are as follows:
- Extreme and uncontrollable stress
- Reduced interest or passion
- Lack of confidence
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Sleep difficulties
The Role of Psychoanalysis in GAD Treatment
Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach that has a strong association with Sigmund Freud’s theories. The theories indicate that the present moments are based on past experiences or situations. Individuals think that whatever happens in the past is just past and has passed. However, the facts are entirely different. Every action has an equal reaction. Whatever happens in the past can exhibit the effects on the present. Painful feelings and undesired memories remain in the unconscious mind of individuals. Moreover, they also result in negative changes in behavior including reduced confidence, and esteem. Furthermore, individuals also face numerous issues in maintaining their personal and professional lives.
Although generalized anxiety disorder is harmful to mental health, psychoanalysis can work positively. With the help of psychoanalysis, you can identify or determine the underlying causes of anxiety instead of just addressing the symptoms.
Furthermore, psychoanalysis can help individuals take control over the mind to directly control the influence by deeply identifying the origin or main triggers. Moreover, it also assists in finding out what kind of changes occur with time and ultimately you can get a complete idea of how you can overcome the anxiety and its consequences.
The Unconscious mind
According to Psychoanalysis, the unconscious mental state of the individual always gives hints or clues of those unacknowledged meanings of experiences in different forms:
- Dreams
- Daydreams
- Repetitive behaviors
- Topics that exhibit complexity in terms of discussion
- Nature of individual-expert relationship
Significance of Psychoanalytic Therapy for GAD
Recent studies have indicated that psychoanalysis is supremely effective for individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. As cognitive behavioral therapy only helps in identifying negative and irrational thoughts and altering them, psychoanalysis helps in exploring emotional issues in depth.
CBT does not involve a deeper or broader analysis and also involves short-term effectiveness. Psychoanalysis therapy is antagonistic to psychotherapy as it provides an in-depth or detailed insight into emotional facts, Moreover, it also involves long-term effectiveness and effectiveness for emotional conflicts.
What are the major differences between psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis?
Both psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are varied and exhibit some major differences which include:
| Psychotherapy | Psychoanalysis |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapy is a generalized term involving each kind of treatment used for individuals’ minds. | Psychoanalysis is a specific term that only covers the conscious and unconscious mind. |
| Experts employ psychotherapy to overcome the emotional issues of individuals. | It assists in identifying and then resolving unconscious conflicts and ultimately strengthens the relationships. |
| Psychotherapy involves symptom management. | Psychoanalysis exhibits a strong association with emotional insight. |
| Psychotherapy involves the narrative, art therapy, etc. | Psychoanalysis comprises dream analysis, transference, and free association. |
| The number of sessions is lower, 1 per week. | The number of sessions is greater, such as 3 or 4. |
| Psychotherapy is usually short-term. | Psychoanalysis is long-term. |
Which conditions are treated by Psychoanalysis?
Some of the main and common mental health issues that the psychoanalysis can treat are as follows:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Phobias
- Self-destructive behavior
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Sexual issues
What are the key techniques involved in Psychoanalysis for GAD?
The following are the major techniques that are involved in the psychoanalysis for anxiety:
1. Dream analysis
There are multiple hidden meanings, points, and resolved claims that can trigger anxiety. Therefore mental health experts analyze the dreams to uncover them and make a strategic plan accordingly.
2. Free Association
Patients are encouraged to speak and share their emotions and thoughts without any hurdles. This helps in the identification of unconscious conflicts that can develop anxiety.
3. Transference
Experts develop a friendly environment in which they are free to share their feelings about significant people. Therapists then identify the relational patterns that can create anxiety disorders.
4. Analysis of life experiences
Experts also examine previous life experiences including childhood experiences and relationships. Then they determine those factors that cause the onset of GAD.
How to choose the best Psychoanalytic treatment?
If you are looking for the finest psychoanalysis for GAD, then you should consider the following factors:
1. Find a professional expert
If you want to experience the optimal results then first choose the professional who is skilled and qualified to provide the psychoanalysis therapy.
2. Be open during communication
During the psychoanalytic sessions, you should be open in communication and confidently speak your heart out.
3. Develop realistic expectations
Do not expect these things that are not based on fact. You should typically understand that what are the main goals of psychoanalytic therapy and how it relates to deeper emotions.
Conclusion
The psychoanalytic approach is valuable for GAD treatment. An individual can get rid of their anxious symptoms with psychoanalytic treatment. This therapeutic technique identifies the root causes instead of just GAD symptoms. Moreover, with the help of psychoanalytic therapy, individuals can get a deep insight into their emotional aspects and ultimately get assistance to get relief from the GAD symptoms.
If you know anyone who is mentally ill due to Generalized anxiety disorder or any other common mental issue then you are at the best place. At Advanced Health Preference Group, you can have easier access to th most finest mental health treatment options. Our mental health experts employ a diverse range of therapies including psychoanalytic therapy to identify the inner or hidden trigger to identify the root factors that are responsible for the development of GAD and other anxiety disorders. So don’t wait anymore and book a consultation with experts to get mental health treatment services for your mental illness.