Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Chronic worry and tension — treated without annual fees or waitlists
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry about a variety of topics — health, finances, work, relationships — that is difficult to control and causes significant distress. Unlike situational anxiety, GAD is ongoing and often disproportionate to actual circumstances.
Signs & Symptoms
- Excessive worry most days for at least 6 months
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for GAD typically combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with medication management. CBT helps identify and reframe worry patterns, while medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or buspirone can reduce baseline anxiety levels. Dr. Agresti tailors each treatment plan to the individual, adjusting as needed with direct access between appointments.
Why Concierge Psychiatry?
With Dr. Agresti's concierge model, you get his direct cell number, same-day prescription refills, and 24-hour appointment availability — with no membership fee. Experience the difference that direct-access care makes.
Learn About Concierge CareFrequently Asked Questions
Normal worry is proportional to a situation and resolves once the issue passes. GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple topics that persists most days for at least six months and causes physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disruption. If worry is interfering with your daily functioning, a psychiatric evaluation can clarify whether GAD is present.
SSRIs like sertraline and escitalopram and SNRIs like venlafaxine and duloxetine are first-line treatments with strong evidence for GAD. Buspirone is another effective non-addictive option. Dr. Agresti tailors medication selection to each patient's symptom profile, co-occurring conditions, and prior treatment history during extended, unhurried sessions.
Yes, and in most cases it should be. SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are all effective for GAD without the dependence risk of benzodiazepines. Dr. Agresti is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, so he can provide medication management and therapy in the same practice for a comprehensive approach.
SSRIs and SNRIs typically take 2-4 weeks to produce noticeable anxiety reduction, with full effects at 6-8 weeks. Buspirone follows a similar timeline. With Dr. Agresti's concierge model, you have direct cell access to report how you're responding during this critical adjustment period rather than waiting for your next appointment.
Telehealth is highly effective for GAD management, including both medication follow-ups and therapy sessions. Research shows comparable outcomes to in-person care for anxiety disorders. Dr. Agresti offers telehealth throughout Florida, making it easy to maintain consistent treatment without the added stress of travel.