Which treatment is commonly used for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

• A. Psychotherapy
• B. Surgery
• C. Acupuncture
• D. Exercise

Answer: (A)

Treatments that address how a person thinks and behaves are most effective for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps a person identify worried thoughts, challenge distorted or unhelpful thinking, and develop coping skills to reduce overall anxiety. It teaches practical strategies like problem-solving, relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to worry triggers, which can lessen the intensity and frequency of anxious feelings and improve daily functioning. Because GAD often involves persistent worry that affects many areas of life, a structured talk-based approach like psychotherapy is a common and well-supported first-line treatment, and it can be used alone or alongside medications if needed.

Surgery isn’t relevant to mental health conditions. Acupuncture is sometimes explored as a complementary option but isn’t the primary, evidence-based treatment for GAD. Exercise can help reduce anxiety symptoms, but on its own it’s typically not the main treatment; it’s often used in combination with therapy or other treatments.