Final answer:
Journaling can help individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder identify patterns and triggers, providing insight and temporary relief as part of an effective treatment plan (option D).
Step-by-step explanation:
Journaling as a treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may not worsen symptoms or exacerbate anxiety. Instead, it can serve as a valuable tool to help identify patterns and triggers related to the disorder. The process of journaling allows individuals to track their thoughts and feelings over time, which can provide insight into what causes or intensifies their anxiety. This awareness is the first step in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a common and effective treatment for GAD.
Additionally, journaling may offer temporary relief by providing a safe outlet for expressing emotions, thereby reducing the intensity of the anxiety experienced. Treatment strategies for GAD often include a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication, all of which aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Cognitive theories of GAD suggest that modifying thought patterns can alleviate symptoms, and journaling is one method to facilitate such cognitive restructuring.
While journaling may not be a standalone cure, it is an important adjunctive strategy that can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for GAD. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be D. Help identify patterns and triggers.