What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a long-lasting problem with excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. GAD can cause people to be worried about a variety of things, including their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The worry is centered around the future, and seems unlikely to occur.
It isn't known what causes GAD however, genes and issues with specific parts of the brain may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used to treat of GAD.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, if it becomes chronic or persistent, it can interfere in daily activities. It can cause headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also cause problems like a difficult time working or studying, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two options.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is that is characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about the everyday concerns such as their finances, health and family, work, and the future. They feel that they're always under threat, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. They can be worried for a while and seem to appear out of nowhere.
People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a fearful attitude of socializing with others, especially in groups or one-on-one. They fear that they'll make a mistake that might make them look foolish or make them look stupid. Sweating, trembling and heart palpitations are possible symptoms. People with SAD are unable to or limit their social interactions that can affect their job performance as well as their social life.
Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people learn to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy also known as CBT. It helps people identify and correct distorted thinking that triggers panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.
Certain physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness can be cured by medicines. They can also aid people with anxiety rest better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorder s. Doctors may also prescribe different kinds of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, but they can be used in conjunction with other medicines to combat anxiety.
It is essential to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also increase anxiety. It's best to consult with a physician prior to taking these.
Treatment
If your worries are interfering in your daily life, and causing you to feel unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask questions and may refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat.
The root cause of anxiety disorders is not fully known however, certain life experiences and traumatic events seem to increase the chance of developing one. People with genetic predisposition can also develop anxiety disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report tool that can be useful in diagnosing GAD.
The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, especially when used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants are some of the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Antidepressants are usually avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills painkillers and sedatives antidepressants don't lead to dependence.
Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this form of treatment will teach you methods to manage your symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and fearful thoughts and behaviors and then change them. CBT has been shown to be as effective for anxiety as medications in a few studies.
Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments, they may offer a different approach to managing anxiety and are worth a try.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can boost mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends, learn new hobbies or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety at times particularly when facing the biggest challenge, like an interview. However, GAD is different because people with it feel constantly anxious, not just some of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and are prone to anticipating the worst in a range of daily life situations. They could be triggered by issues with money, health, issues within the family, or work or school performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between various issues and last for months or years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by looking at the symptoms of a patient and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask you about your medical history and conduct tests to determine whether you have any physical reasons for your symptoms, like heart disease or thyroid disease. They will also check for other mental conditions such as depression.
GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, but your doctor will check your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, and look at your history of anxiety. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders if you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or had a traumatizing childhood experience. Certain drugs and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common in women than in men, and it usually begins around the age of 30, but it can develop at any time in life. It is a chronic condition which can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. You can decide to choose one or both therapies. Medications may help with both the anxiety and its physical symptoms, like tension in muscles, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you learn to shift your negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and help you manage stress in a healthier manner. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to reduce anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Some people discover that exercise or other activities that help them focus their minds can help ease anxiety, too.
The following is a list of preventions.
People suffering from anxiety disorders can often find relief from medication and talk therapy. Some also resort to relaxation techniques as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy where people are taught to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms in the short-term, while therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they can be expected to last for more than six months. The people suffering from GAD might have a difficult time telling what they are concerned about, and their concerns typically don't have a clear root. Health, money, friends and family or other everyday activities are common concerns. They worry about "what-ifs" like their children getting in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also interfere with daily activities like school and work. It can lead to problems sleeping and trigger discomfort and aches. It can also increase the risk of a person having other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact the quality of relationships a person has and their the quality of life.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are called risk factors. These include the family history of anxiety disorders and an underlying history of mental health issues. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or thyroid problems, can also cause anxiety and are sometimes the first sign of a problem. As a result certain medications can cause anxiety.
Some herbal supplements and prescription medications can also increase anxiety, which is why people should consult a physician before taking them. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can make symptoms worse.