What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic condition that causes excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People suffering from GAD are concerned about a range of things including finances, health, family and work. The main concern is the future, and seems unlikely to occur.
It is unclear what causes GAD however, genes and issues with specific parts of the brain may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used in the treatment of GAD.
Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes persistent and severe it can cause problems with daily activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also lead to problems like trouble concentration at school or at work and problems in social interactions and relationships. There are many different methods that can help anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry often about everyday issues, such as finances, health and family, work, and the future. They believe they’re always in danger, even though there’s no reason for them to be worried. The fear can last for a long time and appear from nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social phobia, is a condition that causes people to be afraid to interact with others particularly in a group or one-on-1. They fear that they’ll say or do something that might make them look foolish or make them look foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. People with SAD may avoid or limit social interaction and can negatively impact their social life and job performance.
Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people learn to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It assists patients to recognize and replace the distorted thoughts that cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to confront fearful situations and cope with them.
Medicines can alleviate some of the physical symptoms, including stomach upset and dizziness. They can also help those with anxiety sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements may increase anxiety, which is why it’s important to talk with an expert in health before taking them.
Treatment
If your worries are interfering in your daily routine, and making you feel uneasy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask questions and refer you to a mental health provider for diagnosis and treatment.
It is not known what anxiety disorder feels like causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatic experiences are believed to increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders. They also can occur in people who are genetically predisposed to them. Several tests and screening tools can assist your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. For example the GAD-7 scale created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that are useful to diagnose GAD.
If taken regularly, medicines can help reduce anxiety, especially when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants are some of the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Antidepressants are often avoided by those who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants don’t lead to dependence.
Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can teach you methods to manage your symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to identify negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and then change them. CBT has been shown to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in a few studies.
Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these therapies, they may offer an alternative approach to treating anxiety and can be worth a look.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise programs can boost mood and reduce anxiety. A balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, discover new hobbies or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone feels anxiety from time to time and this is especially true when faced with an enormous challenge like an interview for a job or a medical test. GAD is different because the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just at times. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and tend to think that they are in the dark about the smallest of issues. These include health, money problems, family issues, school or work performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between various issues and last for many months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by analyzing the symptoms of a patient and how these symptoms affect 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 health conditions like depression.
GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask you about your lifestyle and look at your history of anxiety. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or if you experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Some medications and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more prevalent among women than men. It usually begins around the age of 30 however, it can occur at any point in life. It is a chronic illness that can be treated by psychotherapy and medication. You can choose to utilize either or both of these treatments. Medicines can ease the physical and mental symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety and stress. You can also utilize relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Activities that help people focus their minds can also help to reduce anxiety.
The following is a list of preventions.
Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial to those with anxiety disorders. Certain people employ relaxation techniques, diets and exercises and other lifestyle adjustments to reduce their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. These treatments can include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals learn to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, which is the process of confronting fears one at a time. In the short-term, medications are used to help treat the symptoms. Therapy is the most important component.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by over-exaggerated and persistent feeling of worry or fear about a variety of things. These anxiety-related feelings are difficult to manage and tend to last longer than six months. Those suffering from GAD may have a hard in identifying what they’re concerned about, and their concerns generally don’t have a particular root. Money, health as well as family and friends and other daily activities are typical concerns. They worry about „what-ifs” like their children being in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also interfere with daily tasks like school and work. It can cause problems sleeping and cause aches and pains. It can also increase the chance of suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact a person’s relationships and quality of life.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They include an history of mental health issues and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in early childhood can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Some medical conditions such as lung disease or heart disease can also trigger anxiety. These are usually the first signs of an issue. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect.
Some herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also worsen anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them. Alcohol, nicotine, and abuse of drugs can worsen the symptoms.