What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic problem with excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People suffering from GAD worry about a variety of things, including family, finances, health and work. The main concern is the future and is unlikely to happen.
It is not known what causes GAD but genetics and problems with specific areas of the brain may be involved. Treatment includes medicine and talk therapy.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes severe and constant it can cause problems with routine activities. It can cause headaches, nausea, or muscle tension. It can also cause issues like difficulty concentration at school or at work as well as issues with social relationships and relationships. There are many different ways to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two options.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by excessive and irrational worry. People suffering from GAD worry about the everyday concerns like their health, finances and family, work and the future. They feel that they're always under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. The fear can last for a long while and seem to appear out of thin air.
People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of socializing with others, especially in a group or one-onone. They are afraid that they will say or do something that might make them look foolish or make them look foolish. Tenseness, anxiety and heart palpitations are all possible symptoms. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit social interactions and can impact their job performance as well as their social life.
Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors that are the cause of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It helps people recognize and replace distorted thinking that triggers anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches patients how to handle fearful situations.
Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness can be controlled by taking medications. They can also help those with anxiety to sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe different types of antidepressants, like tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that work differently and are less effective however, they can be used in combination with other medicines to combat anxiety.
It is important to stay on treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can make the symptoms worse. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also increase anxiety, so it's recommended 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 you questions and could refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatic experiences seem to increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Genetically predisposed individuals can also develop anxiety disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of symptoms by using various tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, which was created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that can be useful in diagnosing GAD.
If they are taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Antidepressants, which are frequently recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders are among the most effective medicines available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.
Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this form of treatment can help you learn strategies to deal with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known type of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and then change them. CBT has been shown to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in a few studies.
Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments, they may offer an alternative approach to treating anxiety and can be worth a try.
Lifestyle changes also can help. Regular exercise programs can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, learn a new hobby or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, especially when facing a big challenge such as a job interview or a medical test. panic anxiety disorder is different in that the person with it feels anxious throughout the day and not just occasionally. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and think that they are in the dark about a range of everyday life issues. This includes finances, health problems, family issues, school or work performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between different issues and last for many months or years.
disorders anxiety diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your health history and run tests to see if you have any physical reasons for your symptoms, like thyroid or heart disease. They will also check for any other mental health issues like depression.
There are no tests in the lab for GAD however, your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will inquire about your lifestyle and will look into your anxiety history. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders in the event that you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or if you had a traumatizing childhood experience. Certain medications and substances may increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common among women than men. It typically begins around the age of thirty but it can happen at any point in life. It is a chronic condition, but it can be treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can decide to choose one or both treatments. Medications may help with both the physical and mental symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn to shift your negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and help you manage stress in a healthier manner. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation to manage your anxiety and ease 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 with preventions.
People with anxiety disorders often get relief from medication and talk therapy. Many people also employ techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and challenge the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns as well as exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one by one. Medications can be used to treat symptoms for a short time, while therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and excessive feelings of anxiety or dread about many different things. These feelings are difficult to control and tend to last longer than six months. The people with GAD may have a hard in identifying what they're concerned about, and their concerns typically don't have a clear cause. Money, health, friends and family or other everyday routines are all common worries. They worry about "what-ifs" like their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.
In addition to causing anxiety, anxiety can also hinder the ability of a person to perform everyday tasks, such as school or work. It can cause sleep problems and aches and pains. It can also increase the likelihood of suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and the quality of life.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They are the family history of anxiety disorders as well as the presence of other mental health problems. Childhood abuse physical and emotional, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease or heart disease can also trigger anxiety. These are usually the first indications of an issue. As a side effect, certain medications can cause anxiety.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also increase anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using these products. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.