What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic problem with excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. People with GAD are concerned about a range of things including family, finances, health and work. The worry is centered around the future and seem unlikely to happen.
It is not known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with specific areas of the brain may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used in the treatment of GAD.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent and severe, it can interfere with everyday activities. It can cause headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also lead to issues like difficulty concentrating at work or school and issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. They include psychotherapy as well as medications.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is that is characterised by excessive, irrational worrying. People with GAD worry about every day issues such as their finances, health, family, jobs and the future. They believe that they're constantly in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries often last for a long time, and seem to come out of thin air.
People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of being around other people particularly in small groups or one-on-one. They fear that they'll say or do something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look foolish. Symptoms may include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. SAD sufferers may restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life and job performance.
Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders . Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people overcome their negative attitudes and behaviors that are the cause of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It helps people identify and correct distorted thinking that triggers panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to deal with stressful situations.
Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness can be controlled with the help of medications. They can also help people who suffer from anxiety rest better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe different types of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective however, they can be used in combination with other medications to combat anxiety.
It is essential to continue with the treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication could make the symptoms worse. Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also cause anxiety. It's best to consult a doctor before taking these.
Treatment
If your worries are causing disruption in your daily routine, and making you unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
The reason for anxiety disorders isn't completely understood however certain life experiences and traumatic events seem to increase the chance of developing one. They also occur in those who are genetically susceptible to them. Your doctor can assess the severity of the symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. For example the GAD-7 scale created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that can be useful to diagnose GAD.
The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, especially if used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants, often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders are among the most effective medicines available. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people are reluctant to take them because they think they'll become dependent however, unlike painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants don't cause dependence.
Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this kind of treatment can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and stop them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals to overcome their fearful and negative behavior and thoughts. CBT has been found to be as effective in treating anxiety as medication in some studies.
Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety however, research on these treatments is insufficient.
Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Regular exercise programs can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, discover new hobbies or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, especially when facing an enormous challenge like an interview or medical test. GAD is different, because the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just at times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and tend to believe that the worst is coming about in the smallest of problems. This includes finances, health problems, family issues, school or work performance. The worry can float between different concerns and last for months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. They will ask you about your medical history and run tests to see whether you have any physical reasons for your symptoms, such as thyroid or heart disease. They will also look for any other mental health issues like depression.
There are no lab tests for GAD however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your daily routine and examine your history of anxiety. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or have had a difficult childhood. Certain drugs and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more prevalent in women than men, and it usually starts around age 30 but it can happen at any time throughout life. It is a chronic condition that can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Treatment options may involve just one or both of these therapies. Medicines can ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you to change the negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and help you cope with stress in a healthier way. You can also employ relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to lessen your anxiety symptoms. Exercise or other activities which aid people in focusing their minds can also help reduce anxiety.
Prevention
Talk therapy and medications can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders. Some people also use techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and confront the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. They may also include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals learn to change their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. In the short-term, medications are used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the most important component.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is defined by exaggerated and persistent feelings of worry or fear about a myriad of things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they can be expected to last for more than six months. The people with GAD may have a hard time telling what they're concerned about, and their concerns usually don't have a specific reason. Typical concerns include money, health, family and friends working, and other activities that are part of their day. They also have "what-if" concerns about the possibility of things that could happen, such as their children getting in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also hinder everyday tasks such as school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and discomforts. It also increases the likelihood of having other mental health issues, like depression. It can also impact relationships and the level of living.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They include the family history of anxiety disorders and an underlying history of mental health problems. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can also trigger anxiety, and are often the first sign of problems. Certain medications can cause anxiety as an effect.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the drugs can also cause anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor prior to when they begin using them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can make symptoms worse.