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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a persistent issue with a high level of anxiety and irrational fears. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their health, finances, family, and work. The main concern is the future and is unlikely to occur.
It isn't known what causes GAD but genetics and problems with certain parts of the brain may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.
Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes chronic or persistent it can cause disruption to everyday activities. It can trigger headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause problems like trouble concentrating at work or school and issues with social interactions and relationships. There are many different ways to treat anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is that is characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about everyday issues, such as their finances, health families, jobs and the future. They believe they're always under threat, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries can last a long while and seem to appear out of nowhere.
People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a fearful attitude of socializing with others particularly in a group or one-onone. They are afraid that they will make a mistake that will embarrass them or make them appear foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, anxiety and heart palpitations. People with SAD may avoid or limit social interaction that can negatively impact their social life and job performance.
There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and a majority of people are able to respond to them. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people change their negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to 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 thoughts that are distorted and cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps the patient learn how to cope with fearful situations.
Medicines can alleviate certain physical symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. They can also help those who suffer from anxiety sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, like tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective, but can be used in conjunction with other medications to treat anxiety.
It is essential to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements can also aggravate anxiety, so it's best to talk with an expert in health before taking any of them.
Treatment
If your worries are interfering in your daily life, and making you unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and may refer you to a mental health provider to diagnose and treat.
The root cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully identified, but certain life experiences or traumatic events may increase the risk of developing one. They also occur in those who are genetically prone to these disorders. Your doctor can assess the severity of the symptoms using various tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that can be helpful to diagnose GAD.
If taken regularly, medicines can reduce anxiety, particularly when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants, which are frequently recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorder are among the most effective medicines available. They can be found in both prescription and over the counter forms. Many people steer clear of these medications because they fear they'll become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.
Psychotherapy is an alternative option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this kind of treatment can teach you methods to manage your symptoms and stop them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which helps people overcome their fearful and negative behavior and thoughts. CBT has been shown to be as effective in treating anxiety as medications in a few studies.
Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they may provide an alternative approach to treating anxiety and can be worth a try.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. generalized anxiety disorder balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with family and friends and engage in a new pastime or join a support group for those with anxiety.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and this is especially true when faced with a big challenge such as an interview for a job or a medical test. GAD is different in that the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just at times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and believe that the worst is coming about in a range of everyday life issues. They can be related to health, money, problems in the family, or school or work performance. The worry can float from one issue to the next and can last for months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by looking at the symptoms of a patient and how these symptoms affect their daily lives. They will ask about your medical history and conduct tests to determine whether you are suffering from any physical causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid or heart disease. They will also look for other mental health conditions, such as depression.
GAD is not detected by lab tests, however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and look at your history of anxiety. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders or if you've had a traumatic experience in childhood, this can make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Certain medications and substances can also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more prevalent for women than men, and it usually starts around age 30, but it can develop at any time in life. It is a lifelong condition but it is managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these treatments. The use of medication can ease anxiety and physical symptoms like tension and headaches. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome negative thoughts that can cause stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to manage your anxiety and ease its symptoms. Other activities that can help people to 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 who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some also resort to techniques for relaxation such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that fuel their anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy in which they confront fears one by one. The use of medication can treat symptoms in the short term and therapy is the primary method of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is defined by persistent and exaggerated feelings of anxiety or worry about a myriad of things. These anxiety-related feelings are difficult to manage and can last for more than six months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries and may not be able to determine what's troubling them. Money, health, friends and family or other everyday routines are all common concerns. They fret about "what-ifs" such as their children getting in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also interfere with daily activities like school and work. It can cause issues sleeping and can cause discomfort and pain. It also increases a person's risk for having other mental health issues such as depression. It can also affect relationships and a person's quality of life.
Certain factors make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are called risk factors. They are characterized by an history of mental health problems and having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Certain medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, or thyroid issues, can also cause anxiety, and are often the first sign of a problem. As a side-effect certain medications can cause anxiety.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician prior to using them. Alcohol, nicotine and abuse of drugs can worsen the symptoms.
