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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic problem that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational worries. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The main concern is the future, and appears unlikely to occur.
It is unclear what causes GAD however, genes and issues with specific parts of the brain might be involved. Treatment includes medicine and talk therapy.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, but if it becomes severe and constant it can cause problems with routine activities. It can trigger headaches and muscle tension, as well as nausea. It can also lead to issues like difficulty working or studying and issues with relationships and socializing. There are many different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two options.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irrational, excessive anxiety. People with GAD worry all the time about things that are normal such as money, health, family, work and the future. They feel constantly threatened even when there is no reason to be worried. Worries often last for a long time and appear to pop up from nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social fear, is a condition that causes people to be hesitant to interact with other people, especially when they are in a small group or one-on-1. They are afraid that they will do or say something that will embarrass them or make them look stupid. Sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations are all possible signs. People with SAD avoid or limit their social interactions that can affect their job performance and social life.
There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and most people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people learn to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that involves talking. It helps people recognize and overcome the distorted thinking that causes anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps patients learn to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.
Medicines can alleviate some of the physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness. They can also help those with 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 oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective however, they can be used in combination with other medicines to combat anxiety.
It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also increase anxiety. It is best to talk to with a physician prior to taking these.
Treatment
Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if you feel that your worries interfere with your daily life and making you feel miserable visit your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat.
The reason for anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but certain life experiences or traumatic events may increase the chance of developing one. They also can occur in people who are genetically predisposed to them. Your doctor can assess the severity of the 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 instrument that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD.
Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially when taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants, which are often recommended to treat anxiety disorders , are among the most effective medicines available. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Many people avoid taking these medications because they fear they'll become dependent, but unlike painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants don't cause dependence.
Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. This type of treatment, also known as talk therapy, can teach you how to cope with your anxiety symptoms and stop their worsening. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to identify negative and fearful thoughts and behaviors and then change them. CBT has been shown to be as effective as medication for anxiety in a few studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these therapies however, they may provide a different approach to treating anxiety and can be worth trying.
Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends, discover a new hobby or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point particularly when confronted with a major challenge like a job interview. However, GAD is different because people who suffer from it are constantly anxious and not just a small portion of the time. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and expect the worst about the smallest of problems. This includes financial, health problems, family issues, work or school performance. The anxiety can be a floater between various issues and last for many 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 past health, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical causes for your symptoms. They will also look for other mental conditions such as depression.
GAD is not detected by laboratory tests, but your doctor will examine your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask questions about your daily routine and look at your past 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 anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances can also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common among women than men. It usually starts at around the age of 30, but it can happen at any time. It is a chronic disease that can be treated with therapy and medication. Treatment options may involve just one or both of these treatments. The use of medication can ease anxiety and physical symptoms, such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and stress. You can also try relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to reduce anxiety and lessen the symptoms. Activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also reduce anxiety.
Prevention
Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people utilize relaxation techniques, diets, exercise and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and confront the negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, where people learn to alter their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. In the short-term, medications can be prescribed to help treat the symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent 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. Those suffering from GAD may have a hard in identifying what they're worried about, and their concerns typically don't have a clear root. The most frequent concerns are money, health and family, friends and family and work, as well as other day-to-day activities. They also have "what-if" concerns about possible events that could happen, like their children getting in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also hinder daily tasks like school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases the risk of a person suffering from other mental health issues, including depression. It can also affect a person's relationships and quality of life.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They are characterized by the presence of mental health problems and having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung diseases, or thyroid problems can also cause anxiety, and are often the first indication of a problem. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as a side effect.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the prescription medications can also increase anxiety, so it is recommended that people consult with a doctor before they begin using these products. Nicotine, alcohol and other drugs can worsen the symptoms.
