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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic problem with excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. People suffering from GAD worry about a wide range of things including finances, health, family and work. The worry is centered around the future, and seems unlikely to happen.
GAD isn't fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Treatment includes medicine and therapy for talk.
Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but if it becomes chronic and persistent it can disrupt daily activities. It can trigger headaches, nausea or muscle tension. It can also cause problems like difficulty in concentrating at work or school as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are many different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder characterized by irrational and excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about every day issues like their finances, health and family, work, and the future. They believe that they're constantly in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. They can be worried for a while and seem to appear out of 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, especially when they are in a group or one-on-1. They are afraid that they will say or do something that could make them look embarrassed or make them appear foolish. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking and heart palpitations are possible signs. SAD sufferers may avoid or limit social interaction that can negatively impact their social life and work performance.
Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people learn to overcome negative thoughts and actions that contribute to their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. It helps people learn to recognize and correct the distorted thoughts that cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches the patient how to cope with fearful situations.
Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness can be controlled by taking medications. They can also aid those suffering from anxiety to relax and sleep better. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It's best to consult a doctor before taking these.
Treatment
When you feel anxious, it is normal, if your anxieties are affecting your daily life and making you feel unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental healthcare provider to diagnose and treat.
It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders, but certain life events and traumatizing experiences seem to increase the likelihood of developing them. They also can occur in those who are genetically predisposed to them. A variety of tests and screening tools can aid your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report tool which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD.
If they are taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, particularly when taken in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people avoid taking them because they think they will become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants do not lead to dependency.
Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. This type of treatment, also known as talk therapy, can show you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and prevent the escalating effects of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which helps people overcome their fearful and negative habits and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be as effective for anxiety as medication in some studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments, they may offer a different approach to managing anxiety and are worth a try.
Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. A regular exercise program can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with friends and family or engage in a pastime, or join an organization that helps those suffering from anxiety.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety at times particularly when facing the biggest challenge, like a job interview. GAD is different because the person with it feels anxious throughout the day and not just at times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety, and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of everyday life situations. These include health, money problems, family issues, work or school performance. The worry can float from one issue to another and can last for months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by analyzing a patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will inquire about your past health, and conduct tests to determine if there are physical causes to your symptoms. They will also check for any other mental health issues such as depression.
There are no tests in the lab for GAD however, your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your lifestyle and look at your history of anxiety. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders when you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you have had a difficult childhood. Certain medications and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common for women than men, and typically starts around age 30, although it can happen at any time throughout life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime however it can be treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options could include one or both of these treatments. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety and help cope with stress in a healthier way. You can also utilize relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Some people discover that exercise or other activities that help them focus their minds can ease anxiety, too.
Prevention
Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial for those with anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises and other lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one at a time. Medications can be used to alleviate symptoms for a short time but therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by over-exaggerated and persistent feeling of fear or anxiety about a variety of things. These feelings are difficult to control and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their problems and may not be able to discern what's bothering them. Health, money as well as family and friends or other everyday activities are common concerns. They fret about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.
In disorders anxiety to causing anxiety, stress can also affect a person's ability to do daily tasks, like school or work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases a person's risk for having other mental health problems like depression. It can also affect relationships and the quality of life.
Certain aspects make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are referred to as risk factors. They are the family history of anxiety disorders and the presence of other mental health issues. Childhood abuse physical and emotional can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions like heart disease or lung disease can trigger anxiety. These are often the first symptoms of an issue. Certain medications can cause anxiety as an effect.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also cause anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using them. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.
