What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic condition that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational fear. 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 occur.
GAD is not well understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes persistent and severe, it can interfere with everyday activities. It can trigger headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also lead to problems like trouble concentrating at work or school as well as issues with relationships and socializing. There are many different ways to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irrational and excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry all the time about things that are normal such as health, money, family, work and the future. disorders anxiety believe they're always under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. They can be worried for a time and appear out of nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social phobia, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with other people particularly in a small group or one-on-1. They worry that they will make a mistake or say something embarrassing or foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, trembling and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance.
panic anxiety disorder respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help people overcome their negative thoughts and behaviors, which can cause anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. It assists patients to recognize and correct the distorted thoughts that cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps the patient learn how to handle fearful situations.
Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness are able to be controlled with the help of medications. They can also aid people who suffer from anxiety to sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that work differently and are less effective but they can be used in conjunction with other medicines to treat anxiety.
It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication could make the symptoms worse. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements may aggravate anxiety, so it's best to consult your doctor before taking any of them.
Treatment
While feeling anxious at times is normal, if your worries are affecting your day-to-day life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor might ask you questions or recommend you to a mental healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, certain life experiences and traumatic events may increase the likelihood of developing one. They also occur in those who are genetically prone to them. Your doctor can determine the severity of the symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. For example, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that can be useful to diagnose GAD.
If they are taken regularly, medications can help reduce anxiety, especially when taken in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Antidepressants, often recommended to treat anxiety disorders, are among the most effective medications available. They are available in both prescription and over the counter forms. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However, unlike sleeping pills, sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.
Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this type of treatment will teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of psychotherapy that helps people recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has been proven to be as effective for anxiety as medications in a few studies.
Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety however, research on these treatments is insufficient.
Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. A balanced diet can help to reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends or engage in a pastime, or join a support group for people who suffer from anxiety.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point particularly when confronted with a major challenge like a job interview. GAD is different, because the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just occasionally. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and tend to believe that the worst is coming about in various everyday life issues. They could be triggered by financial, health, or problems within the family, or school or work performance. Worries can move from one issue to the next and can last for months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will inquire about your health history and conduct tests to determine if you have any physical causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid disease or heart disease. They will also look for any other mental health issues, such as depression.
GAD is not detected by lab tests, but your doctor will examine your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask questions about your daily routine and review 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 drugs and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more prevalent among women than men. It typically begins around the age of thirty but it can happen at any time in the course of life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime but it is treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to use one or both therapies. The use of medication can help ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, like muscle tension, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to manage your anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Activities that can help people to focus their minds can also help to reduce anxiety.
Prevention
People with anxiety disorders can often find relief through medication and therapy. Some also resort to relaxation techniques such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and challenge the negative thoughts that trigger 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 by one. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms in the short term and therapy is the primary method of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. These emotions are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers may not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries and are unable to identify what is troubling them. The most frequent concerns are health, money and family, friends and family and work, as well as other daily activities. They are worried about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can also interfere with everyday tasks such as school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases the likelihood of suffering from other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact relationships and a person's quality of life.
Certain factors make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are known as risk factors. They include an ancestral history of anxiety disorders, as well as the presence of other mental health issues. Physical and emotional abuse in childhood can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart diseases, or thyroid problems can also cause anxiety and can be the first indication of a problem. Certain medications can cause anxiety as an adverse effect.
Some herbal supplements and other over the prescription medications can also increase anxiety, and therefore people should consult with a doctor before they take them. Drug and alcohol abuse and nicotine can also cause the symptoms to get worse.