What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?GAD is a long-lasting problem with a high level of anxiety and irrational worries. People suffering from GAD are concerned about a range of issues, including health, money, family and work. The worry is centered around the future, and appears unlikely to happen.
GAD is not well understood, however genetics and brain problems may be involved. Treatment includes medicine and therapy for talk.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes severe or constant it can disrupt everyday activities. It can cause headaches, nausea or tension in the muscles. It can also cause issues like difficulty concentrating at work or school as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many ways. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irrational and excessive anxiety. People with GAD worry about every day issues, such as their health, finances families, jobs and the future. They feel constantly in danger, even if there is no reason to be concerned. Worries can last a long time and then appear out of thin air.
People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frightened of interacting with other people, especially in a group or one-onone. They fear that they might commit an embarrassing act or foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, anxiety and heart palpitations. People with SAD avoid or limit social interactions and can impact their work performance and social life.
There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and a majority of people respond well to them. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist people in learning to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their 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 helps patients learn to confront anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.
Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They can also help people who suffer from anxiety to sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, like tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective, but they can be used in combination with other medications to combat anxiety.
It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication could make the symptoms worse. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It is best to talk to a doctor before taking these.
Treatment
Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if your worries are affecting your daily life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and could refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatic experiences can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders. They also can occur in those who are genetically susceptible to them. Several tests and screening tools can assist 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 that can be useful in diagnosing GAD.
Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, often recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders, are among the most effective medications available. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Many people are reluctant to take them because they think they'll become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants do not lead to dependency.
Psychotherapy is another treatment option for anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this form of treatment can teach you strategies to deal with your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has been shown to be as effective as medication for anxiety in some studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), or interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these therapies, they may offer a different approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a try.
Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with family and friends and engage in a new pastime or join an organization that helps those who suffer from anxiety disorder separation.
Diagnosis
Everyone feels anxiety at times, especially when facing an enormous challenge like an interview or medical test. GAD is different because the person with it feels constantly anxious, not just sometimes. They also struggle to manage their anxiety, and are more likely to anticipate the worst in a range of situations in everyday life. These include financial, health problems, family issues, 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 a patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your health history, and perform tests to determine if there are physical causes to your symptoms. They will also search for any other mental health issues, such as depression.
GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, but your doctor will check your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your lifestyle and review your history of anxiety. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders, or if you've experienced a traumatic experience in childhood, this can make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorders in adults disorder.
GAD is more common for women than men, and it usually occurs around the age of 30, but it can occur at any point in time. It is a chronic illness which can be treated with therapy and medication. Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. The use of medication can help ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, including muscle tension, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can teach you how to alter negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. You can also use relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to lessen anxiety symptoms. Activities that can help people to focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety.
Prevention
People who have anxiety disorders usually find relief from medication and talk therapy. Many people also employ techniques for relaxation, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy where people are taught to change their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one by one. Medications can be used to treat symptoms for a short time but therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by exaggerated and persistent feelings of anxiety or worry about a myriad of things. These feelings are difficult to control and tend to last longer than six months. GAD sufferers may not be capable of identifying the root of their problems, and they can't always discern what's the issue. Common concerns are money, health and family, friends and family and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They also have "what-if" worries about things that could happen, like their children getting in trouble or their house 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 can also increase the chance of suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also affect relationships and the level of living.
Certain aspects make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They can be triggered by having a history of other 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 problems, can also cause anxiety and can be the first sign of problems. Certain medications can cause anxiety as a side effect.
Some herbal supplements and other over the prescription medications can also increase anxiety, and therefore people should consult with a doctor prior to when they take them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can make the symptoms worse.