What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fear. GAD can cause people to be worried about many things, including their health, finances, family, and work. The worries are centered on the future and seem unlikely to occur.
GAD isn't fully understood, but brain and genetic issues could be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but if it becomes chronic and persistent it can cause problems with daily activities. It can trigger headaches and muscle tension, as well as nausea. It can also lead to problems like trouble concentration at school or at work and problems in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many ways. These include psychotherapy and medications.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, irrational worrying. People suffering from GAD worry often about everyday issues such as finances, health and family, work, and the future. They are constantly worried even when there is no reason to worry. These fears can last for a long time and appear to pop up out of nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social fear, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with other people particularly in a group or one-on-one. They worry that they will make a mistake or say something embarrassing or foolish. Symptoms may include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might avoid or limit social interaction, which can negatively affect their social life as well as job performance.
Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people learn to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It helps people identify and overcome the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.
Medicines can help control certain physical symptoms, including dizziness and stomach upset. They can also aid people who suffer from anxiety to sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
It is important to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause the symptoms to worsen. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements may increase anxiety, so it's recommended to talk with a health care provider before taking these supplements.
Treatment
If your worries are interfering in your daily life, and causing you to feel unhappy, then see your doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions and may refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat.
The reason for anxiety disorders is not fully known however, certain life experiences and traumatic events seem to increase the likelihood of developing one. Genetically predisposed individuals are also susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. A variety of tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For instance the GAD-7 scale developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report tool that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD.
The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, particularly when used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants, often recommended to treat anxiety disorder are among the most effective medications available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are usually avoided by those who are afraid of becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.
Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this kind of treatment can help you learn strategies to deal with your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known form of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and alter them. CBT has been shown to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in some studies.
Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety, but research is lacking.
Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. 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, take up something new or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety at times particularly when confronted with a major challenge such as a job interview. GAD is different because people with it feel anxious throughout the day and not just occasionally. They also struggle to manage their anxiety, and are more likely to anticipate the worst in a variety of everyday life situations. This includes finances, health family problems, work or school performance. The worry can float between different issues and last for months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. They will ask about your previous health and perform tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also check for other mental conditions such as depression.
There are no tests in the lab for GAD however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, thyroid function, and heart rate. They will also ask you about your lifestyle and review your past history of anxiety. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or if you had a traumatizing childhood experience. Some medications and substances can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more prevalent in women than men, and typically begins around the age of 30, although it can happen at any time throughout life. It is a chronic disease which can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. You can decide to choose one or both therapies. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can teach you how to change negative thoughts that can cause stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to help manage anxiety and ease its symptoms. Some people find that exercise or other activities that help them focus their minds can ease anxiety, too.
The following is a list of preventions.
Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people also use relaxation techniques, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and confront the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, where people are taught to change their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, which involves facing fears one at a. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms for a short time, while therapy is the primary method of treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread over a variety of things. These emotions are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. Those suffering from GAD may have a hard time telling what they're worried about, and their concerns typically don't have a clear root. Typical concerns include health, money and family members working, and other daily activities. They worry 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 cause sleep problems as well as aches and pains. It can also increase the risk of a person suffering from mental health issues, such as depression. It can also affect relationships and the quality of life.
generalized anxiety disorder 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, both emotional and physical, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or thyroid problems, can also trigger anxiety and can be the first sign of an issue. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, so people should consult a physician before taking them. Drug and alcohol abuse and nicotine can make symptoms worse.