What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. People suffering from GAD worry about a variety of things, including family, finances, health and work. The worries are centered on the future, and are unlikely to happen.

It is not known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with specific areas of the brain might be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used to treat of GAD.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, however when it becomes severe and constant it can cause problems with routine activities. It can cause headaches, nausea, or muscle tension. It can also cause issues like difficulty in concentrating at work or school, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options.

generalized anxiety disorder treatment anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterised by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry often about everyday issues such as health, money, family, work and the future. They believe they're always at risk, even when there's no reason to be concerned. They can be worried for a time and appear out of nowhere.

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of interacting with other people, especially in a group or one-onone. They fear they'll say or do something embarrassing or foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, trembling and heart palpitations. People with SAD may be unable to socialize or avoid it, which can negatively affect their social life and job performance.

There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and most people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One type of talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It assists patients to recognize and eliminate distorted thoughts that trigger anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches the patient how to handle fearful situations.

Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including stomach upset and dizziness. They can also help people with anxiety sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe different kinds of antidepressants, like tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, however, they can be used in combination with other medicines to treat anxiety.

It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medications abruptly can aggravate symptoms. Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It is best to talk to an expert before taking these.

Treatment

If your worries are causing disruption in your daily life, and making you unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask questions and may refer you to a mental health specialist to diagnose and treat.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however certain life experiences or traumatic events are believed to increase the risk of developing one. They also can occur in people who are genetically susceptible to them. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that are useful to diagnose GAD.

Medicines can significantly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Many people avoid taking them because they think they'll become dependent but unlike painkillers and sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.

Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. This kind of treatment, also known as talk therapy, can show you how to cope with your anxiety symptoms and prevent their worsening. 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 then change them. CBT has shown to be as effective as medications for anxiety in a few studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they may provide an alternative approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a try.

Lifestyle changes can also aid. A regular exercise program can boost mood and reduce anxiety, while a healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends and engage in a new pastime, or join a support group for people suffering from anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and this is especially true when faced with an enormous challenge like a job interview or a medical test. GAD is different in that people with it feel anxious throughout the day and not just occasionally. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and tend to anticipate the worst in a range of everyday life situations. This includes health, money, family problems and work or school performance. Worries can move from one issue to the next and can be present for months or years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they impact his or her daily life. They will inquire about your past health and run tests to see whether you are suffering from any physical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid or heart disease. They will also test for any other mental disorders 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 ask questions about your lifestyle and examine your anxiety history. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders or if you've experienced a traumatic experience in the past, it could make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Certain medications and substances could increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more common among women than men. It usually starts around the age of thirty but it can happen at any time. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime but it is treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. The use of medication can ease anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to overcome negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and stress. You can also use relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce anxiety symptoms. Exercise or other activities which help people focus their minds can also reduce anxiety.

Prevention

Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some also resort to techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and challenge the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy where they face fears one at a time. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms in the short term but therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

Generalized anxiety disorder gad is defined 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 might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their worries and are unable to identify what is the issue. Common concerns are money, health and family, friends and family, work, or other daily activities. They also have "what-if" concerns about the possibility of things that could happen, like their children getting in trouble or their house burning down.

Anxiety can also hinder daily tasks like school and work. It can cause sleep problems and aches and discomforts. It also increases the likelihood of suffering from mental health issues, such as depression. It can also affect the relationships of a person and their the quality of life.

Certain factors make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are called risk factors. They are characterized by an history of mental health issues as well as having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse in early childhood can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung diseases, or thyroid problems can also cause anxiety and can be the first sign of problems. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect.

Some herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also cause anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician before taking these products. Alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs can make the symptoms worse.