What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a chronic problem that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational worries. GAD can cause people to be worried about many things, such as their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The concerns are focused on the future and appear unlikely to occur.
It is not known what causes GAD but genetics and issues with specific parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy.
Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes chronic and persistent, it can interfere with everyday activities. It can trigger nausea, headaches or tension in the muscles. It can also cause problems such as trouble working or studying and issues with social interactions and relationships. There are several different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by excessive, irrational worrying. People with GAD worry about the everyday concerns, such as their health, finances, family, jobs, and the future. They feel constantly in danger, even if there is no reason to worry. These fears can last for a long time and appear to come out of nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social phobia, is a condition that causes people to be hesitant to interact with other people particularly in a group or one-on-one. They are afraid that they will do or say something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look stupid. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking, and heart palpitations are possible signs. People with SAD may restrict or avoid social interactions and can negatively impact their social life and work performance.
Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One form of talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. It helps people identify and overcome thoughts that are distorted and cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches patients how to confront fearful situations and cope with them.
Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness can be cured by medicines. They can also help people with anxiety sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
It's important to stick with the treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can make the symptoms worse. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medications can also cause anxiety. It is best to talk to an expert before taking these.
Treatment
Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if you feel that your worries are interfering with your daily life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental healthcare provider to diagnose and treat.
The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but certain life experiences and traumatizing events seem to increase the chance of developing one. Genetically predisposed people can also develop anxiety disorders. Your doctor can assess the severity of symptoms by using various tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, which was created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report instrument that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD.
If taken regularly, medicines can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants, often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders are among the most effective drugs available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Many people are reluctant to take them because they think they will become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants don't cause dependency.
Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. This type 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 common form of psychotherapy that assists people learn how to recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behaviors and change them. CBT has been proven to be as effective as medication for anxiety in certain studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety, but research is lacking.
Lifestyle changes can also benefit. A regular exercise program can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time particularly when faced with an enormous challenge like an interview for a job or a medical test. GAD is different in that the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just at times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of situations in everyday life. This includes finances, health problems, family issues, school or work performance. The worry can float between different issues and last for many months or even years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by evaluating a patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will inquire about your past health, and perform tests to determine if there are physical causes to your symptoms. They will also search for other mental health conditions such as depression.
GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, but your doctor will examine your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask questions about your lifestyle and look at your past history of anxiety. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders if you have an history of anxiety disorders 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 common for women than men, and it usually begins around the age of 30 but it can develop at any point in time. It is a chronic condition, but it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can decide to choose one or both treatments. Medication can alleviate anxiety and physical symptoms, such as tension and headaches. Psychotherapy can help you to shift your negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and help you deal with stress in a more positive way. You can also employ relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Activities that help people focus their minds can also reduce anxiety.
Prevention
People suffering from anxiety disorders usually find relief from medications and therapy. Some people use relaxation techniques, diets, exercise and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Talk therapies help people recognize and confront negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments can include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals learn to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, which involves facing fears one at a time. In the short term, medication can be used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay.
Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterised by persistent and exaggerated feelings of fear or anxiety about a variety of things. It's difficult to control these feelings, and they can be expected to last for longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their anxiety and may not be able to identify what is troubling them. Health, money as well as family and friends, work or other daily routines are all common concerns. They worry about "what-ifs" like their children being in trouble or their home burning down.
In addition to creating anxiety, anxiety can also hinder the ability of a person to perform daily tasks, like school and work. It can cause sleep problems as well as aches and pains. It may also increase the chance of having other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact relationships and a person's quality of life.
Certain aspects make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are referred to as risk factors. These include a family history of anxiety disorders and a history with other mental health problems. Childhood abuse physical and emotional, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can also trigger anxiety, and are often the first sign of problems. As a side effect certain medications can cause anxiety.
Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also cause anxiety, which is why people should consult a doctor before using them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can make symptoms worse.
