What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic problem with a high level of anxiety and irrational worries. People with GAD are concerned about a range of things, including finances, health, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to occur.

It isn't known what causes GAD however, genes and problems with specific areas of the brain could be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy.

Signs and symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes persistent and severe social anxiety disorder it can disrupt everyday activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause issues such as difficulty concentrating at school or work as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are many different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational and excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about everyday issues, such as their health, finances families, jobs, and the future. They are constantly worried even when there's no reason to worry. Worries can last a long while and seem to appear out of thin air.

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a fearful attitude of socializing with others particularly in groups or one-on-one. They fear that they might make a mistake or say something embarrassing or stupid. Signs of SAD could include sweating shaking and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life and job performance.

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 individuals in learning to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One type of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. It helps people learn to recognize and eliminate negative thoughts that cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps patients learn to deal with stressful situations and deal with them.

Certain physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness can be cured by medicines. They can also help people who suffer from anxiety sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It's important to stick with treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen symptoms. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It's best to consult with a physician prior to taking these.

Treatment

If your worries are interfering in your daily routine, and making you unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask you questions and refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, certain life experiences and traumatizing events seem to increase the likelihood of developing one. They also occur in people who are genetically susceptible to them. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For example, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke is a self-report instrument which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD.

The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants, often recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders, are among the most effective medicines available. They can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Antidepressants are usually avoided by those who fear 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 disorder separation. Sometimes called talk therapy, this kind of treatment can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that assists people to overcome their fearful and negative habits and thoughts. CBT has been found to be as effective for anxiety as medication in a few studies.

Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), or interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these therapies however, they could provide an alternative method of managing anxiety and are worth a look.

Lifestyle changes can also benefit. A regular exercise program can improve mood and decrease seasonal anxiety disorder, and a healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, take up something new or join an anxiety support group.

Diagnosis

Every person experiences anxiety at times particularly when facing an overwhelming task like a job interview. GAD is different in that people with it feel anxious all the times and not just at times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety, and are more likely to anticipate the worst in a range of daily life situations. This includes finances, health, family problems and work or school performance. Worries may float from one problem to the next and can last for months, or even years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by evaluating the symptoms of a patient and how these symptoms affect their daily lives. They will ask about your past health, and perform tests to determine if there are any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look for other mental conditions like depression.

GAD is not diagnosed by lab tests, however, your doctor will test your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your daily routine and examine your past history of anxiety. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders in the event that you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Some medications and substances may increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent in women than in males, and usually occurs around the age of 30 but it can develop at any time in life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime however it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to utilize either or both of these treatments. Medications may help with both the physical and mental symptoms, like muscle tension, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you learn to shift your negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and help manage stress in a more positive way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to reduce anxiety and lessen the symptoms. Activities that can help people to focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety.

Prevention

Talk therapy and medications can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation techniques, diets, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and confront negative thoughts that fuel their anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy in which individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one at a time. In the short-term, medications can be used to help treat the symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay.

Generalized anxiety disorder gad is defined by persistent and exaggerated feelings of anxiety or worry about a variety of things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they can be expected to last for more than 6 months. Those suffering from GAD might have a difficult in identifying what they're concerned about, and their worries typically don't have a clear reason. Health, money family and friends or other everyday activities are common worries. They are worried about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.

Anxiety can affect daily activities like school and work. It can cause problems sleeping and can cause aches and pains. It also increases the likelihood of a person developing other mental health problems like depression. It can also impact relationships and a person's level of living.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders anxiety. These are known as risk factors. They are characterized by a history of other mental health issues as well as having a family member with an anxiety and panic disorder disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, or thyroid issues, can also trigger anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of an issue. As a side-effect certain medications can trigger anxiety.

Some herbal supplements and prescription medications can also increase anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using them. Alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs can make the symptoms worse.