What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic problem that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational fear. People with GAD are concerned about a range of things, including health, money, family and work. The main concern is the future and is unlikely to happen.

GAD is not fully understood, however brain and genetic issues could be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy.

Symptoms

Anxiety is the natural reaction to stress. However, when it becomes chronic or persistent, it can interfere in everyday activities. It can trigger headaches, nausea or tension in the muscles. It can also cause problems like a difficult time concentrating at school or work, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are many different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medications.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational and excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about everyday issues such as their finances, health and family, work, and the future. They feel constantly in danger even when there is no reason to be concerned. Worries can last a long time and appear out of nowhere.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frightened of socializing with others particularly in small groups or one-on-one. They are afraid that they will say or do something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look stupid. Sweating, trembling and heart palpitations are possible signs. People with SAD may be unable to socialize or avoid it, which can negatively affect their social life as well as job performance.

There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and the majority of people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist people in learning to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One form of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It assists people to recognize and replace distorted thoughts that trigger panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to face fearful situations and cope with them.

Medicines can alleviate certain physical symptoms, such as stomach upset and dizziness. They can also help people who suffer from anxiety rest better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It's important to stick with the treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen symptoms. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter 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 unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and could refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood however, certain life experiences and traumatizing events may increase the risk of developing one. People with genetic predisposition may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Numerous screening tests and tests can aid 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 instrument that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD.

When taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Antidepressants are often avoided by those who are afraid of becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants don't lead to dependence.

Psychotherapy is a second option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this kind of treatment will teach you methods to manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has shown to be as effective as medication for anxiety in some studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety, but research is insufficient.

Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can boost mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Try to spend time with family and friends and engage in a new pastime, or join a support group for people with anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety at times particularly when facing an overwhelming task such as a job interview. However, GAD is different because people who suffer from it are constantly anxious not just a portion of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and expect the worst about the smallest of problems. This includes health, money family problems, work or school performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between different issues and last for many months or years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they impact his or her daily life. They will inquire about your health history and run tests to see if you have any physical causes for your symptoms, like thyroid or heart disease. They will also check for any other mental health issues like depression.

GAD is not diagnosed by lab tests, however, your doctor will examine your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask questions about your daily routine and review your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders in the event that you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you have had a difficult childhood. Certain drugs and substances can also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more common among women than men. It usually starts around the age of 30, but it can happen at any time in the course of life. It is a chronic illness that can anxiety disorder cause high blood pressure be treated by therapy and medication. You can choose to use one or both treatments. Medication can alleviate anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and help you cope with stress in a healthier way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help manage anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Exercise or other activities which help people focus their minds can also help reduce mixed anxiety disorder.

Prevention

Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Certain people employ relaxation methods, diets, exercises and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals learn to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, which involves facing fears one at a. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms in the short-term, while therapy is the primary method of treatment.

Generalized anxiety disorders examples disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety or dread about many different things. It's difficult to control these emotions, and they are more likely to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers might not be capable of identifying the root of their worries and may not be able to identify what is the issue. Money, health as well as family and friends or other everyday routines are all common worries. They fret about "what-ifs" such as their children being in trouble or their home burning down.

Anxiety can also hinder daily tasks like school and work. It can lead to problems sleeping and trigger discomfort and pain. It can also increase the risk of having other mental health problems like depression. It can also impact the quality of relationships a person has and their the quality of their life.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They can be triggered by having a history of other mental health problems and having a family member with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can raise the chances of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Some medical conditions such as lung disease or heart disease can also trigger anxiety. These are usually the first indications of an issue. As a result, certain medications can cause anxiety.

Certain herbal supplements and over the drugs can also cause anxiety, and therefore people should consult with a doctor before they begin using these products. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can also make the symptoms worse.