What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a long-lasting problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People suffering from GAD worry about a wide range of things, including health, money, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to occur.

It isn't known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with certain parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment may include medications and talk therapy.

Signs and symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent and severe, it can interfere with daily activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also lead to problems such as trouble concentrating at work or school and issues with social relationships and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options.

generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorder is a mental disorder characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry a lot about everyday things such as finances, health, family, work and the future. They feel constantly threatened even when there's no reason to be worried. Worries can last a long while and seem to appear out of thin air.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frightened of interacting with other people particularly in groups or one-on-one. They fear they'll make a mistake or say something embarrassing or stupid. Signs of SAD could include sweating trembling and heart palpitations. People with SAD may restrict or avoid social interactions, which can negatively affect their social life and job performance.

Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One type 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 anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps the patient learn how to cope with fearful situations.

Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. They can also aid those suffering from anxiety to relax and sleep better. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It is crucial to keep taking medication for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can make the symptoms worse. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements may increase anxiety, which is why it's important to talk with an expert in health prior to taking these supplements.

Treatment

When you feel anxious, it is normal, if you feel that your worries are interfering with your life and making you feel unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions and may refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events or traumatic experiences are believed to increase the likelihood of developing them. They also can occur in people who are genetically prone to them. Your doctor can assess the severity of symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. For example the GAD-7 scale created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke is a self-report instrument that can be useful in diagnosing GAD.

Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, which are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders are among the most effective medicines available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are usually avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.

Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this kind of treatment can help you learn strategies to deal with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and alter them. CBT has been shown to be as effective as medication for anxiety in some studies.

Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these therapies however, they could provide an alternative approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a look.

Lifestyle changes also can help. Regular exercise programs can improve mood and decrease anxiety, and a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, especially when faced with the biggest challenge, such as a job interview. However, GAD is different because people who suffer from it are anxious all the time not just a portion of the time. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and expect the worst about a range of everyday life problems. This includes health, money, family problems and work or school performance. The worry can float between different issues and last for many months or even years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your health history, and conduct tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look drugs for anxiety disorder any other mental health issues such as depression.

There aren't any lab tests for GAD However, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will also ask questions about your lifestyle and review your past history of anxiety. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders, or if you had an experience that was traumatic in your childhood, this could make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances may also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent among women than men. It usually begins at around the age of 30, but it can happen at any point in life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime however it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. Medications may help with both the anxiety and its physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn to shift your negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and help cope with stress in a healthier manner. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to manage your anxiety disorder symptoms and lessen the symptoms. Some people discover that exercise or other activities that help them concentrate their minds help relieve anxiety, too.

Prevention

Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people identify and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people are taught to change their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. In the short term, medication can be used to alleviate symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay.

Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterised by exaggerated and persistent feelings of worry or fear about many different things. These feelings are difficult to control and tend to last longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries, and they can't always discern what's the issue. Money, health, friends and family and other daily routines are all common worries. They fret about "what-ifs" like their children being in trouble or their home burning down.

In addition to creating anxiety, stress can also hinder the ability of an individual to complete daily tasks, like work and school. It can cause sleep problems as well as aches and pains. It can also increase the likelihood of having other mental health issues, like depression. It can also affect a person's relationships and quality of life.

Certain factors make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are known as risk factors. They can be triggered by having a history of other mental health issues and having a family member with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions like heart disease or lung disease can also cause anxiety. These are often the first signs of a problem. Certain medications can cause anxiety as an adverse effect.

Some herbal supplements and other over the prescription medications can also increase anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor before they begin using them. Drug and alcohol abuse and nicotine can also make the symptoms worse.