What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. People suffering from GAD are concerned about a range of things, including health, money, family and work. The main concern is the future, and seems unlikely to occur.

It is not known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with certain parts of the brain may be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes chronic and persistent it can disrupt everyday activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also lead to problems like a difficult time working or studying as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. They include psychotherapy as well as medications.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is mental health issue that is characterized by excessive, irrational worrying. People with GAD worry a lot about everyday things, such as finances, health as well as family, work and the future. They feel that they're always under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. The fear can last for a long while and seem to appear out of nowhere.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of being around other people particularly in a group or one-onone. They worry that they will make a mistake or say something embarrassing or foolish. Symptoms may include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might avoid or limit social interaction and can negatively impact their social life and job performance.

Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One form of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It helps people identify and overcome distorted thinking that triggers panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to deal with stressful situations.

Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness can be controlled by taking medications. 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. Doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, however, they can be used in combination with other medications to treat anxiety.

It is important to stay on treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medications abruptly can aggravate symptoms. Certain 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 life, and making you unhappy, then see 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 completely identified however certain life experiences or traumatic events are believed to increase the risk of developing one. People with genetic predisposition may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Your doctor can assess the severity of symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. 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, particularly when used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants, often recommended to treat anxiety disorder, are among the most effective medications available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Many people steer clear of these medications because they fear they will become dependent, however, unlike painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence.

Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. This type of treatment, sometimes called talk therapy, will teach you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and stop the escalating effects of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy which helps individuals to change their negative and fearful behaviors and thoughts. CBT has been shown to be as effective in treating anxiety as medication in some studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), or interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety, however, research on these treatments is insufficient.

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

Diagnosis

Every person experiences anxiety at times, especially when faced with a major challenge like an interview. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel anxious all the time and not just a small portion of the times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of everyday life situations. This includes financial, health problems, family issues, work or school performance. The worry can float from one issue to the next and 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 ask you about your past health, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical causes for your symptoms. They will also look for other mental illnesses like depression.

GAD is not diagnosed through laboratory tests, but your doctor will test your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will also ask you about your lifestyle and review your anxiety history. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders in the event that you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain drugs and substances can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent for women than males, and usually starts around age 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). Treatment options could include one or both of these therapies. The use of medication can help ease the physical and mental symptoms, such as tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and help deal with stress in a healthier way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation to reduce anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Activities that help people focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety.

https://k12.instructure.com/eportfolios/675779/Home/15_Shocking_Facts_About_Anxiety_Disorders_Medicine_Youve_Never_Seen is a list of preventatives.

Talk therapy and medications can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people also use techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and challenge the negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, in which individuals learn to change their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms in the short term and therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent and excessive feelings of anxiety or dread about many different things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they tend to last for longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their worries and are unable to discern what's troubling them. The most frequent concerns are money, health and family members and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They worry about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.

Anxiety can affect everyday tasks such as school and work. It can lead to problems sleeping and trigger discomfort and aches. It may also increase the risk of a person suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact the relationships of a person and their the quality of their life.

Certain aspects make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They can be triggered by having an history of mental health issues and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in childhood can raise the chances of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease can also cause anxiety. These are usually the first signs of a problem. As a side effect certain medications can cause anxiety.

Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also increase anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician before taking them. Nicotine, alcohol and drug abuse can also make the symptoms worse.