What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic problem that involves excessive anxiety and irrational fear. People with GAD worry about a wide range of things, including family, finances, health and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to happen.

It is unclear what causes GAD however, genes and problems with certain parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment options include medication and therapy for talk.

Signs and symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes severe and constant it can cause problems with everyday activities. It can trigger headaches and muscle tension, as well as nausea. It can also lead to problems like trouble concentrating at work or school as well as issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterised by excessive, irrational worry. People with GAD worry all the time about things that are normal, such as health, money and family, work, and the future. They believe that they’re constantly at risk, even when there’s no reason for them to be worried. Worries often last for a long time, and appear to pop up from nowhere.

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of interacting with other people particularly in small groups or one-on-one. They’re concerned that they’ll say or do something that might make them look foolish or make them look foolish. Tenseness, anxiety, and heart palpitations are possible signs. People with SAD may be unable to socialize or avoid it that can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance.

The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist people in learning to change the negative thoughts and actions that contribute to their anxiety. One form of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It assists people to recognize and replace the distorted thoughts that cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to confront anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal 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, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants like tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, but they can be used in combination with other medications to treat anxiety.

It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication could make the symptoms worse. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements may aggravate anxiety, so it’s recommended to talk with your doctor before taking these supplements.

Treatment

When you feel anxious, it is normal, if your anxieties interfere with your life and making you feel miserable, see your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental healthcare specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

The reason for anxiety disorders isn’t completely identified however certain life experiences and traumatic events seem to increase the likelihood of developing one. Genetically predisposed individuals may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of the 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 tool which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD.

When taken regularly, medications can help reduce anxiety, especially when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants, which are frequently recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders, are among the most effective medications available. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people are reluctant to take them due to the fear that they will become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants do not lead to dependency.

Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps people overcome their fearful and negative behavior and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in certain studies.

Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety but some research is still lacking.

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

Diagnosis

Everyone feels anxiety at times and this is especially true when faced with a big challenge such as a job interview or a medical test. GAD is different because the person with it feels anxious all the times and not just at times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety, and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of everyday life situations. This includes finances, health problems, family issues, work or school performance. The worry can float from one problem to the next and last for months, or even years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by evaluating the patient’s symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will inquire about your past health, and perform tests to determine if there are any physical causes to your symptoms. They will also look for other mental conditions like depression.

There aren’t any lab tests for GAD, but your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your daily routine and examine your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain medications and substances may increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent in women than men, and it usually begins around the age of 30, but it can develop at any time throughout life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime, but it can be treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. Medications may help with both the physical and mental symptoms, including tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome negative thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to reduce anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also reduce anxiety.

The following is a list with preventions.

Talk therapy and medications can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety disorders. Certain people employ relaxation methods, diets, exercises, and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and challenge the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. In the short-term, medicines are used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. It is difficult to control these feelings, and they can be expected to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers may not be capable of identifying the root of their anxiety and are unable to identify what is the issue. Common concerns are health, money and family members and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They are worried about “what-ifs” such as their children being in trouble or their home burning down.

In addition to creating anxiety, anxiety can also affect a person’s ability to do everyday tasks like work and school. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It may also increase the risk of a person having other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact relationships and a person’s quality of life.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They can be triggered by having the presence of mental health problems and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or thyroid issues, can also trigger anxiety and are sometimes the first sign of a problem. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect.

Some herbal supplements and prescription medications can also increase anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using them. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.