Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can also be treated by therapy and medication. The use of medication is usually temporarily to ease symptoms and should be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and increases the feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also helps to distract people from their worries.
Symptoms
Many people have anxiety from time moment. This is especially true when they are stressed. However, if your anxiety is persistent and constant and makes it difficult to function or relax You may be suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
People suffering from GAD experience excessive worry and a sense of anxiety for no apparent reason. They are worried about a variety of things, like their school or job performance as well as the safety and wellbeing of family members, and future events. They are concerned about imminent danger and have difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
GAD symptoms are more common for women than men and often start during the adolescent or childhood years. They can persist into adulthood, often accompanied by depression and anxiety disorders and other mental health issues.
You might also experience other physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. Consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms. They will ask you questions to confirm that there isn’t anything that is causing the symptoms of anxiety disorders. They will also perform a physical examination.
GAD can be treated. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help techniques like relaxation, mindfulness meditation and exercise can also help.
Anxiety disorders comprise a range of conditions that affect your mood and behaviour like panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias such as social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Certain researchers believe that genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are the main causes for the development of anxiety disorders.
While anyone can develop anxiety disorders, it is more common in adolescents and children. Certain people may have a temperament that makes them more prone to suffer from anxiety disorders and others may have an ancestry of traumatizing experiences or other mental illnesses. If you have a family history of anxiety, it’s crucial to seek help. The earlier you begin treatment and diagnosis, the less severe the symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everyone is anxious from time to time, but for people with GAD, anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that impedes their daily routine. GAD makes you feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues not just one thing. It can make it difficult to concentrate at school or at work, and can affect your physical health. It could also cause you to avoid social events or activities because of anxiety and fear.
Psychotherapy and medication have been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment decisions are based on how the symptoms impact your daily life and any other conditions you may be suffering from.
First, you should talk to your doctor about your problem. Discuss with your doctor the symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as how long they’ve been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an exam and ask questions. They will also test for other health concerns, such as diabetes or heart disease, and ask about any mental illnesses in your family.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be the most effective of all types of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you various ways of thinking and acting to get rid of your anxiety. It’s quite a bit of work however it can be very beneficial with practice.
Antidepressants are the primary pharmacological treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram, duloxetine, and Venlafaxine. These medications are highly effective and have very few side effects when taken within the recommended time frame. There are also some natural remedies that could help, such as valerian and kava, but there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims and they may interact with other medications, such as SSRIs.
It is essential to take your child to an expert in mental health in order to diagnose and manage anxiety. Talk to your doctor for advice if your child’s symptoms of anxiety impact their school, family life or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is typically diagnosed when a person experiences extreme, uncontrollable worry more days than they do for at least six months. This isn’t the typical anxiety that people experience at certain times that most people feel. People with GAD often anticipate disaster and are overly worried about money, health, family, work, and other personal concerns. They might be anxious and fatigued, or they may be unable to concentrate. GAD can cause muscle tension, headaches and trouble sleeping. GAD can also trigger stomach upsets or heart palpitations.
Your doctor will ask you about your present and previous symptoms to determine if you have GAD. Your doctor will ask about your family history. Your doctor will then conduct a physical exam. He or she will examine for any signs of health problems, such as stomach problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test such as an CT scan or an MRI to rule out any other health issues.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that is extensively studied. CBT offers you new ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to events that can help you feel less stressed and anxious. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce anxiety. They are usually only recommended as a short-term treatment option for GAD.
GAD patients are at risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression. They also have greater risk of developing mental health issues like bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or post-traumatic distress disorder.
There is no single cause for GAD. It is possible that genetics, life events and chronic medical ailments all contribute to the development of GAD. Early intervention is crucial, as anxiety can worsen with time. Talk to your GP in the event that you or someone else in your family has feelings of anxiety that interfere with daily functioning and last for more than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety may seek assistance from their GP or psychologist.
The following is a list of preventions.
Everyone feels anxious at times particularly when they are concerned about a particular circumstance or event. But, if this feeling becomes constant and impacts your daily life, it may be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is essential to seek treatment if you have symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. Treatment options for GAD include medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Although it’s not clear what causes of generalized anxiety disorder GAD exactly, genetics and stressful situations may be factors. People who have a family history of depression or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a naturally shy or timid temperament or have experienced traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the condition.
The main characteristic of GAD is excessive and unrealistic worrying or tension, usually for at least six months. This tension or worrying could be related to a variety of topics like finances, family, work health, and other concerns. People who have GAD often aren’t able to pinpoint the cause of their anxiety, and their worries tend to drift from one concern to the next.
Treatment for GAD is efficient. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will collect a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may refer you to a specialist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other psychological therapies can help you deal with your anxieties and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are offered through the NHS, and are often given before anti-anxiety medication is prescribed. The medications used to treat GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, both of which reduce the feeling of fear and anxiety. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD however their effects might take longer to be felt than those of benzodiazepines and buspirone.
You can also try relaxation techniques, eat healthy foods and exercise to help manage your worries. Being a part of a support group and sharing your concerns with family members or friends could be beneficial. If you think your anxiety is affecting your daily routine or the well-being of a friend or relative contact an Australian health service line. For more information about the services offered, visit healthdirect.