The Story Behind Generalised Anxiety Disorder Is One That Will Haunt You Forever! Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. It is recommended to only use medication for short periods to alleviate symptoms and should be followed by therapy.

Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones as well as boosts the positive chemicals in the brain. It also helps to distract people from their worries.

Symptoms


Many people feel anxious from time to time and especially when under stress. However, if your anxiety is persistent and constant which makes it difficult to relax or function, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD is characterized by excessive worry and feelings apprehensive anticipation for no apparent reasons. They worry about a myriad of things, such as their job and school performance and the security of their family members, upcoming events and natural disasters. They have a sense of imminent danger and have difficulty in focusing or sleeping.

GAD symptoms are more frequent in women than in men and often start during childhood or adolescence. They can last into adulthood, and are often caused by depression or other mental disorders.

You might also experience other physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor. They will ask you questions to ensure that there isn't something that is causing the symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination.

GAD can be treated. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications. Self-help techniques like exercises, relaxation, and mindfulness meditation also can help.

Anxiety disorders are a set of disorders that affect your mood and behaviour including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe genetics and temperament as well as environmental factors are the main causes for the development of anxiety disorders.

While anyone can develop an anxiety disorder however, it is more prevalent in children and adolescents. Certain people are more prone to anxiety disorders due to their temperament, while others have a history with trauma or mental illness. It is important to seek out help if you have an anxiety history in your family. The earlier you get treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone experiences anxiety every now and then, but for people with GAD anxiety is a constant state of worry and dread that interferes with their lives. GAD can make you feel anxious about many different things. It can make it difficult to focus at work or school, and it can affect your health. It could also cause you to avoid social or activities because of feelings of fear and dread.

The use of psychotherapy and medication has been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment is determined by how the symptoms impact your daily life and any other issues you might have.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the problem. You should tell your doctor about the symptoms and how long they've been present, and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an exam and ask questions. They will also look for other health concerns, such as diabetes or heart disease, and ask about any mental illness in your family.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Different types of psychotherapy have proven to be effective, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. This kind of therapy teaches you new ways to think and act to alleviate anxiety. It requires some effort, but with practice it can be very useful.

Antidepressants are the first line treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications are highly efficient and have a few side effects when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies such as valerian and kava can aid however, there aren't enough studies to support their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it is important to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to talk with your doctor if anxiety symptoms affect your child's school or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is usually diagnosed when someone experiences an excessive, uncontrollable anxiety on more days than not for at least six months. This is not the normal feeling of anxiety at certain times that many people experience. People with GAD typically anticipate disasters and are apprehensive about health, money work, family, and other personal issues. They might be anxious and fatigued, or they may be unable to concentrate. Some signs of GAD include muscle tension, headaches difficulty sleeping and irritability. GAD can also cause stomach upsets or heart palpitations.

Your doctor will inquire about your current and previous symptoms to help diagnose GAD. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body. He or she will look for other health conditions such as respiratory or heart diseases. Your doctor might recommend a CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out any other health issues.

GAD is treated through talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is well researched. CBT provides new ways to think, behave and react to situations, which can help you feel less anxious. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety. In general, these medications are only advised for short-term GAD treatment.

GAD patients are at risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression. They are also at an increased risk of developing mental health problems like bipolar or attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder.

GAD is not caused by one single factor. It is possible that genetics, life events, and chronic medical illnesses all contribute to the development of GAD. The earlier intervention is crucial since anxiety can become worse as time passes. Talk to your GP if you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety-related symptoms that hinder your daily functioning and last more than six months. Patients suffering from anxiety should seek out help from their doctor or psychologist, or any other mental health professionals.

The following is a list of preventatives.

Everyone feels anxious every now and then, especially if they are concerned about a particular event or circumstance. If this feeling persists and interferes with daily life it could be a sign that you have a generalized anxiety disorder. If your symptoms are affecting everyday activities, it's essential to seek assistance. Treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications are all options for treating GAD.

Although it's not known what causes GAD specifically stress, genetics and stress might be contributing factors. People who have an ancestral history of depression or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a shy or timid temperament or have experienced traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the condition.

The main sign of GAD is excessive and unreasonable worrying or tension, usually for at least six months. The stress or worry can be related to a variety of issues, such as work, family, money, health and other issues. GAD sufferers frequently have difficulty finding the cause of their anxiety and their worries seem to be sporadic.

Treatment for GAD is efficient. The first step is to speak to an expert in healthcare or GP about your symptoms. They will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or a specialist to further evaluate and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other psychological therapies can help you deal with your anxiety and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are available through the NHS and are typically provided prior to anti-anxiety medication being prescribed. Treatments for GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, which both decrease the feeling of fear and anxiety. Antidepressants can also be utilized to treat GAD but their effects can be slower to manifest than those of benzodiazepines or buspirone.

You can also employ relaxation techniques, eating healthy and exercise to ease your anxiety. Talking with family and friends about your worries can be beneficial. If you think your anxiety is affecting your life, or the well-being of a friend or relative you can call an Australian health service line. For more information about the services that are available, visit healthdirect.