What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic condition that causes excessive anxiety and irrational worry. People with GAD are concerned about a range of things including health, money, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to happen.

GAD isn't fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Treatment includes medicine and therapy for talk.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, however when it becomes chronic and persistent, it can interfere with everyday activities. It can cause headaches, nausea, or tension in the muscles. It can also cause problems like a difficult time concentrating at school or work as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two options.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by excessive, irrational worry. People suffering from GAD worry a lot about everyday things, such as finances, health and family, work, and the future. They feel constantly in danger even when there is no reason to be worried. Worries often last for a long time and appear to pop up out of thin air.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is also referred to as social phobia, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with others, especially when they are in a group or one-on-1. They worry that they will say or do something embarrassing or foolish. Tenseness, anxiety and heart palpitations are possible symptoms. SAD sufferers may restrict or avoid social interactions and can negatively impact their social life and work performance.

There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and most people respond well to them. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help people change their negative thoughts and behavior, which are the cause of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy. It helps people identify and replace distorted thinking that triggers panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to deal with fearful situations and cope with them.

Medicines can alleviate certain physical symptoms, including dizziness and stomach upset. They can also help people with anxiety to sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants like SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It is important to keep taking medication for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication could make the symptoms worse. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also aggravate anxiety. It is best to talk to with a physician prior to taking these.

Treatment

If your worries are causing disruption with your daily routine and making you feel uneasy, then see your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

The reason for anxiety disorders isn't completely known however certain life experiences and traumatizing events are believed to increase the chance of developing one. They also can occur in those who are genetically susceptible to these disorders. Numerous screening tests and tests can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For example, the GAD-7 scale, created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that are useful in diagnosing GAD.

The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, which are often recommended to treat anxiety disorder are among the most effective medicines available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are often avoided by those who fear becoming dependent on them. However, unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants don't lead to dependence.

Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. This kind of treatment, also known as talk therapy, can show you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and prevent their worsening. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy which helps people change their negative and fearful habits and thoughts. CBT has shown to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in certain studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they could provide an alternative approach to treating anxiety signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder can be worth a try.

Lifestyle changes also can anxiety disorder cause high blood pressure help. 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, take up something new or join an anxiety support group.

Diagnosis

Everyone feels anxiety from time to time particularly when faced with a big challenge such as an interview or medical test. 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 range of everyday life situations. This includes financial, health, family problems and school or work performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between different issues and last for months or years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they affect his or her daily life. They will ask about your health history and run tests to see whether you are suffering from any physical reasons for your symptoms, such as heart disease or thyroid disease. They will also test for other mental illnesses like depression.

GAD is not detected by lab tests, but your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will also ask you about your lifestyle and examine your past history of anxiety. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders, or if you've experienced a traumatic experience in childhood, this can make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Some medications and substances may also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more common among women than men. It usually begins around the age of 30, but it can happen at any time in the course of life. It is a chronic disease which can be treated with therapy and medication. You can choose to use one or both therapies. Medicines can ease the anxiety and its physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to overcome negative thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. You can also employ relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Other activities that help people focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety.

Prevention

Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some also resort to techniques for relaxation such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, where people are taught to change their thinking patterns as well as exposure therapy where they face fears one at a time. Medicines can be used to alleviate symptoms in the short-term but therapy is the primary method of treatment.

generalized anxiety disorder treatment anxiety disorder gad (bengtson-Lange-2.blogbright.net) is defined by over-exaggerated and persistent feeling of anxiety or worry about a variety of things. These emotions are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their problems and may not be able to determine what's bothering them. Common concerns are money, health and family, friends and family and work, as well as other day-to-day activities. They fret about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.

In addition to causing anxiety, anxiety can also hinder the ability of a person to perform daily tasks, like school or work. It can lead to sleep issues as well as aches and pains. It may also increase the risk of a person suffering from other mental health issues, like depression. It can also affect relationships and a person's quality of life.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They can be triggered by having a history of other mental health issues and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can raise the chances of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease, or thyroid issues, can also cause anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of a problem. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as a side effect.

Some herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also cause anxiety, which is why people should consult a physician prior to using these products. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.