What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a long-lasting problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. People with GAD worry about a wide range of things, including health, money, family and work. The main concern is the future, and appears unlikely to occur.

GAD is not fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Treatment options include medication and therapy for talk.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes chronic or persistent, it can interfere in everyday activities. It can trigger nausea, headaches or muscle tension. It can also cause problems like a difficult time in concentrating at work or school 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 dsm-5 anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People suffering from 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 in danger, even though there's no reason to be concerned. Worries can last a long time and then appear from nowhere.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frightened of being around other people, especially in groups or one-on-one. They are afraid that they will say or do anxiety disorders ever go away something that will embarrass them or make them appear foolish. Tenseness, anxiety and heart palpitations are all possible signs. People with SAD may be unable to socialize or avoid it and can negatively impact their social life and job performance.

The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people learn to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It helps people recognize and correct the distorted thinking that causes panic anxiety disorder attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.

Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness can be controlled by taking medications. They can also aid those suffering from anxiety to sleep better and relax. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It is important to stay on treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It's best cure for anxiety disorder to consult an expert before taking these.

Treatment

If your worries are causing disruption in your daily routine, and making you unhappy, then see your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental healthcare specialist to diagnose and treat.

The cause of anxiety disorders isn't completely known however, certain life experiences and traumatic events may increase the risk of developing one. Genetically predisposed people can also develop anxiety disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of the symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, which was created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report tool that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD.

If taken regularly, medicines can reduce anxiety, particularly when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants are some of the most effective best drugs for generalized anxiety disorder for treating anxiety disorder. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people steer clear of them because they think they'll become dependent but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants do not lead to dependence.

Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. This type of treatment, often referred to as talk therapy, can show you how to manage your anxiety-related symptoms and avoid the escalating effects of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people to change their negative and fearful behaviors and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be as effective in treating anxiety as medications in a few studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they may provide an alternative method of dealing with anxiety and could be worth trying.

Lifestyle changes can also aid. A regular exercise program can improve mood and decrease anxiety, while a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends and engage in a new pastime, or join a support group for those who suffer from anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety at times and this is especially true when faced with major challenges like an interview for a job or a medical test. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel anxious all the time, not just some of the time. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and think that they are in the dark about the smallest of problems. They can be related to health, money, problems in the family, school or work performance. The anxiety can be a floater between various issues and last for many months or years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by analyzing a patient's symptoms and how these symptoms affect their daily lives. They will inquire about your health history, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look for any other mental health issues such as depression.

There are no lab tests for GAD however, your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, thyroid function and heart rate. They will also ask you about your lifestyle and look at your past history of anxiety. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders or if you had traumatizing experiences in your the past, it could make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Some medications and substances can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more common in women than males, and usually starts around age 30, although it can develop at any time in life. It is a chronic condition that can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. You can decide to choose one or both treatments. Medication can alleviate anxiety and physical symptoms such as tension in muscles and headaches. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to alter negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to reduce anxiety and lessen the symptoms. Other activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also reduce anxiety.

Prevention

People who have anxiety disorders can often find relief from medication and talk therapy. Some people utilize relaxation methods, diets, exercises and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety disorders consequences. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy where people are taught to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy in which they confront fears one by one. In the short-term, medications are used to alleviate symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay.

Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by exaggerated and persistent feelings of anxiety or worry about a variety of things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they tend to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their anxiety, and they can't always determine what's the issue. Common concerns are money, health, family and friends and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They are worried about "what-ifs" such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down.

Anxiety can also interfere with everyday tasks such as school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It can also increase the chance of suffering from mental health issues, like depression. It can also impact the quality of relationships a person has and their quality of life.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are called risk factors. They include a history of other mental health issues and having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can also cause anxiety, and are often the first indication of an issue. As a side effect certain medications can trigger anxiety.

Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them. Nicotine, alcohol and abuse of drugs can make the symptoms worse.