zonebait92

What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational worry. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The focus is on the future, and seems unlikely to occur. It is unclear what causes GAD, but genes and problems with specific areas of the brain may be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes chronic or persistent it can disrupt daily activities. It can trigger headaches, nausea or muscle tension. It can also cause problems like trouble concentration at school or at work and issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. These include psychotherapy and medications. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is that is characterised by excessive, irrational worry. People with GAD worry about everyday issues, such as their health, finances, family, jobs and the future. They believe they're always under threat, even when there's no reason to worry. The fear can last for a long period of time and appear to pop up out of thin air. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of socializing with others particularly in small groups or one-on-one. They are afraid that they will say or do something that might make them look foolish or make them look stupid. Symptoms may include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance. Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people overcome their negative thoughts and behavior, which contribute to anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy. It helps people identify and correct the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to confront stressful situations and deal with them. Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness can be controlled by taking medications. They can also help those with anxiety rest better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It is important to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also aggravate anxiety. It's best to consult with a physician prior to taking these. Treatment If your worries are interfering in your daily life, and causing you to feel unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor might ask you questions or refer you to a mental health specialist to diagnose and treat. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events and traumatizing experiences can increase the risk of developing these disorders. Genetically predisposed individuals may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Your doctor can assess the severity of symptoms by using various tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that are useful to diagnose GAD. Medicines can significantly reduce anxiety, especially when taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by those who are afraid of becoming dependent on them. However, unlike sleeping pills, sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants do not cause dependence. Psychotherapy is an alternative treatment option for anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that assists individuals to change their negative and fearful behavior and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be as effective for anxiety as medication in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety but some research is still lacking. Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Spend generalized anxiety disorder with your family and friends, take up something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Every person experiences anxiety at times particularly when facing an overwhelming task like an interview. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel anxious all the time not just a portion of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and believe that the worst is coming about in the smallest of issues. They can be related to issues with money, health, issues in the family, or work or school performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between different concerns and last for many 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 health history, and conduct tests to determine if there are physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also check for other mental illnesses like depression. GAD is not detected by lab tests, but your doctor will test your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and examine your anxiety history. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders if you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain drugs and substances can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more prevalent for women than males, and usually begins around the age of 30, but it can develop at any point in time. It is a chronic condition however it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may involve just one or both of these treatments. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and help you deal with stress in a more positive way. You can also use techniques of relaxation like meditation or yoga to lessen anxiety symptoms. Some people find that exercise or other activities that help them focus their minds can ease anxiety, too. Prevention People suffering from anxiety disorders can often find relief from medications and therapy. Certain people employ relaxation techniques, diets and exercises, and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. They may also include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people learn to alter their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which is the process of confronting fears one at a time. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms for a short time and therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety or dread regarding a variety of things. These feelings are difficult to control and tend to last longer than six months. People suffering from GAD may have a hard to articulate what they are concerned about, and their concerns generally don't have a particular cause. Common concerns are health, money, family and friends, work, or other day-to-day activities. They worry about “what-ifs” like their children being in trouble or their home burning down. Anxiety can also interfere with daily tasks like school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and discomforts. It can also increase the risk of a person suffering from other mental health issues, including depression. It can also affect a person's relationships and the quality of their life. Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They include the presence of mental health issues as well as having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse in childhood can raise the chances of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Some medical conditions such as lung disease or heart disease can also trigger anxiety. These are often the first signs of a problem. Certain medications can cause anxiety as an effect. Certain herbal supplements and other over the counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, and therefore people should consult with a doctor before they use these products. Nicotine, alcohol and abuse of drugs can make the symptoms worse.