Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can be treated using psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Medication should only be used for short periods to alleviate symptoms and should always be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps to reduce stress hormones as well as boosts the feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also assists people forget their worries.
Symptoms
Many people suffer from anxiety from time to the time. This is particularly true when they are stressed. If your anxiety is constant and persistent and makes it difficult to relax or function, you could be suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder.
People suffering from GAD have a lot of anxiety and a sense of anxiety for no apparent reason. They are worried about a variety of things, like their work or school performance and the safety and well-being of their family members, as well as future events. They have a sense of impending doom and have difficulty staying focused or sleeping.
Symptoms of GAD typically start in adolescence or childhood and are more common among women than men. They can last into adulthood and are often accompanied by depression or other mental disorders.
There are other physical signs of anxiety, like headaches, muscle tension or stomach upset. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor. They will ask you questions to confirm that there isn't anything that is causing the symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam.
GAD is a condition that can be treated. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help techniques like exercises, relaxation, and mindfulness meditation also can help.
Anxiety disorders comprise a range of conditions that affect your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. They also include specific phobias and social anxiety disorders separation anxiety disorder , and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors contribute to the development of these disorders.
An anxiety disorder can be a problem for everyone, but it is more prevalent among adolescents and children. Some people may have a temperament that makes them more likely to suffer from anxiety or suffer from an ancestry of traumatizing experiences or other mental disorders. It is crucial to seek help if you have a history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you start treatment and diagnosis, the less severe the symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everyone feels anxious every now and then however for those suffering from GAD anxiety is a constant state of worry and anxiety that can be a hindrance to their lives. GAD can cause you to feel anxious about many different things. It can make it hard to concentrate at school or at work and may affect your physical health. It can cause you to avoid social events or activities due to feelings of fear and dread.
The use of psychotherapy and medication has been proven to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment choices are based on how much the symptoms are affecting your daily life and what other conditions you may have.
First, you should consult your physician regarding your issue. Tell your doctor what symptoms you have, how long they've been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will then conduct an examination and ask questions. They will also check for other health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, and ask about any mental illnesses in your family.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be the most effective of all types of psychotherapy. This type of therapy teaches you new ways to think and act to reduce anxiety. It is an intense and demanding task however it can be very useful with practice.
GAD is treated by antidepressants. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely effective and come with no negative side effects, especially when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies like valerian or kava may also aid, but there are not enough studies to back their claims. They also interact with certain medications, including SSRIs.
It is crucial to take your child to an expert in mental health in order to diagnose and treat anxiety. Talk to your doctor if your child's anxiety symptoms affect their school, family life or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is diagnosed when a person experiences an excessive and uncontrollable worry regularly for at least six months. This isn't the typical feeling of anxiety during certain times that a majority of people have. People with GAD are usually worried about their finances, health and family issues, work and other personal issues. They may have difficulty concentration and may be exhausted or restless. GAD can cause muscle tension, headaches and difficulty sleeping. GAD can also trigger heart palpitations or stomach upset.
Your doctor will inquire about your current and previous symptoms to help diagnose GAD. Your doctor will also ask about your family history. The doctor will then conduct a physical examination. He or she will examine for any signs of health issues, like stomach problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may suggest a CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out other health problems.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a well-studied type of psychotherapy. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, acting and reacting to situations that make you less anxious and stressed. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce your anxiety. Medications are generally only recommended as a temporary treatment for GAD.
People with GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder, like depression. They also have a higher risk of developing other mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
There is no single reason behind GAD. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical conditions are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. It is crucial to seek help early because anxiety can get worse with time. Talk to your GP if you or someone you love has feelings of anxiety that hinder your daily functioning and last more than 6 months. People with anxiety should seek assistance from their GP or psychologist, or another mental health professionals.
Prevention
Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true if you are concerned about an event or situation. But, if this feeling is constant and affecting your daily life, it could be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms interfere with daily activities, it is important to seek help. Treatment options for GAD include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Although it's not known what causes GAD exactly stress, genetics and stress may be factors. People with an ancestral history of depression or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a timid or shy temperament, or who have experienced traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the condition.
GAD is characterised by excessive and unreasonable anxiety or worry that lasts for at minimum six months. The stress or worry can be related to a variety of topics, including work, family, money, health and many other issues. People suffering from GAD often aren't able to pinpoint the source of their anxiety, and their worries appear to fluctuate between various issues.
Treatment for GAD is efficient. In the beginning, you should talk to a physician or healthcare professional about your symptoms. They will request an entire medical history and perform a physical examination. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist to further evaluate and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other psychotherapies, can help you manage your anxieties and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are offered through the NHS and are usually given before anti-anxiety medication is prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medicines that can be used to treat GAD. They both reduce anxiety and anxiety and. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat GAD also, however they may take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone before they begin to work.
You can also use relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to reduce your stress. Being a part of a support group and talking about your worries with family members or friends could be beneficial. Call an Australian health service if you feel your anxiety affects the daily routine of the family member or friend. For more information on the services offered, visit healthdirect.