Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The majority of people experience anxiety when faced with an upcoming challenge, but with GAD the anxiety is more persistent and excessive. Stress can be triggered by anything from money and work to family health and upcoming events.
The majority of people manage their symptoms using a combination of psychotherapy as well as medication. One form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches various ways of thinking and reacting to different situations.
Signs and symptoms
Everybody feels anxious from time to time However, when this anxiety is constant and severe, it can be a snare. GAD patients have a difficult managing their anxiety and they feel unable stop thinking about work, family, money, health or other issues. They often expect disaster and the worst possible outcome for any situation, even when there is no reason to believe that their fears are justifiable.
GAD symptoms include excessive worrying, restlessness and difficulty sleeping. They may also experience tension in muscles sweating, trembling, and shaking. People may also experience difficulty swallowing or dry mouth. These symptoms can also make it difficult to focus and keep up with school or work.
The root cause of GAD is not completely understood, but genetics and life events can play a part. The brain neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids can make some people more susceptible to it. Stress and traumatic experiences can also trigger anxiety.
GAD symptoms can start at any time. Women are twice as likely to develop GAD as men. GAD can be mild or severe, but most of the times it is chronic (ongoing).
There are many ways to treat GAD. The most commonly used is psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy. It involves working with a therapist in order to discover ways of thinking and behaving that can help you decrease anxiety. GAD is often treated using cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that is thoroughly studied.
People with GAD could benefit by making changes to their lives, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and using relaxation techniques. It is also important to eat healthy and stay clear of tobacco, caffeine alcohol, and other illegal substances. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medication for GAD, but there are also other options. A psychiatrist or doctor can prescribe these drugs. Some people with GAD benefit from practicing mindfulness meditation which has been proven to reduce levels of stress hormones in the body. Other options include hypnosis, Acupuncture, and light therapy. GAD can be a long-term challenge, but generally speaking it can be improved with psychotherapy and medication.
Diagnosis
Anxiety is the brain's normal response to stress. It warns you of the danger. Everyone feels anxious from time to time such as when faced with a challenging situation at work or when you have to undergo a medical exam. But people with anxiety disorders experience feelings of anxiety and fear that are excessive and unrealistic. They also struggle to manage their symptoms which can affect their daily lives. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can cause you to avoid social situations like going out with friends or attending gatherings with your family. With treatment, you can reduce your symptoms to live a happy, healthy life.
A mental health professional will diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by analyzing your answers to a series questions and tests. They'll ask you about your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them, and the severity. Your doctor will then suggest the use of psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication for your condition.
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment that can help you overcome unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. It is usually administered by a qualified mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. In certain instances, your doctor might recommend an approach that is a combination of treatments like psychotherapy or medication.
Medicines can alleviate the symptoms of GAD in roughly half of people with GAD. About half of them suffer from. They include benzodiazepine medications, which calm you quickly, as well antidepressants and the antianxiety drug buspirone. People with GAD must also learn coping skills and implement lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms.
People suffering from GAD often have other mental health conditions, such as dysthymia or depression, as well as problems with substance abuse. The combination of these conditions can exacerbate symptoms and reduce the response to treatment.
Research has shown that a combination therapy is the most effective way to combat GAD. GAD is treated effectively by practicing relaxation techniques, improving physical health and undergoing psychotherapy. Medicine can also ease certain symptoms, but it's important to discuss the use of medication with your doctor. A high dosage of prescription medications can result in dependence and adverse negative effects.
Treatment
Everyone feels anxious at times However, if your anxiety persists and is affecting your daily activities, you may be suffering from GAD. GAD is a problem that affects both adults and children, but is more common among women. It's also more likely occur in people with relatives who have a history of depression or anxiety.
The first step to treat GAD is seeing an expert in mental health. This can be a psychiatrist for children and adolescents, psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner or social worker. A physical exam including a blood-pressure check and questionnaires is commonly used to determine the cause of the condition.
GAD is best treated by the combination of medication and psychological treatment. The psychological treatment for GAD is focused on addressing your anxiety and teaching you ways to control it. The medication prescribed is to lessen the severity of your symptoms as you work on your therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you to identify and overcome harmful thoughts that fuel your anxiety. It teaches you to change your behavior and gradually return to activities you've avoided because of your anxiety.
CBT is more effective than medication alone. It's important to find a provider who has experience in using CBT for anxiety disorders and has had success treating them in the past.
Antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and sedatives are some of the most common medications used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Your doctor can help you determine the best medication for you.
It is also essential to locate a support group that can assist you in managing your disorder. It is helpful to talk with someone you care about, particularly if they have experienced GAD. Try to do some physical activity regularly to reduce stress and relieve tension. A vigorous walk, yoga, or even gardening can help in relieving your tension. A lack of social interaction could also trigger anxiety. Spending time with your family and friends regularly is important.
Prevention
Everyone is occasionally anxious - it's a natural reaction to fear or stress. But when worries and anxieties are constant, they can be a problem. In generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) it is when a numb sense of fear or anxiety permeates a person's life. They are constantly anticipating disaster and are unable to calm their thoughts or relax. It can be physically and mentally exhausting.
GAD is distinct from phobias and depression, which typically focus on a particular issue. GAD sufferers are frequently worried about a variety of things and cannot pinpoint the causes. It is believed that a combination of factors contributes to the development of GAD. Genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stresses may all play a role.
Researchers aren't sure what triggers GAD but it appears to be a family issue. GAD symptoms result from changes in the balance of certain brain chemicals that control emotions and mood. Medicines and psychotherapies that target these neurotransmitters can ameliorate symptoms.
Other factors that be a contributing factor to the development of GAD include temperament and family history. People who are timid or shy, or have a history of traumatizing experiences may be more prone to anxiety disorders than others. Children with a parent who suffers from an anxiety disorder are at greater risk of developing one themselves.
Strategies for self-help and professional assistance are both part of the treatment for GAD. Self-help strategies include meditation, relaxation, and exercise. Also, it's important to rest enough and eat a healthy diet. Psychotherapy can help reduce anxiety by teaching coping strategies and using exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves deliberately placing yourself in situations that you would normally avoid. Gradually you advance to longer and more intense sessions in which you fight the desire to leave, and instead use relaxation and coping techniques and gradually decrease the time you spend in the feared situation.
You should also learn as the information you can about your specific health condition. This can be done by reading books, on the Internet or by consulting a qualified professional. It's important to understand what's causing your anxiety and to recognize that your fears are not rational.