Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is characterized by a high level of and persistent worry. Many people experience anxiety when faced with a new circumstance. Worries are about anything from work and money to family health and upcoming events.
Psychotherapy and medication can help most people manage their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one kind of psychotherapy that teaches new ways of thinking and responding to situations.
Symptoms
Everyone is anxious every now and then, but when it becomes a constant state of worry or fear, it can be crippling. GAD patients have a difficult to manage their anxiety, and they find themselves constantly thinking about family, work health, money, or other concerns. They often expect disaster and the worst possible outcome for any situation, even when there is no reason to believe that their worries are justified.
GAD symptoms can include excessive worry anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, tight muscles, sweating and trembling. You might also experience dry mouth or difficulty swallowing. These issues can make it difficult to concentrate and keep up with work or school.
The reason for GAD isn't fully understood however, both genetics and life events can play a part. Abnormalities in a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid could make certain people more prone to it. Additionally, life events that have been traumatic and stress can trigger episodes of anxiety.
GAD symptoms can begin at any age. Women are twice as likely to develop GAD as men. GAD can be mild or severe but the majority of instances, it is chronic (ongoing).
There are a variety of methods to treat GAD. The most commonly used are psychotherapy and medications. Talk therapy is also referred to by the name of psychotherapy. It involves working with a professional to discover new ways of thinking and acting that could reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, an extremely well-studied form of psychotherapy, is often used to treat GAD.
People suffering from GAD may benefit from making adjustments to their lifestyles like doing regular exercise, getting enough sleep and using relaxation methods. It is also important to eat a balanced diet and stay away from tobacco, caffeine alcohol, and other illegal substances. Antidepressants are the most common medication for GAD however there are also other options. These medications are prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor. Meditation has been proven to decrease stress hormones. Other options include hypnosis, light therapy, and acupuncture. GAD can be a long-term problem however, most of the time it is treated with psychotherapy and medication.
Diagnosis
Anxiety is a normal brain reaction to stress. It warns you of the danger. Everyone feels anxious every now and then, for example when faced by a difficult situation at work or during a medical exam. However, those with anxiety disorders have feelings of worry and fear that are unreasonable and excessive. They also have difficulty controlling their symptoms, which can affect their everyday life. The symptoms of anxiety disorders can make you avoid social situations, like going out with your friends or attending family gatherings. With treatment, you can control your symptoms to live an active, healthy life.
A mental health professional can diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by looking at your answers to a series questions and tests. You'll be asked about your symptoms along with their severity as well as the length of time you've experienced them. Your doctor will recommend either psychotherapy or medication for your condition.
Psychotherapy is a kind of treatment that assists you to change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It is usually administered by a qualified mental health professional, such as psychiatrists or psychologists. In some instances, your doctor might recommend an approach that is a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication.
The use of medications can alleviate the symptoms of GAD in roughly half of people with GAD. About half of them suffer from. These include benzodiazepine medications that calm quickly as well as antidepressants and the antianxiety medication buspirone. People with GAD also have to develop coping skills and make lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms.
best meds for anxiety disorders with GAD typically have other psychiatric disorders, such as dysthymia or depression, and addiction issues. Co-occurrence can increase your symptoms and decrease your response to treatment.
Research shows that a combination of treatments is the best way to treat GAD. Practicing relaxation techniques as well as improving your physical fitness and engaging in psychotherapy are all effective treatments for GAD. Medication can also help alleviate some of your symptoms, but it's crucial to discuss the use of medications with your physician. Using prescription medication too long could lead to dependence and other negative side effects.
Treatment
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but if your anxiety persists and interferes with everyday activities, you could be suffering from GAD. GAD is a problem that affects both adults and children however it is more prevalent for women. It is also more prevalent for people with relatives with an history of depression or anxiety.
The first step in treating GAD is to speak with a mental health professional. This can be an adolescent psychiatrist, child psychiatrist psychologist, psychiatric nursing practitioner or social worker. A physical exam, such as a blood pressure check, and questionnaires are often used to diagnose the disorder.
GAD is best treated by a combination of psychological and medication. The treatment for GAD that is psychological focuses on addressing your anxiety and teaching you ways to control it. While you work on your therapy, medications are prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will teach you how to identify and overcome harmful thoughts that trigger anxiety. It teaches you how to alter your behavior, and then gradually return to activities that you've avoided due to your anxiety.
CBT is more effective than medication alone. It is important to find a professional who is experienced in using CBT for anxiety disorders and has had success treating them in the past.
Commonly used medicines to treat generalized anxiety disorder include antidepressants as well as other medications that act as sedatives or relaxants for muscles. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for you.
Finding a support group to aid in managing your condition is essential. It is helpful to talk with someone you love, especially when they've experienced GAD. Also try to engage in some form of physical activity every day to soothe your nervous system and to alleviate stress. A strenuous walk, yoga, or even gardening can be beneficial in relieving your tension. Insufficient social interaction can also trigger anxiety. Spending time with family and friends regularly is crucial.
Prevention
Everyone is anxious now and then It's a normal reaction to fear or stress. But when worries and fears are constant, they could become 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 the worst and are unable to calm their thoughts or relax. It can be mentally and physically exhausting.
GAD is different from phobias and depression which usually focus on a particular problem. GAD patients are often worried about a myriad of issues and are unable to pinpoint the causes. GAD is believed to be caused by a combination factors. Genetics, brain chemistry and stress from the environment could all play a part.
Researchers don't know exactly 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. Psychotherapies and medicines that target these neurotransmitters could improve symptoms.
GAD can be triggered by other factors like temperament and family history. People who are timid or shy or who have a history of traumatic experiences are more susceptible to anxiety disorders than others. Children with parents who suffers from anxiety disorders are more likely to develop one themselves.
Treatment for GAD includes self-help techniques and professional help. Self-help methods include meditation, relaxation, and exercise. It is also essential to sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. Psychotherapy can reduce anxiety by teaching coping strategies and utilizing exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves deliberately placing yourself in situations that you would normally avoid. Slowly you work up to longer and more intense sessions during which you attempt to resist the urge to leave, use relaxation and coping techniques and gradually decrease the amount of time you spend in the situation you are afraid of.
You should also know as the information you can about your particular condition. You can do this through reading books, on the Internet or consulting a professional. It is crucial to determine what's causing your anxiety and to recognize that your fears are not rational.