Five Things You Don't Know About Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Medication should only be used temporarily to relieve symptoms, and should be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is a great treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and boosts feel good chemicals in the brain. It also helps to distract people from their worries.
Symptoms
Many people experience anxiety from time to time and especially when under stress. But if your anxiety is constant and persistent, making it hard to function or relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
People suffering from GAD have a lot of anxiety and feelings of apprehensive expectation without any reason. They worry about a myriad of things, such as their school or job performance as well as the safety and wellbeing of family members, and future events. They have a sense of impending doom and have difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
GAD symptoms are more frequent for women than men and usually begin in the adolescent years or in childhood. They can persist into adulthood, and are often associated with depression or other mental disorders.
There are other physical symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches, muscle tension, and stomach discomfort. Speak to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. They will ask you questions to ensure that there isn't anything other than the symptoms, and perform a physical examination.
GAD can be treated. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help techniques like exercises, relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can also be helpful.
Anxiety disorders include a range of conditions that affect your mood and behavior, including panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia; specific phobias such as social anxiety disorder as well as separation anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are the main causes for the onset of anxiety disorders.
While anyone can suffer from an anxiety disorder but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. Certain people may have a personality that makes them more prone to be affected, while others may have a history of traumatic experiences or other mental illnesses. If you have a family history of anxiety, it is crucial to seek help. The earlier you get treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everyone is anxious from time to time however for those suffering from GAD anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that impedes their lives. GAD makes you feel nervous about a variety of issues and situations and not just one issue. It can cause you to be unable to concentrate at work or school and can impact your health. You might avoid social events and activities because of anxiety or fear.
A variety of treatments have been shown to lessen the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder including psychotherapy and medication. Treatment decisions are based on the severity of your symptoms and any other issues you may have.
First, you need to consult your physician regarding your issue. Tell your doctor what symptoms you're experiencing, how long they've been present, and how serious they are. Your doctor will then conduct an examination and ask questions. They will also test for other health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes, and ask about any mental illnesses in your family.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the main treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be the most effective of all types of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you different ways of thinking and acting to reduce your anxiety. It is an intense and demanding task, but it can be extremely beneficial when you practice.
Antidepressants are the first line medication for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications are very effective and come with no side effects, especially when taken for the recommended length of duration. Natural remedies such as valerian and kava can aid however, there aren't enough studies to prove their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs.
If your child suffers from anxiety, it is crucial to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your doctor for advice if your child's symptoms of anxiety impact their school, family life or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is diagnosed when a person has excessive and uncontrollable worrying regularly for at least six month. This is different from the occasional feeling of anxiety that is normal for most people at specific times. People with GAD frequently anticipate disaster and are constantly worried about health, money, family, work, and other personal issues. They may have trouble concentrating and are exhausted or restless. The symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, insomnia and irritability. People suffering from GAD may also experience stomach upset and heart palpitations.
Your doctor will ask you about your current and past symptoms to help diagnose GAD. Your doctor will inquire about your family background. Your doctor will conduct an examination for physical health. He or she will look for other health conditions such as respiratory issues or heart disease. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test like a CT scan or an MRI, to rule out other health issues.
GAD is treated using talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a well-researched type of psychotherapy. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations that can help you feel less stressed and anxious. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to ease anxiety. In general, these medications are only suggested for short-term GAD treatment.
People suffering from GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder, such as depression. They are also at risk of developing other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
There is no one reason for GAD. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical illnesses are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. It is essential to act early, as anxiety can worsen with time. Talk to your GP in the event that anxiety is affecting your daily activities for you or a family member and lasts for more than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety should seek assistance from their physician, psychologist, or other mental health professionals.
The following is a list with preventions.
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and this is especially true when concerned about a specific situation or event. However, if this anxiety becomes constant and impacts your daily life, it may be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms hinder your daily activities, it's essential to seek assistance. Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options for treating GAD.
Although it's not clear what causes GAD exactly, genetics and stressful situations may be factors. GAD is more common among those who have an underlying depression or other mental health issues. People with a naturally timid or shy temperament or who have had a traumatic event in their lives are also at risk of developing the disease.
The most prominent sign of GAD is excessive and unrealistic anxiety or stress, which usually lasts for at least 6 months. The stress or worry can be triggered by a variety of issues like work, family, finances, health, and other things. GAD sufferers are often unable to identifying the source of their anxiety, and their concerns are intermittent.
Treatment for GAD can be beneficial. First, you should speak to a doctor or healthcare provider about your symptoms. They will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination. They might refer you for additional evaluation or treatment to specialists or psychiatrists.
Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) and other psychotherapies can help you manage your worries and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are provided by the NHS and are usually offered prior to the time that anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Treatments for GAD include benzodiazepines and buspirone, which both decrease the feelings of dread and worry. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD however their effects might be slower to manifest than those of benzodiazepines or buspirone.
You can also practice relaxation techniques, eating healthy foods and exercise to manage your anxiety. Having social anxiety disorder symptoms and sharing your concerns with friends or family members can be beneficial. Call an Australian health service if you feel your anxiety is affecting the daily life of a family member or friend. Visit healthdirect for more details on the services that are available.