What Is Anxiety Disorder? And How To Use It
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their finances, health, family, and work. The concerns are focused on the future and appear unlikely to be a reality.
It isn't known what causes GAD but genetics and problems with certain parts of the brain might be involved. Treatment options include medication and therapy for talk.
Symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, if it becomes chronic or persistent it can cause disruption to everyday activities. It can cause nausea, headaches or muscle tension. It can also cause problems such as trouble concentration at school or at work as well as issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many ways. These include psychotherapy and medications.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry about every day issues like their finances, health families, jobs and the future. They are constantly worried even when there is no reason to be worried. The fear can last for a long time and appear out of nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social fear, is a condition that causes people to be afraid to interact with others particularly in a small group or one-on-1. They're concerned that they'll do or say something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, shaking and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit social interactions, which can affect their work performance and social life.
There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and most people find them effective. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, which contribute to anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that involves talking. It helps people identify and overcome the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches the patient how to cope with fearful situations.
Certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness are able to be controlled by taking medications. They can also help anxiety sufferers relax and sleep better. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.
It's important to stick with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medications can also aggravate anxiety. It's best to consult an expert before taking these.
Treatment
When you feel anxious, it is normal, if your anxieties are affecting your life and making you feel miserable, see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and refer you to a mental health provider to diagnose and treat.
It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatizing experiences are believed to increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. Genetically predisposed people are also susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Numerous screening tests and tests can aid your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that can be useful for diagnosing GAD.
If taken regularly, panic anxiety disorder can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Antidepressants are among the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorder. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants do not cause dependence.
Psychotherapy is a second treatment option for anxiety. This kind of treatment, often referred to as talk therapy, will teach you how to cope with your anxiety symptoms and stop the severity of your anxiety from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which helps individuals to overcome their fearful and negative habits and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in a few studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments however, they may provide a different approach to treating anxiety and can be worth trying.
Lifestyle changes can also aid. A regular exercise program can boost mood and reduce anxiety, while a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, learn new hobbies or join an anxiety support group.
Diagnosis
Every person experiences anxiety at times particularly when confronted with a major challenge like a job interview. However, GAD is different because people who suffer from it are anxious all the time, not just some of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety, and tend to anticipate the worst in a range of situations in everyday life. These include financial, health problems, family issues, school or work performance. The anxiety can be a floater between different concerns and last for months or years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. They will ask about your previous health and perform tests to determine if there is any physical causes for your symptoms. They will also look for any other mental health issues, such as depression.
There aren't any lab tests for GAD However, your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, thyroid function, and heart rate. They will inquire about your lifestyle and look at your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Some medications and substances may increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common among women than men. It usually begins at around the age of 30, but it can happen at any time in the course of life. It is a chronic illness which can be treated with therapy and medication. Treatment options may involve just one or both of these treatments. Medication can alleviate anxiety and physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety and stress. You can also utilize relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Some people discover that exercise or other activities that help them concentrate their minds help relieve anxiety, too.
Prevention
Talk therapy and medications can be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Many people also employ relaxation techniques such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. In the short-term, medications are used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. These anxiety-related feelings are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries, and they can't always discern what's troubling them. The most frequent concerns are health, money, family and friends working, and other activities that are part of their day. They also have "what-if" concerns about possible events that could happen, such as their children being in trouble or their home burning down.
In addition to creating anxiety, stress can also interfere with the ability of a person to perform daily tasks, like school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases the likelihood of a person developing other mental health problems like depression. It can also impact the relationships of a person and their quality of life.
Certain factors increase the risk of anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They include the family history of anxiety disorders as well as a history with other mental health issues. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can cause anxiety and are sometimes the first sign of problems. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect.
Some herbal supplements and over-the prescription medications can also increase anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor prior to when they begin using them. Alcohol, nicotine, and drug abuse can also make the symptoms worse.