Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The majority of people experience anxiety when they face a new challenge, but with GAD the anxiety is more frequent and a lot more intense. Worries are about anything from money and work to family health and future events.
Psychotherapy and medication can assist people manage their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps to teach new ways of thinking and reacting to situations.
Symptoms
Everyone is anxious every occasionally, but when it becomes an ongoing state of anxiety or fear, it can be crippling. GAD sufferers have a hard managing their anxiety and they are unable to stop thinking about family, work and health, money, or other concerns. They expect the worst of everything and often do.
GAD symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty sleeping and irritability, tight muscles sweating and shaking. A person may also have difficulty swallowing or a dry mouth. These signs can make it difficult to concentrate and keep up with work or school.
The cause of GAD isn't fully known however, genetics and other life events play a role. Certain individuals are more susceptible to GAD due to the presence of abnormalities in the brain neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids. Additionally, life events that have been traumatic and stress can trigger episodes of anxiety.
The signs of GAD usually begin in childhood or adolescence however, they can begin at any time. Women are twice as likely to develop it as do men. GAD can be severe or mild, but most of the time it is chronic (ongoing).
There are a variety of methods to treat GAD. Psychotherapy and medications are the most commonly used treatments. Talk therapy is also referred to as psychotherapy. It involves working with a professional in order to develop new ways of thinking and acting that can help reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an extremely well-studied form of psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat GAD.
People suffering from GAD might benefit from changes in their lifestyle, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and relaxation methods. It is also important to eat a healthy diet and stay clear of alcohol, caffeine cigarettes, tobacco and illegal substances. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medication for GAD, but there are other options. A doctor or a psychiatrist can prescribe these drugs. Some people with GAD benefit from practicing mindfulness meditation which has been proven to lower levels of stress hormones in the body. Other options include hypnosis, Acupuncture, and light therapy. GAD can be a long-term challenge however, generally speaking it can be improved through psychotherapy and medication.
Diagnosis
Anxiety is the brain's natural reaction to stress. It warns you of the danger. Everyone feels anxious at some moment, for instance, when they're faced with a tough problem at work or before taking a medical test. People with anxiety disorders are prone to excessive and unreasonable anxiety and fear. They also have trouble controlling their symptoms, which can impact their daily lives. It is possible to avoid social events like going out with your friends or attending family gatherings because of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder . With treatment, you can control your symptoms and live an active, healthy life.
A mental health professional will diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by analyzing your answers to a series questions and tests. You'll be asked about your symptoms, their severity and the duration of time you've experienced them. Your doctor will then suggest the use of psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication to treat your condition.
Psychotherapy is a powerful treatment that can help you change negative thoughts, emotions and behaviours. It's usually conducted by a qualified mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. In some instances your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, including psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines can ease the symptoms of GAD in roughly half of those suffering from the condition. These include benzodiazepine medicines that help you relax quickly, as well antidepressants and the antianxiety drug buspirone. People with GAD also have to develop how to cope and adopt lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms.
People with GAD frequently suffer from other psychiatric disorders like dysthymia or depression, and substance abuse problems. Co-occurrence can increase your symptoms and decrease your response to treatment.
Research has proven that a combination treatment is the most effective way to combat GAD. Practice relaxation techniques, improving your physical health and participating in psychotherapy are all effective treatments for GAD. The use of medication can ease some symptoms, but you must discuss this with your doctor. Using prescription medication too long could result in dependence and other negative side effects.
Treatment
GAD is a condition that affects both children and adults. It is more prevalent among women than in men. The condition affects both adults and children and is more prevalent for women than in men. It's also more likely be experienced by family members who have an depression or anxiety.
The first step in treating GAD is to speak with an expert in mental health. This could be a child psychiatrist, adolescent psychologist, psychiatric nursing practitioner or social work. A physical exam including the blood pressure test and questionnaires is frequently used to diagnose the disorder.
In general, a combination of psychological treatment and medication is the most effective method to treat GAD. The psychological treatment for GAD focuses on addressing your anxiety and teaching methods to manage it. While you work on your therapy, medication is prescribed to decrease the severity of symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you to recognize and challenge negative thoughts that cause anxiety. It helps you change your behavior and gradually return to activities that you've avoided due to anxiety.
CBT is more effective than medications alone. It's important to find a provider who is experienced in using CBT for anxiety disorders and has had success in treating them in the past.
Antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and sedatives are some of the most common medications used to treat generalized anxious disorder. Your doctor will assist you in choosing the right medication.
It's also crucial to find a support system that can help you manage your condition. Talking to your loved ones particularly someone who has had GAD themselves, can be very beneficial. Also you should try to engage in an exercise routine on a regular basis to soothe your nervous system and alleviate stress. A vigorous walk or yoga session, or gardening can be beneficial in relieving tension. A lack of social contact can also cause anxiety, so it's essential to spend some time with your loved ones and family regularly.
Prevention
Everyone feels occasionally anxious as a natural response to stress or anxiety. But when worries and anxieties are constant, they can become a problem. In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), people have a diffuse, overall feeling of anxiety or fear that pervades their entire lives. They are constantly anticipating disasters and are unable relax or calm their thoughts. It can be physically and mentally exhausting.
GAD is distinct from phobias and depression which usually focus on one particular problem. People suffering from GAD are often concerned about a variety of things over a long period of time, and are unable to identify specific causes for their concerns. GAD is believed to be triggered by a variety of factors. Genetics, brain chemistry and environmental stress may all play a part.
Researchers do not know the cause of GAD but it appears to run in families. GAD symptoms are related to changes in the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate emotions and mood. Psychotherapies and medications that target these neurotransmitters could improve symptoms.
GAD can be triggered by a variety of factors such as temperament and family history. People who are timid or shy or who have a history of traumatizing experiences may be more prone to anxiety disorders than other people. Children with parents who suffers from anxiety disorders are more likely to develop one themselves.
Self-help strategies and professional support are both part of the treatment plan for GAD. Self-help strategies include relaxation techniques, meditation, and exercise. It's also essential to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet. Psychotherapy can help reduce fear by teaching coping techniques and also by using exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is the practice of deliberately putting 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, employ relaxation and coping techniques and gradually decrease the amount of time spent in the situation you are afraid of.
panic anxiety disorder is also important to learn all you can about your condition. You can do this by reading books, surfing the Internet or consulting with a doctor. It is important to recognize your fears as irrational and to understand the root of your anxiety.