Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. The use of medication should be limited to for short periods to alleviate symptoms and should be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and increases the positive chemicals in the brain. It also aids people forget their worries.
Signs and symptoms
Many people suffer from anxiety from time to the time. This is especially the case when they are stressed. But if your anxiety is persistent and constant, making it hard to be relaxed or productive, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD is characterized by a lot of anxiety and fear for no apparent reasons. They worry about a myriad of things, such as their work or school performance and the safety and well-being of family members, and future events. They are concerned about imminent doom and have trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Symptoms of GAD usually begin in adolescence or early childhood and are more common in women than men. They can last throughout adulthood and are frequently accompanied by depression or other mental disorders.
You might also experience other physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension or stomach upset. Speak to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. They will ask you questions to ensure that there's nothing that is causing the symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination.
GAD is a condition that can be treated. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications. Self-help techniques such as mindfulness meditation, relaxation and exercise may also be beneficial.
Anxiety disorders are a set of conditions that affect your mood and behaviour including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. They also include specific phobias, social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Certain researchers believe that genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are the main causes for the onset of anxiety disorders.
An anxiety disorder can affect anyone, but it is more common among children and adolescents. Some 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 disorders. If you're a parent with a history of anxiety, it is essential to seek treatment. The earlier you begin treatment and diagnosis, the less severe the symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but for people with GAD, anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with their lives. GAD makes you feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues not just one thing. It can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school and can impact your health. It can cause you to avoid social situations or activities because of feelings of fear and dread.
Psychotherapy and medications have been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment choices are based on how much the symptoms are affecting your daily routine and other issues you might have.
First, you need to consult your physician regarding your issue. You should tell your doctor about the symptoms as well as the length of time they've been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will perform an examination and ask you questions. They will determine whether you have any other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease, and will ask about your family history of mental illness.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is the main treatment of anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be the most effective of all types of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you new ways of thinking and acting to eliminate your anxiety. It's an intense and demanding task however it can be very useful with practice.
Antidepressants are a first-line medication for GAD. Examples include escitalopram, duloxetine, and venlafaxine. These medications are very efficient and have no negative side effects, especially when taken for the recommended length of duration. There are some natural remedies that may aid, such as valerian and kava, but there is not enough evidence to support these claims and they can interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs.
It is important that you take your child to an expert in mental health to determine the cause and treat anxiety. Discuss with your doctor if your child's anxiety symptoms interfere with their school, family or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is usually diagnosed when a person experiences an excessive, uncontrollable anxiety on more days than not for at least six months. This is distinct from the occasional feeling of anxiety that is normal for most people at specific times. People suffering from GAD are usually worried about their finances, health and family issues, as well as other personal matters. They may have trouble staying focused and feel exhausted or restless. Some signs of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, difficulty sleeping and irritation. GAD can also cause stomach upset or heart palpitations.
To determine if you have GAD Your doctor will inquire about your previous and current symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your family background. Your doctor will conduct an examination for physical health. He or she will check for other health problems such as respiratory issues or heart disease. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test such as a CT scan or an MRI, to rule out any other health issues.
GAD is treated with talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that's been extensively studied. CBT offers you new ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that can help you feel less anxious and stressed. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease anxiety. The majority of medications are prescribed as a short-term treatment for GAD.
People suffering from GAD are at risk for developing a mood disorder like depression. They also are at greater risk of developing mental health problems such as bipolar or attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder.
There isn't a single cause for GAD. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical conditions are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. Getting help early is important because anxiety can get worse as time passes. Consult your GP when 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 help from their physician or psychologist, or any other mental health professionals.
The following is a list of preventions.
Every person experiences anxiety from time to time particularly when they are worried about an event or a situation. If this anxiety is persistent and causes problems in daily life, it could indicate that you have generalised anxiety disorder. It is essential to seek treatment if you are suffering from symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities. Treatment options for GAD include therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Although it's not known precisely what causes GAD stress, genetics and stress may be a factor. People who have an ancestral history of depression or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop GAD. GAD can also affect those who are naturally shy or shy, or who have experienced a traumatic experience in their lives.
GAD is characterised by excessive and unreasonable tension or worrying that typically lasts at minimum six months. This tension or worrying could be related to a variety of topics, such as work, family, finances, health, and other things. People suffering from GAD often aren't able to pinpoint the root of their anxiety, and their concerns tend to drift from one issue to another.
Treatment for GAD is efficient. The first step is to speak to your healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will request an entire medical history and conduct an exam. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies can help you learn to manage your anxiety and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are available through the NHS, and are often given before anti-anxiety medication is prescribed. The medications used to treat GAD include benzodiazepines and buspirone, both of which reduce the feelings of anxiety and worry. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat GAD also, however they may take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone to begin working.
You can also utilize relaxation techniques, eat healthily and exercise to reduce your stress. Talking to family and friends about your worries can be helpful. Call an Australian health service if your anxiety affects the daily routine of your family member or a friend. Healthdirect has more information about the services offered.