What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic condition that involves excessive anxiety and irrational worry. People with GAD are concerned about a range of issues, including finances, health, family and work. The main concern is the future, and seems unlikely to happen.

It isn't known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with certain parts of the brain may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.

Signs and symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent and severe it can cause problems with everyday activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause problems such as difficulty in concentrating at work or school, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options.

generalized anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People suffering from GAD worry about every day issues like their health, finances and family, work and the future. They feel that they're always in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries often last for a long time and appear to come out of nowhere.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social mixed anxiety disorder, is a disorder in which people are afraid to interact with other people particularly in a group or one-on-one. They fear they'll make a mistake or say something embarrassing or stupid. Signs of SAD could include sweating shaking and heart palpitations. People with SAD may restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life and work performance.

The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, which are the cause of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that involves talking. It helps people identify and correct thoughts that are distorted and cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches the patient how to deal with stressful situations.

Medicines can help control certain physical symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. They can also aid people who suffer from anxiety sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It's important to stick with treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping treatment suddenly could make the symptoms worse. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also increase anxiety, so it's recommended to consult an expert in health before taking these supplements.

Treatment

Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if your anxieties are affecting your life and making you feel uneasy consult your physician. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

It is not known what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatizing experiences seem to increase your risk of developing anxiety disorders. They also can occur in people who are genetically susceptible to these disorders. Several tests and screening tools 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 are useful to diagnose GAD.

Medications can significantly reduce anxiety disorder behaviors, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people avoid taking them because they think they'll become dependent, however, unlike painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants don't cause dependency.

Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. This kind of treatment, often referred to as talk therapy, will teach you how to cope with your anxiety-related symptoms and avoid their worsening. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known type of psychotherapy that helps people recognize negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has been shown to be as effective for anxiety as medication in some studies.

Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. These therapies may be effective in treating anxiety, but some research is still lacking.

Lifestyle changes can also help. 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 family and friends, take up a hobby, or join a support group for people suffering from anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point particularly when facing a major challenge like a job interview. However, GAD is different because people with it feel anxious all the time, not just some of the time. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and think that they are in the dark about the smallest of problems. They can be related to issues with money, health, issues in the family, work or school performance. Worries may float from one issue to the next and can last for months, or even years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. They will ask about your past health and conduct tests to determine whether you are suffering from any physical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid disease or heart disease. They will also check for any other mental disorders like depression.

There are no tests in the lab for GAD, but your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, thyroid function, and heart rate. They will also inquire about your daily routine and examine your past history of anxiety. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders, or if you've had an experience that was traumatic in your childhood, this can increase your chances of develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances could also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder treatments at home disorder.

GAD is more common in women than men. It usually starts around the age of thirty but it can happen at any time. It is a chronic condition however it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to utilize one or both treatments. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to change negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation to help manage anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Other activities that can help people to focus their minds can also reduce anxiety.

The following is a list of preventions.

Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some people utilize relaxation techniques, diets and exercises and other lifestyle changes to reduce their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, where people are taught to change their thinking patterns as well as exposure therapy in which they confront fears one at a time. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms in the short term, while therapy is the most important aspect of treatment.

generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. It is difficult to control these emotions, and they are more likely to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers might not be capable of identifying the root of their problems, and they can't always discern what's troubling them. Health, money, friends and family, work or other daily routines are all common concerns. They also have "what-if" concerns about possible events that could happen, such as their children getting into trouble or their house burning down.

In addition to causing stress, anxiety can hinder a person's ability to do everyday tasks, such as school or work. It can cause problems sleeping and can cause discomfort and aches. It can also increase the likelihood of a person developing other mental health problems, such as depression. It can also affect relationships and the quality of life.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They can be triggered by having an history of mental health problems and having a family member with an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in childhood can raise the chances of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Some medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease can trigger anxiety. These are usually the first indications of an issue. As a result certain medications can trigger anxiety.

Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also cause anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using these products. Drug and alcohol abuse and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.