20 Reasons Why Generalised Anxiety Disorder Will Never Be Forgotten
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can also be treated by therapy and medication. The use of medication is typically only temporarily to ease symptoms and should be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also aids people to forget their worries.
Signs and symptoms
Many people experience anxiety at times and especially when under stress. But if your anxiety is persistent and constant which makes it difficult to relax or function, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
People with GAD experience excessive worry and feelings of apprehensive expectation without any reason. They worry about a myriad of things, including their work or school performance and the safety and well-being of their family members, as well as future events. They have a feeling that their fate is near and have trouble concentrating or sleeping.
The symptoms of GAD often begin in adolescence or early childhood and are more common in women than men. They may linger into adulthood, and are often associated with depression and other mental health disorders.
You may also experience other physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. If you experience these symptoms, speak to your doctor. They will ask you questions to confirm that there isn't anything other than the symptoms, and perform a physical examination.
GAD is a treatable condition. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications. Self-help methods like mindfulness meditation, relaxation, and exercise can be helpful.
Anxiety disorders are a set of conditions that impact your mood and behavior like panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of these conditions.
An anxiety disorder can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent among adolescents and children. Certain people may have a temperament that makes them more prone to be affected, while others may have the experience of traumatic events or other mental illnesses. It is important to seek help when you have an anxiety history in your family. The earlier diagnosis and treatment are started more minimal your symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everybody feels anxious at times however GAD is a constant feeling of worry and dread that interferes with daily life. GAD can cause you to feel anxious about many different things. It can make it hard to concentrate at work or school, and can affect your physical health. You might avoid social situations and activities because of feelings of fear or dread.
A variety of treatments have been shown to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder , including psychotherapy and medication. Treatment choices are based on how the symptoms impact your daily life and what other issues you might have.
First, you should consult your physician regarding your issue. You must inform your doctor about your symptoms as well as the length of time they've been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will then perform an exam and ask questions. They will check to see if you have other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease, and will inquire about the family history of mental illness.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety disorders. Many forms of psychotherapy have been proven to help, however cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient. This kind of therapy helps you learn new ways of thinking and acting to reduce anxiety. It takes some effort but, with time it can be extremely helpful.
Antidepressants are the first line pharmacological treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications are highly effective and have very few side effects when taken within the recommended time frame. Natural remedies such as valerian and kava can aid, but there are not enough studies to back their claims. They may also interact with certain medications, like SSRIs.
If your child is suffering from anxiety, it is important to see an expert in mental health for diagnosis and treatment. Discuss with your doctor if your child's anxiety symptoms interfere with their school, family life or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is diagnosed when someone experiences an excessive and uncontrollable worry regularly for at least six months. This isn't the usual anxiety that people experience at certain times that many people feel. People suffering from GAD typically anticipate disasters and are constantly worried about health, money and family, work and other personal issues. They may have trouble staying focused and feel restless or tired. Some symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches insomnia, and an irritability. People suffering from GAD also may have heart palpitations and stomach upset.
Your doctor will inquire about your current and previous symptoms to determine if you have GAD. The doctor will also inquire about your family history. The doctor will then conduct a physical exam. He or she will check for any signs of health problems, like digestive problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may recommend a CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out other health problems.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a well-studied form of psychotherapy. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that make you less anxious and stressed. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce your anxiety. In general, medication is only suggested for short-term GAD treatment.
People with GAD are at risk for developing a mood disorder, such as depression. They are also at risk of developing other mental health issues like bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
GAD is not caused by a single factor. Life experiences, genetics, and chronic medical ailments are likely to play a role in the development of GAD. It is crucial to seek help early since anxiety can become worse as time passes. Talk to your GP when you or a loved one suffers from anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and last for more than 6 months. Patients suffering from anxiety should seek out help from their physician, psychologist, or other mental health professional.
Prevention
Everyone experiences anxiety at times and this is especially true when concerned about a specific situation or event. When this feeling is constant and causes problems in daily life it could indicate that you have generalised anxiety disorder. It is crucial to seek treatment if you have symptoms that hinder your daily activities. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options to treat GAD.
Although it's not known what causes GAD exactly stress, genetics and stress may be factors. GAD is more common in those who have an history of depression or other mental health disorders. GAD may also affect those who are naturally timid or shy, or who have experienced a traumatic experience in their life.
The main symptom of GAD is excessive and unreasonable anxiety or stress, which usually lasts for at least 6 months. The tension or worry could be about a range of issues, such as work, family health, money, and other concerns. GAD sufferers often have trouble identifying the source of their anxiety, and their anxieties are often to be sporadic.
Treatment for GAD is efficient. In the beginning, you should talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They will take a full medical history and perform physical examination. panic anxiety disorder may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other psychotherapies can help you deal with your anxieties and improve your quality of life. These treatments are accessible through the NHS and are typically provided before anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medications that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease anxiety and dread. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD however their effects may be slower to manifest than those of benzodiazepines or buspirone.
You can also utilize relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to reduce your anxiety. Talking to family and friends about your concerns can be helpful. Call an Australian health service if your anxiety is affecting the daily life of your family member or friend. For more information about the services that are available, visit healthdirect.