Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is treated through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Medication should only be used for short periods to alleviate symptoms and should always be followed by therapy.

Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and increases the feelings of happiness in the brain. It also assists in distracting people from their worries.

Symptoms

Many people experience anxiety at times particularly when they are under stress. But if your anxiety is continuous and persistent which makes it difficult to function or relax you could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder (GAD).

People suffering from GAD have a lot of anxiety and a sense of anxiety for no apparent reason. They worry about a myriad of things, such as their work and school performance, the security of their family members, future natural ways to treat anxiety disorder disasters and other events. They are concerned about impending doom and have difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

GAD symptoms are more frequent in women than men and typically begin in the adolescent or childhood years. They may linger into adulthood, and are often accompanied by depression and other mental health issues.

You may also have other physical signs of anxiety, like headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms. They will ask you questions to ensure that there isn't something other than the symptoms, and perform a physical examination.

GAD is treatable. Treatment options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Self-help strategies such as exercise, relaxation and mindfulness meditation can also help.

Anxiety disorders are a group 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. Some researchers believe that genetics as well as temperament and environmental factors are responsible for the development of anxiety disorders.

While anyone can suffer from an anxiety disorder, it is more common in children and adolescents. Some people might possess a personality that makes them more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders or suffer from the experience of traumatic events or other mental disorders. It is essential to seek out help when you have an history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you get treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everybody feels anxious at times, but GAD is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with your daily routine. GAD can make you feel anxious about a variety of things. It can make you unable to concentrate at work or school and affect your health. You might avoid social situations and activities because of feelings of anxiety or fear.

A variety of treatments have been shown to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, including psychotherapy and medication. Treatment decisions are made based on the severity of your symptoms as well as any other conditions that you may have.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the problem. You must inform your doctor about your symptoms as well as the length of time they've been there and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an examination and ask you questions. They will also test for any other health issues like heart disease or diabetes and ask about any mental illnesses in your family.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be the most effective of all types of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you different ways to think and act to reduce your anxiety. It takes a lot of work but with a bit of practice it can be extremely useful.

GAD is treated by antidepressants. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely efficient and have a few adverse effects when used for the recommended duration. There are some natural remedies that could help, like valerian and kava, but there is not enough evidence to support these claims. Also, they can interact with some medications, like SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it is important to see a mental health professional to determine the cause and treatment. Talk to your doctor for advice if your child's symptoms of anxiety 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 isn't the typical anxiety that people experience at certain times that many people experience. People suffering from GAD are often overly anxious about money, health and family issues, as well as other personal issues. They might be anxious, tired or unable to concentrate. GAD can cause muscle tension, headaches and trouble sleeping. GAD can also cause stomach upsets or heart palpitations.

Your doctor will inquire about your present and previous symptoms to help diagnose GAD. The doctor will also inquire about your family history. Your doctor will perform an examination for physical health. He or she will check for other health conditions such as respiratory issues or heart disease. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test like a CT scan or an MRI to rule out other health problems.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often used to treat GAD. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that's been extensively researched. CBT offers new ways to think, behave and respond to situations that can help you feel less stressed. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease anxiety. The majority of medications are prescribed as a short-term treatment for GAD.

People with GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder, such as depression. They also have a higher risk of developing mental health problems like bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or 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. Getting help early is important, as anxiety can get worse over time. Talk to your GP if you or a loved one has feelings of anxiety that affect your daily life and last longer than six months. Patients suffering from anxiety should seek assistance from their physician or psychologist, or another mental health professional.

Prevention

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true when concerned about a specific situation or event. However, when this feeling is constant and affecting your daily life, it could be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is crucial to seek treatment if you are suffering from symptoms that hinder your daily activities. Treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications are all options to treat generalized anxiety disorder GAD.

While it isn't known exactly what causes GAD, genetics and stress may be factors. GAD is more prevalent in those who have an underlying depression or other mental health issues. People who have a shy or timid personality or have experienced traumatizing events in their lives, are also at risk of developing the disease.

The primary characteristic of GAD is excessive and unreasonable anxiety or stress, which usually lasts for at least six months. The tension or worry could be related to a variety of topics, including work, family financial, health, and other concerns. GAD sufferers often have trouble finding the cause of their anxiety. Their worries seem intermittent.

Treatment for GAD can be effective. The first step is to talk to an expert in healthcare or GP about your symptoms. They will take a full medical history and perform an examination. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other psychotherapies can help you manage your anxieties and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are provided by the NHS and are usually offered prior to the time that anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medications that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease feelings of anxiety and anxiety and. Antidepressants are often used to treat GAD also, however they take longer than benzodiazepines and buspirone to start working.

You can also use relaxation techniques, eating healthy and exercise to manage your worries. A support system and sharing your concerns with friends or family members could be beneficial. Contact an Australian health service if you are concerned that your anxiety affects the daily life of your family member or friend. For more information on the services that are available go to healthdirect.