Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD can be treated with therapy and medication. The use of medication is typically only temporarily to relieve symptoms and should be followed by therapy.

Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps to reduce stress hormones and boosts positive chemicals in the brain. It also aids people forget their worries.

Symptoms

Many people experience anxiety at times and especially when under stress. But if your anxiety seems constant and persistent, making it hard to function or relax you could be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD is characterized by extreme worry and feelings apprehensive anticipation for no reason. They worry about a myriad of things, like their school or job performance as well as the safety and wellbeing of their family members, and future events. They feel a sense of impending doom and have difficulty in focusing or sleeping.

GAD symptoms are more frequent for women than men and often start during childhood or adolescence. They can last into adulthood, and are often caused by depression or other mental disorders.

You may also have other physical signs of anxiety, including headaches, muscle tension, and stomach upset. If you are experiencing these symptoms, speak to your doctor. They will ask questions to make sure that something else isn't causing them and perform physical examination.

GAD can be treated. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment. Self-help techniques like meditation, relaxation, and exercise meditation can also be helpful.

Anxiety disorders encompass a variety of conditions that can affect your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder that is without or with agoraphobia; specific phobias such as social anxiety disorder; separation anxiety disorder; and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that genetics and temperament as well as environmental factors are the main causes for the onset of anxiety disorders examples disorders.

An anxiety disorder can be experienced by anyone, but it is more prevalent among teenagers and children. Certain people are more prone to anxiety disorders due to their temperament, while others have a history with trauma or mental illness. If you're a parent with a history of anxiety, it's essential to seek treatment. The earlier you start treatment and diagnosis, the less severe the symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone feels anxious at times however for those suffering from GAD anxiety is a constant state of worry and dread that interferes with their daily lives. GAD can make you feel anxious about many different things. It can cause you to be unable to concentrate at work or school, and it can affect your health. You may avoid social situations and activities because of feelings of fear or dread.

The use of psychotherapy and medication has been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment is determined by how much the symptoms are affecting your daily routine and other issues you might have.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the problem. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you have, how long they've been present for and how serious they are. Your doctor will perform an examination and ask you questions. They will also test for other health concerns like heart disease or diabetes, and ask about any mental health issues in your family.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Different types of psychotherapy have been shown to help, however cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient. This type of therapy teaches you various ways of thinking and acting to reduce your anxiety. It's quite a bit of work, but it can be extremely beneficial when you practice.

GAD is treated with antidepressants. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely efficient and come with a small number of side effects when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies like valerian or kava could aid however there aren't enough studies to back their claims. They may also interact with certain medications, like SSRIs.

If your child is suffering from anxiety, it's important to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Consult your physician if your child's anxiety symptoms interfere with their school, family life or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is diagnosed when a person experiences excessive and uncontrollable anxiety on a regular basis for at least six month. This is not the normal feeling of anxiety during certain times that a majority of people experience. People suffering from GAD typically anticipate disasters and are constantly worried about money, health, family, work, and other personal issues. They may experience difficulty concentrating and are exhausted or restless. The symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, insomnia and irritation. GAD can also cause stomach upset or heart palpitations.

Your doctor will inquire about your present and previous symptoms to diagnose GAD. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history. Your doctor will then conduct a physical exam. He or she will examine for signs of any other health problems, such as stomach problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test like an CT scan or an MRI to rule out any other health issues.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is frequently used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that's been well studied. CBT provides you with new ways of thinking, acting and reacting to situations that help you feel less anxious and worried. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to ease anxiety. Medications are generally only recommended as a short-term treatment option for GAD.

People suffering from GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder, like depression. They are also at greater risk of developing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder.

GAD is not caused by one single cause. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical illnesses are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. The importance of seeking help early since anxiety can become worse as time passes. Talk to your GP in the event that anxiety is affecting daily functioning for you or a family member and is present for longer than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety should seek assistance from their physician, psychologist, or other mental health professionals.

The following is a list with preventions.

Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is especially true if you are concerned about a particular event or circumstance. But, if this feeling becomes constant and impacts your daily life, it could be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms hinder everyday activities, it's important to seek help. Treatment options for GAD include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes.

Although it's unclear what causes GAD exactly stress, genetics and stress could be a factor. GAD is more common in people with an history of depression or other mental health conditions. GAD may also affect those who are naturally shy or shy, or have suffered a trauma in their lives.

The main characteristic of GAD is excessive and unreasonable worry or tension, typically for at least 6 months. This tension or worrying can be about many topics, such as finances, family, work health, and other issues. GAD sufferers frequently have difficulty determining the source of their anxiety, and their concerns are to be sporadic.

Treatment for GAD is efficient. In the beginning, you should talk with a healthcare professional regarding your symptoms. They will collect a complete medical history and do a physical exam. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist to further evaluate and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies can help you learn to manage your worries and improve your quality of life. These treatments are offered through the NHS and are typically offered before anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two drugs that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease feelings of anxiety and dread. Antidepressants are also used to treat GAD, but their effects can be slower to be felt than those of benzodiazepines as well as buspirone.

You can also explore relaxation techniques, eat healthy meals and exercise to ease your worries. Having a support network and discussing your concerns with family or friends can be beneficial. If you feel that your anxiety is impacting your life, or the well-being of a friend or relative you can call an Australian health service line. For more information about the services available, visit healthdirect.