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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People with GAD worry about a variety of things including family, finances, health and work. The worry is centered around the future, and are unlikely to be a reality. GAD isn't fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used in the treatment of GAD. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, but when it becomes severe and constant it can cause problems with routine activities. It can trigger headaches, nausea, or tension in the muscles. It can also cause issues such as difficulty in concentrating at work or school, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are many different treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational and excessive anxiety. People with GAD worry about the everyday concerns such as their health, finances, family, jobs and the future. They believe that they're constantly at risk, even when there's no reason to be concerned. The fear can last for a long time and seem to come out of nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social anxiety, is a disorder in which people are afraid to interact with others, especially when they are in a group or one-on-1. They fear that they might make a mistake or say something embarrassing or foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, trembling and heart palpitations. People with SAD may avoid or limit social interaction and can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance. The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist people in learning to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It helps people identify and replace thoughts that are distorted and cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps patients learn to face stressful situations and deal with them. Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They can also help those suffering from anxiety relax and sleep better. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It is important to stay on the treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can increase anxiety, which is why it's important to talk to a health care provider before taking these supplements. Treatment If your worries are interfering with your daily routine and making you unhappy, then see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and may refer you to a mental health provider for diagnosis and treatment. The cause of anxiety disorders isn't completely understood however certain life experiences or traumatic events may increase the chance of developing one. They also can occur in those who are genetically prone to these disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of the symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report tool that can be useful in diagnosing GAD. Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially when used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders. They can be found in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives antidepressants don't lead to dependence. Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. This kind of treatment, often referred to as talk therapy, can teach you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and stop their worsening. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known form of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to recognize negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and change them. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments however, they may provide a different approach to managing anxiety and are worth trying. Lifestyle changes can also aid. Regular exercise programs can improve mood and decrease anxiety. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, take up new hobbies or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety at times, especially when facing an enormous challenge like a job interview or a medical test. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel constantly anxious and not just a small portion of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety, and are prone to anticipating the worst in a range of situations in everyday life. This includes financial, health, family problems and work or school performance. Worries may float from one issue to another and can last for months, or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by evaluating the patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will inquire about your past health, and will conduct tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look for other mental health conditions like depression. There are no lab tests for GAD However, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, thyroid function, and heart rate. They will ask you about your lifestyle and will look into your anxiety history. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders or if you've experienced traumatizing experiences in your the past, it could make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Certain medications and substances could also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common in women than men. It typically begins around the age of thirty however, it can occur at any point in life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime but it is treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to utilize either or both of these treatments. The use of medication can ease anxiety and physical symptoms like tension and headaches. Psychotherapy can teach you how to alter negative thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation to help manage anxiety and ease its symptoms. Activities that help people focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety. The following is a list of preventions. People with anxiety disorders can often find relief from medications and therapy. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises, and other lifestyle changes to reduce their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments can include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps people are taught to change their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. In the short-term, medicines can be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. It's hard to manage these emotions, and they are more likely to last for more than six months. Those with GAD may have a hard time telling what they're worried about, and their concerns typically don't have a clear root. Money, health, friends and family or other everyday activities are common worries. They fret about "what-ifs" like their children being in trouble or their home burning down. Anxiety can also hinder daily activities like school and work. It can lead to problems sleeping and can cause aches and pains. It can also increase the chance of suffering from mental health issues, like depression. It can also affect relationships and a person's 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 issues as well as having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Some medical conditions such as lung disease or heart disease can also cause anxiety. These are usually the first signs of a problem. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an effect.
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