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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Most people have some anxiety whenever they face the new challenge, however with GAD the anxiety is more frequent and exaggerated. Stress can be triggered by anything from work and money to family health and future events.
The majority of people manage their ailments with the combination of psychotherapy and medications. One form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches various ways of thinking and reacting to situations.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but when this anxiety is constant and severe, it can be a snare. People with GAD have a hard time controlling their anxiety and are unable to stop thinking about health, money, family, work or other matters. They usually anticipate disaster and the worst possible outcome for every situation, even if there is no reason to believe that their worries are justifiable.
GAD symptoms may include excessive worry anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, tight muscles, sweating and trembling. A person may also have trouble swallowing or a dry mouth. These signs can make it difficult to focus and keep up with school or work.
The cause of GAD isn't fully understood, but genetics and life events could play a part. Abnormalities in a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid could make certain people more prone to it. Traumatic experiences and stress can cause anxiety.
Symptoms of GAD usually start in the adolescent years or early childhood but they can also begin at any age. Women are twice as likely to develop it as men. GAD can be severe or mild, but most of the time it is chronic (ongoing).
There are many methods to treat GAD. The most commonly used is psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy is also referred to as psychotherapy. It involves working with a professional in order to develop new ways of thinking and interacting that can help reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an extremely well-studied form of psychotherapy, is commonly used to treat GAD.
People with GAD could benefit from changes in their lifestyle like regular exercise, enough sleep, and relaxation methods. You should also eat healthily and avoid caffeine, alcohol cigarettes, tobacco and illegal substances. The medications for GAD are usually antidepressants but there are other options available as well. A psychiatrist or doctor can prescribe these medications. Some people with GAD benefit from practicing mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones in the body. Other options include hypnosis, Acupuncture, and light therapy. GAD is a chronic issue however, it can be improved by taking medication and psychotherapy.
Diagnosis
Anxiety is a normal brain reaction to stress. It alerts you to the danger. Everyone feels anxious from time to time, for example when faced by a difficult situation at work or during a medical examination. However, those with anxiety disorders experience feelings of worry and fear that are over the top and unrealistic. They also struggle to manage their symptoms, which can have an impact on their daily lives. Anxiety disorders can make you avoid social situations like going out with friends or going to family gatherings. However, with treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a happy, healthy life.
A mental health professional will diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by looking at your answers to a series of questions and tests. You'll be asked about your symptoms, their severity and the duration of time you've experienced them. Your doctor may recommend medication or psychotherapy for your condition.
Psychotherapy is a kind of treatment that can help you change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy is usually offered by a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. In certain instances your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, including psychotherapy and medications.
Medicines can ease the symptoms of GAD in around half of those suffering from the condition. These include benzodiazepine medications that calm quickly, antidepressants, and the antianxiety medication buspirone. People with GAD also need to learn strategies for coping and adopt lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms.
People with GAD often have other psychiatric disorders like dysthymia or depression, and addiction issues. Co-occurrence can increase your symptoms and reduce the response to treatment.
Research suggests that a mix of treatments is the best method to treat GAD. GAD can be effectively treated by utilizing relaxation techniques, improving physical health, and undergoing psychotherapy. The use of medication can ease some symptoms, but you should talk to your doctor about this. The use of too much prescription medication could result in dependence and adverse effects.
Treatment
GAD is a condition that affects adults and children. It is more prevalent for women than in men. GAD is a problem that affects both adults and children but is more common in women. It is also more prevalent for people with relatives who have a history of anxiety or depression.
The first step to treat GAD is to see a mental health clinician. This could include a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist or psychiatric nurse practitioner or social worker. A physical exam including a blood-pressure check and questionnaires is often used to determine the cause of the disorder.
GAD is best treated through the combination of medication and psychological treatment. Psychological treatments for the disorder concentrate on addressing the root cause of anxiety and teaching how to manage it. While you are working on your therapy, medications are prescribed to help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), teaches you to recognize and confront the unhelpful thoughts that cause anxiety. It teaches you how to alter your behavior, and then gradually return to activities you've avoided due to anxiety.
CBT is more effective than medication alone. It is essential to choose an expert in treating anxiety disorders with CBT.
Antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sedatives are some of the most commonly used medications to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Your doctor will assist you in choosing the right medication.
Finding a support group that can assist you in managing your disorder is equally important. Talking to your loved ones, especially someone who has had GAD or suffered from it can be extremely beneficial. Try to do some exercise regularly to calm your nervous and relieve anxiety. A brisk walk or yoga session, or gardening can be helpful in easing tension. Insufficient social interaction can also trigger anxiety. Spending time with your family and friends regularly is essential.
The following is a list of preventions.
It's normal to feel occasionally anxious. But when worries and anxieties are constant, they could cause problems. In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) people experience an overwhelming, general feeling of unease or dread that pervades their entire lives. They constantly anticipate disaster and are unable to calm their thoughts or relax. It can be mentally and physically exhausting.
GAD is different from phobias and depression, which usually focus on a particular issue. People suffering from GAD often worry about many things for a long period of time and are not able to pinpoint the exact cause of their anxiety. GAD is thought to be the result of a mix of factors. Genetics, brain chemistry and stress in the environment may all play a part.
Researchers are unable to determine what causes GAD however it is believed to be a family issue. GAD symptoms are caused by changes in the balance of certain brain chemicals that control emotions and mood. These neurotransmitters can be targeted by psychotherapies and drugs.
Other factors that can be a contributing factor to the development of GAD include temperament and family history. People who are timid, shy, or have a history trauma may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders . Children of a parent who has an anxiety disorder are at a greater risk of developing it themselves.
Treatment for GAD includes self-help strategies and professional assistance. Self-help strategies include relaxation techniques, meditation, and exercise. It is also essential to sleep enough and eat a balanced and healthy diet. Psychotherapy can help reduce anxiety by teaching coping skills and utilizing exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves intentionally placing yourself in situations you would normally avoid. Slowly you work up to longer and more intense sessions during which you try to resist the urge to leave, use relaxation and coping techniques and gradually reduce the time you spend in the fearful situation.
You should also know as the information you can about your particular condition. You can do this by reading books, surfing the Internet or consulting with a doctor. It is important to recognize that your fears are irrational and to understand the root of your anxiety.