Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can be treated using psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Medication should only be used for short periods to alleviate symptoms and should always be followed by therapy.
Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and increases the feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also assists people forget their worries.
Signs and symptoms
Many people experience anxiety at times particularly when they are under stress. However, if your anxiety is persistent and constant and makes it difficult to function or relax You may be suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
People suffering from GAD experience excessive worry and a sense of acute anxiety disorder without any reason. They worry about many things, such as their work or school performance and the safety and well-being of family members, and the future events. They feel a sense of impending doom and have difficulty staying focused or sleeping.
GAD symptoms are more frequent in women than in men and often start during the adolescent years or in childhood. They can last into adulthood, and are often associated with depression or other mental disorders.
You may also experience other physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. They will ask you questions to confirm that there isn’t anything that is causing the symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam.
GAD is treatable. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications. Self-help strategies such as meditation, relaxation, and exercise meditation can also be helpful.
Anxiety disorders comprise a range of conditions that impact your mood and behaviour including panic disorder, whether with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorders statistics disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are responsible for the onset of anxiety disorders.
An anxiety disorder can affect everyone, but it is more common among adolescents and children. Certain people are more prone to anxiety disorders because of their temperament, while others are afflicted by mental illness or trauma. It is crucial to seek out help in the event that you have an history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you start treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.
Treatment
Everyone experiences anxiety disorders types every now and then, but for people with GAD anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with their lives. GAD causes you to feel nervous about a variety of situations and issues and not just one issue. It can make it hard to focus at work or school and affect your physical health. It could cause you to avoid social or activities due to anxiety and fear.
Psychotherapy and medications have been shown to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment is determined by how the symptoms impact your daily routine and other conditions you may have.
First, you should discuss with your doctor about the issue. Tell your doctor what symptoms you’re experiencing, how long they’ve been present, and how serious they are. Your doctor will perform an examination and ask you questions. They will also determine whether you have any other health issues like heart disease or diabetes, and will ask about the family history of mental illness.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety disorders. Many forms of psychotherapy have been proven to be effective, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient. This kind of therapy helps you learn new ways of thinking and behaving to alleviate anxiety. It takes a lot of work, but with practice it can be very useful.
GAD is treated with antidepressants. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely efficient and have no negative side effects, especially when used for the recommended duration. There are also some natural remedies that may aid, such as valerian and kava, but there is not enough evidence to support these claims and they can interact with some medications, such as SSRIs.
It is crucial to bring your child to an expert in mental health to help diagnose and treat anxiety. Talk to your doctor for advice if your child’s symptoms of anxiety impact their school, family life or social life.
Diagnosis
GAD is diagnosed when a person experiences an excessive and uncontrollable worry regularly for at least six month. This isn’t the typical feeling of anxiety at certain times that most people experience. People suffering from GAD tend to be anxious about money, health and family issues, as well as other personal matters. They may experience difficulty concentration and may be exhausted or restless. Some signs of GAD include headaches, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping and irritability. GAD can also cause stomach upset or heart palpitations.
Your doctor will inquire about your current and previous symptoms to diagnose GAD. Your doctor will ask about your family background. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body. 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 any other health problems.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that’s been well studied. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, acting and reacting to events that help you feel less stressed and anxious. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce your anxiety. In general, medications are only advised 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 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
There is no single reason for GAD. It is likely that genetics, life events and chronic medical ailments all contribute to the development of GAD. Getting help early is important, as anxiety can get worse over time. Speak to your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily activities for you or a family member, and is present for more than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety should seek help from their physician, psychologist, or other mental health professional.
Prevention
Every person experiences anxiety at some point, especially when they are concerned about a particular circumstance or event. However, when this feeling becomes constant and affects everyday life, it could be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms interfere with everyday activities, it’s important to seek help. Treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes are all options for treating GAD.
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes GAD, genetics and stress may be factors. People with a family history of depression or other mental health issues are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a naturally shy or timid temperament or who have had an event that was traumatic in their lives, are also at risk of developing the condition.
The main characteristic of GAD is excessive and unrealistic worry or tension, typically best cure for anxiety disorder at least 6 months. This tension or worrying can be about many topics, such as finances, family, work, health, and other issues. GAD sufferers are often unable to finding the cause of their anxiety. Their concerns are sporadic.
Treatment for GAD is effective. In the beginning, you should talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about your symptoms. They will conduct a thorough medical history and do a physical exam. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or a specialist to further evaluate and treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other psychological therapies, can help you manage your anxiety 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 medicines that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease feelings of anxiety and dread. Antidepressants are often used to treat GAD too, but they may take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone before they begin to work.
You can also use relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to manage your stress. A support system and discussing your concerns with family members or friends can be beneficial. If you feel that your anxiety is affecting your daily routine or the wellbeing of a family member or friend you can call an Australian health service line. Healthdirect has more information on the services that are available.