What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. People with GAD worry about a wide range of things including family, finances, health and work. The worry is centered around the future, and seems unlikely to happen.

It is unclear what causes GAD but genetics and issues with specific parts of the brain might be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes persistent and severe it can cause problems with daily activities. It can trigger nausea, headaches or tension in the muscles. It can also cause issues such as difficulty working or studying and issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. They include psychotherapy as well as medications.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is characterized by excessive, irrational worry. People suffering from GAD worry about every day issues such as their health, finances, family, jobs and the future. They believe that they're constantly under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. Worries can last a long time and then appear out of nowhere.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of interacting with other people, especially in groups or one-on-one. They fear that they might say or do something embarrassing or stupid. Sweating, trembling and heart palpitations are possible signs. generalized anxiety disorder with SAD are unable to or limit social interactions that can affect their job performance as well as their social life.

Most people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people overcome their negative thoughts and behavior, which are the cause of anxiety. One type of talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It helps people identify and overcome the distorted thinking that causes anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps patients learn to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them.

Medicines can alleviate certain physical symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. They can also help those who suffer from anxiety sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders.

It is important to keep taking medication for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also increase anxiety. It is recommended to consult with a physician prior to taking these.

Treatment

If your worries are causing disruption in your daily life, and causing you to feel unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask you questions and may refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat.

It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events and traumatizing experiences can increase your risk of developing anxiety disorders. People with genetic predisposition can also develop anxiety disorders. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke, is a self-report instrument which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD.

Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are usually avoided by those who are afraid of becoming dependent on them. However, unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives antidepressants do not cause dependence.

Psychotherapy is a second option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this kind of treatment will teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people change their negative and feared behavior and thoughts. CBT has been shown to be as effective for anxiety as medications in a few studies.

Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these therapies, they may offer a different approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a try.

Lifestyle changes can also aid. A regular exercise program can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with your family and friends or engage in a pastime, or join a support group for people who suffer from anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and this is especially true when faced with a big challenge such as an interview or medical test. However, GAD is different because people with it feel anxious all the time and not just a small portion of the time. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety, and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of situations in everyday life. These include health, money problems, family issues, work or school performance. Worries can move from one issue to the next and can be present for months or years.


Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your health history, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical causes to your symptoms. They will also search for any other mental health issues like depression.

There are no lab tests for GAD however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, thyroid function and heart rate. They will inquire about your daily routine, and look at your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or have had a difficult childhood. Certain medications and substances could also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent among women than men. It usually begins around the age of 30 however, it can occur at any time. It is a chronic condition, but it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options could include one or both of these treatments. Medicines can ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to overcome negative thoughts that lead to stress and anxiety. You can also utilize techniques of relaxation like meditation or yoga to ease your anxiety symptoms. Exercise or other activities which help people focus their minds can also help to reduce anxiety.

Prevention

Talk therapy and medications can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises and other lifestyle adjustments to control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which people are taught to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one by one. In the short-term, medications can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Therapy is the most important component.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. These emotions are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. The people with GAD might have a difficult in identifying what they are concerned about, and their worries generally don't have a particular root. Typical concerns include health, money, family and friends, work, or other daily activities. They worry about "what-ifs" like their children getting in trouble or their home burning down.

Anxiety can also hinder everyday tasks such as school and work. It can cause problems sleeping and cause discomfort and aches. It can also increase the likelihood of a person developing other mental health problems like depression. It can also affect a person's relationships and the quality of their life.

Certain factors can make someone more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. generalized anxiety disorder are the family history of anxiety disorders, as well as an underlying history of mental health problems. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can also cause anxiety, and are often the first sign of problems. Certain medications can trigger anxiety as a side effect.

Some herbal supplements and over the counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, so it is recommended that people consult with a doctor before they begin using them. Alcohol, nicotine, and abuse of drugs can cause the symptoms to worsen.