Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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

Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and boosts the feel good chemicals in the brain. It also helps to distract people from their worries.

Signs and symptoms

Many people have anxiety from time time. This is especially true when they are stressed. But if your anxiety is continuous and persistent which makes it difficult to function or relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

People with GAD suffer from excessive anxiety and feelings of apprehensive expectation without any reason. They are worried about a variety of things, such as their work or school performance and the safety and well-being of family members, and future events. They have a feeling that the end is near and are unable to concentrate or sleeping.

The symptoms of GAD typically begin in childhood or adolescence and are more common among women than men. They can persist into adulthood, and are often accompanied by depression and other mental health issues.

There are other physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension or stomach upset. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. They will ask questions to make sure that something else isn't responsible for them and conduct physical examination.

GAD is treatable. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medications. Self-help methods like mindfulness meditation, relaxation and exercise can be helpful.

Anxiety disorders cover a variety of conditions that can affect your mood and behavior, including panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia; phobias specific to you; social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of these conditions.

Although anyone can be affected by an anxiety disorder, it is more common among adolescents and children. Some people are more susceptible to anxiety disorders due to their temperament, while others are afflicted by trauma or mental illness. It is essential to seek out help when you have a history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you begin treatment and diagnosis more minimal the symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone is anxious from time to time however for those suffering from GAD anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with their lives. GAD can cause you to be nervous about a variety of issues and situations not just one thing. It can make it hard to focus at school or work and affect your physical health. You may avoid social situations and activities because of anxiety or fear.

Numerous treatments have been proven to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder including psychotherapy and medication. Treatment decisions are by assessing the severity of your symptoms as well as any other issues you might be suffering from.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the issue. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you have, how long they've been present for and how serious they are. Your doctor will conduct an examination and ask you questions. They will determine if you have other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease, and will ask about the family history of mental illness.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders . Different types of psychotherapy have been proven to help, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. This type of therapy helps you learn new ways to think and behave to reduce anxiety. It's quite a bit of work, but it can be very beneficial with practice.

Antidepressants are the first line pharmacological treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications are highly effective and have very few negative effects when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies like valerian or kava may also help however, there aren't enough studies to prove their claims. They also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it is crucial to consult a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Consult your physician when 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 worrying on a regular basis for at least six month. This isn't the typical feeling of anxiety during certain times that a majority of people feel. People with GAD are usually concerned about health, money and family issues, as well as other personal matters. They may be restless and fatigued, or they may be unable to concentrate. Some signs of GAD include headaches, muscle tension, sleep problems, and irritability. GAD can also trigger stomach upsets or heart palpitations.

To diagnose GAD Your doctor will inquire about your previous and current symptoms. The doctor will also inquire about your family history. The doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor will look for any signs of health issues, like stomach problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test, such as a CT scan or an MRI to rule out any other health issues.

GAD is treated with talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a well-studied form of psychotherapy. CBT teaches new ways to think, behave, and respond to situations that can help you feel less stressed. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to ease anxiety. They are usually only recommended as a short-term treatment option for GAD.


People suffering from GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder, such as depression. They also have a higher risk of developing other mental health issues like bipolar disorder as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder.

There is no one reason for GAD. It is possible that genetics, life events and chronic medical conditions all contribute to the development of GAD. It is crucial to seek help early because anxiety can get worse as time passes. Consult your GP in the event that anxiety is affecting your daily life for you or a family member and has lasted more than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety may seek assistance from their GP or psychologist.

Prevention

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true when concerned about a particular circumstance or event. However, when this feeling is constant and affecting your daily life, it could be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is crucial to seek treatment if you experience symptoms that hinder your daily activities. Treatment options for GAD include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.

Although it's not known what causes GAD exactly stress, genetics and stress may be factors. GAD is more prevalent in people with an underlying depression or other mental health disorders. People who have a timid or shy temperament or have experienced an event that was traumatic in their lives, are also at risk of developing the condition.

The primary sign of GAD is excessive and unreasonable worry or tension, typically for at least six months. The stress or worry can be about many topics including work, family, finances health, and other things. People with GAD often don't know the cause of their anxiety, and their worries tend to drift from one concern to the next.

Treatment for GAD is effective. The first step is to speak to a healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will request an entire medical history and perform a physical exam. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychological therapies can help you manage your anxieties and improve your quality of life. These treatments are provided by the NHS and are usually given before anti-anxiety medication is prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medications that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease feelings of anxiety and dread. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD, but their effects may take longer to be evident than those of benzodiazepines and buspirone.

You can also use relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to manage your worries. A support system and discussing your concerns with friends or family members can be beneficial. If you believe that anxiety is affecting your life, or the wellbeing of a friend or relative, call an Australian health service phone number. Visit healthdirect for more details about the services offered.