Notes

Why All The Fuss Over Anxiety Disorder?
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD is a chronic problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People with GAD worry about a wide range of things including finances, health, family and work. The main concern is the future, and appears unlikely to happen.

It is unclear what causes GAD, but genes and issues with specific parts of the brain may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used in the treatment of GAD.

Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. However, when it becomes persistent or severe it can disrupt daily activities. It can trigger nausea, headaches or muscle tension. It can also lead to problems such as difficulty working or studying, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two options.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that is characterised by excessive, irrational worry. People with GAD worry about every day issues such as their health, finances families, jobs, and the future. They feel constantly in danger even when there is no reason to worry. The fear can last for a long time and then appear from nowhere.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social anxiety, is a disorder that causes people to be hesitant to interact with others particularly in a group or one-on-1. They are afraid that they will make a mistake that might make them look foolish or make them look foolish. Tenseness, anxiety, and heart palpitations are possible symptoms. People with SAD are unable to or limit their social activities that can affect their job performance as well as their social life.

Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist people in learning to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One form of talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It assists patients to recognize and replace the distorted thoughts that cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches the patient how to deal with stressful situations.

Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness are able to be controlled with the help of medications. They can also aid people who suffer from anxiety to sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders . Doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants like tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that work differently and are less effective however, they can be used in conjunction with other medicines to combat anxiety.

It is essential to continue with the treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medications abruptly can aggravate symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can aggravate anxiety, so it's best to talk with your doctor prior to taking them.

Treatment

While feeling anxious at times is normal, if you feel that your worries interfere with your daily life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor may ask you questions or refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.


It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events and traumatizing experiences can increase your risk of developing them. People with genetic predisposition may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For example, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report instrument that can be useful in diagnosing GAD.

The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. They are available in both prescription and over the counter forms. Many people steer clear of them due to the fear that they will become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants don't cause dependency.

Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. This kind of treatment, also known as talk therapy, will teach you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and prevent the escalating effects of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular form of psychotherapy that assists people recognize negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and then change them. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in a few studies.

Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they may provide a different approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a try.

Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise programs can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with your family and friends or engage in a pastime, or join an organization that helps those with anxiety.

Diagnosis

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time particularly when faced with an enormous challenge like an interview for a job or a medical test. GAD is different in that the person with it feels anxious all the times and not just at times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and tend to expect the worst about the smallest of problems. This includes health, money, family problems and school or work performance. The anxiety can be a floater between various issues and last for many months or years.

Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they impact his or her daily life. They will ask about your past health, and will conduct tests to determine if there is any physical causes to your symptoms. They will also check for other mental health conditions, such as depression.

There are no tests in the lab for GAD However, your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, thyroid function and heart rate. They will ask you about your lifestyle and examine your anxiety history. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have a history of anxiety disorders in your family or had a traumatizing childhood experience. Certain medications and substances could also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.

GAD is more prevalent in women than in males, and usually starts around age 30, although it can occur at any time throughout life. It is a chronic condition, but it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these treatments. Medications may help with both the anxiety and its physical symptoms, such as tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome the negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and help cope with stress in a more positive way. You can also employ relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Some people find that exercise or other activities that help them focus their minds can ease anxiety, too.

Prevention

People suffering from anxiety disorders often get relief from medication and talk therapy. Some people use relaxation techniques, diets, exercise and other lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and confront the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which people are taught to change their thinking patterns as well as 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 characterized by over-exaggerated and persistent feeling of anxiety or worry about many different things. It's difficult to control these feelings, and they can be expected to last for longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their problems and are unable to determine what's troubling them. Health, money, friends and family, work or other daily routines are all common worries. They also have "what-if" concerns about possible events that could happen, such as their children being in trouble or their home burning down.

In addition to creating anxiety, anxiety can also hinder a person's ability to do everyday tasks like work and school. It can cause problems sleeping and can cause aches and pains. It can also increase a person's risk for having other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and quality of life.

Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They include the family history of anxiety disorders and an underlying history of mental health issues. Physical and emotional abuse during childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Certain medical conditions, like heart disease, lung diseases, or thyroid problems can also trigger anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of an issue. Certain medications can trigger anxiety as an effect.

Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also cause anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician prior to using them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can also make the symptoms worse.

Homepage: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders