Question: How Much Do You Know About Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. The use of medication should be limited to temporarily to treat symptoms and should be followed by therapy. Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and increases the feelings of happiness in the brain. It also helps people to forget their worries. Signs and symptoms Many people have anxiety from time moment. This is particularly true when they are stressed. If your anxiety is persistent and continuous, making it difficult to function or relax, you could have a generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is characterized by a lot of worry and feelings apprehensive anticipation for no reason. They worry about a variety of things, including their work and school performance and the security of their family members, upcoming catastrophes and events. They feel a sense of imminent danger and have difficulty staying focused or sleeping. GAD symptoms are more common in women than men and usually begin in childhood or adolescence. They may linger until adulthood, usually accompanied by depression and other mental health issues. You may also experience other physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches and stomach upset. Consult 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 a treatable disease. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help strategies such as exercise, relaxation and mindfulness meditation can also help. Anxiety disorders encompass a variety of conditions that can affect your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder with or sans agoraphobia; phobias specific to you; social anxiety disorder as well as separation anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors are the main contributors to the development of these disorders. While anyone can suffer from anxiety disorders however, it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. Certain individuals are more susceptible to anxiety disorders due to their temperament, while others are afflicted by mental illness or trauma. It is essential to seek help if you have an history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you begin treatment and diagnosis more minimal the symptoms will be. Treatment Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but GAD is a constant state of anxiety and dread, which interferes with everyday life. GAD makes you feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, not just one thing. It can make it difficult to focus at work or school and may affect your physical health. It could also cause you to avoid social events or activities because of feelings of fear and dread. The use of psychotherapy and medication has been shown to reduce symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment decisions are based on how the symptoms impact your daily routine and other conditions you may be suffering from. The first step is to discuss with your doctor about the issue. You must inform your doctor about the symptoms as well as the length of time they've been there and how serious they are. Your doctor will then conduct an examination and ask questions. They will also determine whether you have any other health issues like 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. Many forms of psychotherapy have proven to help, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you new ways of thinking and acting to get rid of your anxiety. It takes some effort, but with practice it can be very beneficial. Antidepressants are the primary medication for GAD. Examples include duloxetine, escitalopram and Venlafaxine. These drugs are extremely effective and have few side effects, especially when used for the recommended length of time. Natural remedies such as valerian or kava may also aid however there aren't enough studies to prove their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs. It is crucial to bring your child to an expert in mental health to help diagnose and treat anxiety. Discuss with your doctor for advice if your child's symptoms of anxiety affect their school, family life or social life. Diagnosis GAD is usually diagnosed when a person experiences extreme, uncontrollable worry more days than they do for at least six months. This is not the normal anxiety that people experience at certain times that most people feel. People suffering from GAD typically anticipate disasters and are overly worried about health, money and family, work and other personal concerns. They might be anxious and tired, or find it difficult to concentrate. GAD can cause headaches, muscle tension and trouble sleeping. GAD can also cause stomach upsets or heart palpitations. Your doctor will ask you about your present and previous symptoms to determine if you have GAD. Your doctor will ask you about your family background. Your doctor will then conduct a physical exam. He or she will examine for any signs of health problems, like digestive problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test like an CT scan or an MRI, to rule out other health problems. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a well-studied type of psychotherapy. CBT provides new ways to think, behave, and react to situations, which can make you feel less anxious. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety. In general, medication is only advised for short-term GAD treatment. People suffering from GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder like depression. They also are at 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 cause for GAD. It is likely that genetics life events and chronic medical conditions all contribute to the development of GAD. The earlier intervention is crucial because anxiety can get worse as time passes. Talk to your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily activities for you or a family member and has lasted more than six months. Patients suffering from anxiety should seek assistance from their doctor or psychologist, or any other mental health professionals. The following is a list of preventatives. Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true if you are worried about a particular event or circumstance. If this anxiety is persistent and interferes with daily life it could indicate that you suffer from generalised anxiety disorder. If your symptoms hinder daily activities, it is important to seek help. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications are all options for treating GAD. Although it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes GAD stress and genetics could be factors. People with an ancestral history of depression or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop GAD. GAD may also affect those who are naturally timid or shy, or have suffered a trauma in their life. GAD is characterised by excessive and unreasonable anxiety or worry that lasts for at least six months. The stress or worry could be related to a variety of topics, such as work, family, finances, health, and other things. GAD sufferers often have trouble determining the source of their anxiety. Their anxieties are often sporadic. Treatment for GAD is effective. The first step is to speak to your healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will request an entire medical history and will conduct a physical exam. They may refer you to further evaluation or treatment to specialists or psychiatrists. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychological therapies can help you deal with your worries and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are offered through the NHS and are usually offered prior to the prescription of anti-anxiety medication. Medications used to treat GAD include benzodiazepines and buspirone, which both decrease the feeling of fear and anxiety. Antidepressants can be used to treat GAD also, however they can take longer than benzodiazepines and buspirone to begin working. You can also employ relaxation techniques, eating healthy and exercise to reduce your worries. Having a support network and talking about your worries with family or friends can also be helpful. If you feel that your anxiety is impacting your daily routine or the well-being of a friend or relative contact an Australian health service line. For more information on the services that are available on healthdirect, click here.