Anxiety Disorder: The Ultimate Guide To Anxiety Disorder
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. People suffering from GAD worry about a wide range of issues, including family, finances, health and work. The worries are centered on the future and appear unlikely to be a reality. GAD is not well understood, but the brain and genetics may be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent and severe, it can interfere with routine activities. It can trigger nausea, headaches or muscle tension. It can also lead to problems like trouble concentrating at work or school and issues with social interactions and relationships. There are several different methods that can help anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry about the everyday concerns such as their finances, health and family, work and the future. They believe they're always at risk, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries can last a long time and then appear from nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social phobia, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with others, especially when they are in a small group or one-on-1. They fear they'll say or do something embarrassing or foolish. Symptoms may include sweating, trembling and heart palpitations. People with SAD avoid or limit social interactions and can impact their work performance and social life. The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy can help people change their negative attitudes and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. One type of talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It helps people recognize and overcome thoughts that are distorted and cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches patients how to face stressful situations and deal with them. Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. They can also help those suffering from anxiety relax and sleep better. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen symptoms. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements can increase anxiety, so it's recommended to talk with your doctor prior to taking them. Treatment Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if your anxieties are interfering with your daily life and making you feel unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental health provider to diagnose and treat. It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatizing experiences can increase the likelihood of developing these disorders. Genetically predisposed individuals are also susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Numerous screening tests and tests can assist your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report tool that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD. Medicines can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants are some of the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorder. They can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Antidepressants are often avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills painkillers and sedatives antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence. Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called panic anxiety disorder , this form of treatment will teach you methods to manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and fearful thoughts and behaviors and change them. CBT has been shown to be as effective as medication for anxiety in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training, acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these treatments however, they could provide an alternative approach to treating anxiety and can be worth trying. Lifestyle changes can also aid. A regular exercise program can improve mood and decrease anxiety, while a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, learn new hobbies or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety at times, especially when faced with a major challenge such as a job interview. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel anxious all the time, not just some of the times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and tend to expect the worst about a range of everyday life issues. They could be triggered by health, money, problems in the family, school or work performance. The worry can float between various issues and last for months or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by analyzing the symptoms of a patient and how these symptoms affect their daily lives. They will ask about your health history, and perform tests to determine if there are any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look for other mental health conditions like depression. There are no tests in the lab for GAD, but your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, heart rate and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your lifestyle and review your anxiety history. You could be more vulnerable to anxiety disorders if you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you had a traumatizing childhood experience. Some medications and substances may also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more prevalent in women than men, and it usually occurs around the age of 30 but it can develop at any time in life. It is a lifelong condition however it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may involve just one or both of these therapies. Medicines can ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, like tension in muscles, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you learn to overcome the negative thoughts that cause anxiety and help you manage stress in a healthier way. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to help manage anxiety and ease its symptoms. Other activities that help people focus their minds can also reduce anxiety. Prevention Talk therapy and medications can be helpful for people with anxiety disorders. Many people also employ relaxation techniques as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and challenge the negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, where people learn to alter their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which is the process of confronting fears one at a. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms in the short term and therapy is the most important aspect of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. These anxiety-related feelings are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. The people with GAD may have a hard to articulate what they are worried about, and their concerns generally don't have a particular reason. The most frequent concerns are money, health and family, friends and family and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They also have “what-if” concerns about the possibility of things that could happen, like their children getting into trouble or their home burning down. In disorders anxiety to creating anxiety, anxiety can also affect a person's ability to do daily tasks, like school and work. It can lead to problems sleeping and can cause discomfort and pain. It may also increase the likelihood of suffering from other mental health issues, like depression. It can also affect the relationships of a person and their quality of life. Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They include a family history of anxiety disorders and an underlying history of mental health issues. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or thyroid issues, can cause anxiety and are sometimes the first sign of an issue. As a side-effect certain medications can cause anxiety. Certain herbal supplements and other over the drugs can also cause anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor before they use these products. Nicotine, alcohol and other drugs can worsen the symptoms.