Generalised anxiety disorders Resources Disorder (GAD)

GAD can also be treated by therapy and medication. The use of medication is usually for a short time to alleviate symptoms and should be followed by therapy.

Regular exercise is a successful treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and boosts the feel good chemicals in the brain. It also assists in distracting people from their worries.

Symptoms

Many people experience anxiety from time to time. This is particularly true when they are stressed. If your anxiety is constant and persistent that it becomes difficult to function or relax, you could have a generalized anxiety disorder.

People suffering from GAD experience excessive worry and feelings of apprehensive expectation without a reason. They worry about a myriad of things, including their work and school performance as well as the security of their family members, upcoming natural disasters and other events. They have a feeling that the end is near and are unable to concentrate or sleeping.

GAD symptoms are more frequent in women than men and typically begin in childhood or adolescence. They may linger until adulthood, usually caused by depression or other mental health issues.

You might also experience other physical signs of anxiety, including headaches, muscle tension, and stomach upset. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor. They will ask questions to make sure that nothing else is causing them and perform a physical exam.

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

Anxiety disorders are a set of disorders that affect your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder, whether with or without agoraphobia, particular phobias such as social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that genetics, temperament and environmental factors are the main contributors to the development of these conditions.

Although anyone can be affected by anxiety disorders, it is more common among adolescents and children. Some people are more susceptible to anxiety disorders because of their temperament, whereas others have a history of mental illness or trauma. It is crucial to seek treatment in the event that you have a history of anxiety in your family. The earlier you start treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however for those suffering from GAD, anxiety is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with their daily routine. GAD can cause you to be anxious about a broad range of situations and issues and not just one issue. It can cause you to be unable to focus at work or school and affect your health. You might avoid social situations and activities because of feelings of fear or dread.

A variety of treatments have been shown to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, including psychotherapy and medications. Treatment is determined by how much the symptoms are affecting your daily routine and other issues you might have.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the issue. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing, how long they've been present for and how serious they are. Your doctor will then perform an exam and ask questions. They will determine whether you are suffering from any other health problems like diabetes or heart disease, and will inquire about the family history of mental illness.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the main treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be the most effective form of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you new ways of thinking and behaving to eliminate your anxiety. It takes a lot of work but with a bit of practice it can be very useful.

Antidepressants are the primary pharmacological treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram, duloxetine and Venlafaxine. These medications are highly efficient and come with a small number of negative effects when taken for the recommended time period. Natural remedies such as valerian or kava could help however, there aren't enough studies to support their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, like SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it is crucial to see an expert in mental health for diagnosis and treatment. It is especially important to talk with your doctor if the symptoms of anxiety hinder your child's education or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is typically diagnosed when someone experiences excessive, uncontrollable worry on more days than they do for at least six months. This is distinct from the occasional feeling of anxiety that is common for most people at specific times. People with GAD are usually anxious about money, health and family issues, as well as other personal matters. They may have trouble staying focused and feel tired or restless. Some symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, insomnia, and an irritability. People suffering from GAD also might experience stomach upset and heart palpitations.

Your doctor will ask you about your current and past symptoms to diagnose GAD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body. He or she will check for other health conditions such as respiratory or heart diseases. Your doctor may recommend an CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out other health problems.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is frequently used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that is extensively researched. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to events that make you less anxious and stressed. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to ease anxiety. The majority of medications are prescribed as a temporary treatment for GAD.

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

There is no single reason for GAD. It is possible that genetics, life events and chronic medical ailments all contribute to the development of GAD. It is crucial to seek help early, as anxiety can get worse over time. Talk to your GP when anxiety is affecting your daily life for you or a family member and has lasted more than six months. People with anxiety can seek help from their GP or psychologist.

Prevention

Everyone feels anxious at times, especially when they are concerned about a specific situation or event. When this feeling is constant and is affecting your daily routine it could be a sign that you have generalised anxiety disorder. It is important to seek treatment if you experience symptoms that hinder your day-to-day activities. Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options to treat GAD.

Although it's not known what causes GAD specifically genetics, stress and stressful circumstances might be contributing factors. GAD is more common in people with an history of depression or other mental health conditions. People with a naturally timid or shy temperament or have experienced traumatizing events in their lives, are also at risk of developing the disease.

The primary symptom of GAD is excessive and unreasonable worry or tension, typically for at least 6 months. The stress or worry can be about many topics like work, family, finances health, and many other concerns. People with GAD often don't know the cause of their anxiety, and their worries seem to float from one concern to the next.

Treatment for GAD is effective. The first step is to speak to an expert in healthcare or GP about your symptoms. They will take a full medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other psychological therapies can help you deal with your anxieties and improve your quality of life. These treatments are provided by the NHS, and are often provided prior to anti-anxiety medication being prescribed. The medications used to treat GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, which both decrease the feelings of dread and anxiety. Antidepressants are often used to treat GAD also, however they take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone before they begin to work.

You can also employ relaxation techniques, eat healthily and exercise to manage your anxiety. A support system and sharing your concerns with friends or family members can also be helpful. Call an Australian health service if you feel your anxiety affects the daily life of a family member or a friend. For more information on the services that are available on healthdirect, click here.