Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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

Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones as well as increases the levels of feel good chemicals in the brain. It also assists in distracting people from their worries.

Symptoms

Many people suffer from anxiety from time to time. This is especially true when they are stressed. But if your anxiety seems constant and persistent and makes it difficult to be relaxed or productive, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

People with GAD suffer from excessive anxiety and a sense of anxiety without a reason. They worry about many things, such as their school or job performance, the safety and well-being of their family members, as well as future events. They feel a sense of impending doom and have difficulty in focusing or sleeping.

GAD symptoms are more common in women than men and often start during childhood or adolescence. They can last into adulthood, and are often caused by depression or other mental health issues.

You might also experience other physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches and stomach upset. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. They will ask questions to be sure that nothing else is responsible for them and conduct a physical exam.

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

Anxiety disorders comprise a range of disorders that affect your mood and behavior like panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. They also include specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that genetics and temperament as well as environmental factors are the main causes for the onset of anxiety disorders.

An anxiety disorder can be experienced by any person, but it's more prevalent in adolescents and children. Some people might possess a personality that makes them more prone to suffer from anxiety, while others may have an ancestry of traumatizing experiences or other mental illnesses. It is important to seek help in the event that you have a history of anxiety in your family. The earlier diagnosis and treatment are started more minimal your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone is anxious every now and then, but for people with GAD anxiety is a constant state of worry and dread that interferes with their lives. GAD causes you to feel nervous about a variety of situations and issues and not just one issue. It can make it difficult to focus at school or at work and affect your physical health. It can cause you to avoid social events or activities due to feelings of fear and dread.

Numerous treatments have been proven to lessen the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, including psychotherapy and medication. Treatment decisions are based on the severity of your symptoms as well as any other conditions that you might have.

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

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the main treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy. This kind of therapy teaches you various ways of thinking and acting to alleviate anxiety. It is a lot of hard work however it can be extremely useful with practice.

Antidepressants are the first line medication for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely efficient and come with a small number of adverse effects when used for the recommended duration. Natural remedies like valerian or kava may also help, but there are not enough studies to back their claims. They also interact with certain medications, like SSRIs.

It is essential to take your child to an expert in mental health to determine the cause and manage anxiety. Talk to your doctor for advice if your child's symptoms of anxiety impact their school, family life, or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is typically diagnosed when someone experiences an excessive, uncontrollable anxiety disorder getting worse on more days than not for at least six months. This is different from the occasional feeling of anxiety that is common for most people at certain times. People with GAD typically anticipate disasters and are apprehensive about health, money and family, work and other personal issues. They might be agitated, tired or unable to concentrate. The symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and irritation. People with GAD also might experience heart palpitations and stomach upset.

Your doctor will ask you about your current and past symptoms to help diagnose GAD. Your doctor will ask about your family history. Your doctor will perform an examination for physical health. He or she will look for other health problems such as respiratory or heart diseases. Your doctor may suggest an imaging test like a CT scan or an MRI, to rule out any other health problems.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy that's been extensively studied. CBT offers you new ways of thinking, acting and reacting to events that can help you feel less anxious and worried. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce anxiety. The majority of medications are prescribed as a short-term treatment for GAD.

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

GAD is not caused by one single factor. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical illnesses are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. It is essential to act early, as gerd anxiety disorder can worsen with time. Consult your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life for you or a family member, and is present for longer than six months. People with anxiety can seek assistance from their GP or psychologist.

The following is a list of preventatives.

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true if you are concerned about a particular event or circumstance. If this anxiety is persistent and causes problems in daily life it could be a sign that you have generalised anxiety disorder can be cured disorder. It is important to seek treatment if you are suffering from symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities. Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options to treat GAD.

Although it's unclear what causes GAD specifically genetics, stress and stressful circumstances might be contributing factors. People with an ancestral history of depression or other mental health issues are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a shy or timid personality, or who have experienced traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the disease.

The primary characteristic of GAD is excessive and unrealistic worrying or tension, usually for at least six months. The tension or worry could be related to a variety of topics, including work, family financial, health, and other concerns. People with GAD often can't identify the root of their anxiety, and their concerns seem to float between various issues.

Treatment for GAD can be effective. The first step is to talk with your healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will collect a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or a specialist to further evaluate and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other psychological therapies, can help you manage your worries and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are available through the NHS and are typically offered prior to the prescription of anti-anxiety medication. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medicines that can be used to treat GAD. They both reduce anxiety and dread. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD but their effects might take longer to be felt than those of benzodiazepines and buspirone.

You can also employ relaxation techniques, eat healthily and exercise to manage your worries. Being a part of a support group and discussing your concerns with friends or family members could be beneficial. If you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily life or the wellbeing of a family member or friend contact an Australian health service phone number. For more information on the services available, visit healthdirect.