Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is treated through psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. It is recommended to only use medication temporarily to relieve symptoms, and should be followed by therapy.

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

Symptoms

Many people have anxiety from time the time. This is especially true when they are stressed. If your anxiety is persistent and continuous, making it difficult to function or relax you could be suffering from a generalized anxiety disorder symptoms anxiety disorder.

People with GAD suffer from excessive anxiety and anxiety for no apparent reason. They are worried about a variety of things, including their school or job performance, the safety and well-being of family members, and future events. They feel a sense that the end is near and have trouble concentrating or sleeping.

The symptoms of GAD typically begin in childhood or adolescence and are more prevalent among women than men. They can persist into adulthood and are often caused by depression or other mental disorders.

There are other physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension and stomach upset. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They will ask you questions to ensure that there isn't something other than the symptoms, and conduct a physical exam.

GAD is a condition that can be treated. Treatment options include psychotherapy as well as medication. Self-help techniques such as relaxation, mindfulness meditation and exercise can be helpful.

Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions that impact your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. They also include specific phobias and social anxiety disorders separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are responsible for the development of anxiety disorders.

An anxiety disorder can be a problem for everyone, but it is more prevalent in adolescents and children. Certain people may have a personality that makes them more likely to suffer from anxiety, while others may have the experience of traumatic events or other mental illnesses. If you have a family history of anxiety, it's important to seek care. The earlier you get treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone is anxious at times, but GAD is a constant state of anxiety signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder dread that interferes with daily life. GAD causes you to feel anxious about a broad range of issues and situations, not just one thing. It can make it difficult to concentrate at school or work and affect your health. You may avoid social situations and activities because of feelings of fear or dread.

Psychotherapy and medication have been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Treatment choices are based on how much the symptoms are affecting your daily life and what other conditions you may have.

First, you should consult your physician about the issue. Discuss with your doctor the symptoms you're experiencing, as well as how long they've been present, and how serious they are. Your doctor will conduct an examination and ask you questions. They will determine whether you have any other health problems like diabetes or heart disease and will ask about your family history of mental illness.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Different types of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. This type of therapy teaches you new ways of thinking and acting to alleviate anxiety disorder levels. It requires some effort but with a bit of practice, it can be very beneficial.

Antidepressants are the primary treatment for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely efficient and come with a small number of negative effects when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies such as valerian and kava can aid however there aren't enough studies to back their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, including SSRIs.

It is essential to take your child to an expert in mental health in order to diagnose and treat anxiety. It is especially important to consult with your doctor if anxiety symptoms hinder your child's education, family or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is diagnosed when a person has an excessive and uncontrollable worry on a regular basis for at least six month. This isn't the typical anxiety that people experience during certain times that a majority of people experience. People suffering from GAD are usually concerned about health, money and family issues, work and other personal matters. They may be restless and tired, or find it difficult to concentrate. GAD can cause muscle tension, headaches and trouble sleeping. GAD can also trigger stomach upsets or heart palpitations.

To determine if you have GAD Your doctor will inquire about your previous and current symptoms. Your doctor will also ask about your family history. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body. He or she will look for any other health issues like respiratory issues or heart disease. Your doctor may suggest the use of a CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out any other health issues.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often used to treat GAD. Your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a well-researched type of psychotherapy. CBT teaches new ways to think, behave, and respond to situations that can help you feel less stressed. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety. In general, medication is only suggested for short-term GAD treatment.

People suffering from GAD are at risk for developing a mood disorder, like depression. They also are at greater chance of developing mental health issues like bipolar and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress disorder.

GAD is not caused by a single cause. It is likely that genetics life events and chronic medical conditions all contribute to the development of GAD. It is essential to act early since anxiety can become worse over time. Talk to your GP when you or a loved one suffers from anxiety symptoms that hinder your daily functioning and last for more than 6 months. Individuals suffering from anxiety may seek help from their GP or psychologist.

Prevention

Everyone feels anxious at times and this is especially true if you are worried about a particular event or circumstance. If this feeling persists and causes problems in daily life it could be a sign that you suffer from generalised anxiety disorder. It is important to seek treatment if you have symptoms that affect your daily activities. Treatment options for GAD include common medications for anxiety disorders, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Although it's not known what causes GAD exactly, genetics and stressful situations might be contributing factors. People who have an ancestral history of depression or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop GAD. GAD can also affect people who are naturally timid or shy, or who have had a traumatizing experience in their lives.

GAD is characterized by excessive and unrealistic tension or worrying that lasts for at minimum six months. This stress or anxiety can be about many topics like finances, family, work health, and other issues. People with GAD often don't know the source of their anxiety disorder medication side effects, and their concerns appear to fluctuate between various issues.

Treatment for GAD can be beneficial. In the beginning, you should talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms. They will conduct a thorough medical history and do physical examination. They might refer you for an additional examination or treatment to an expert or psychiatrist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other psychotherapies can help you deal with your anxieties and improve your quality of life. These treatments are offered through the NHS and are usually offered before prescriptions for anti-anxiety drugs are issued. Medications used to treat GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, which can both reduce the feelings of anxiety and anxiety. Antidepressants can be used to treat GAD too, but they take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone to start working.

You can also employ relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to ease your stress. Talking to family and friends about your concerns can be helpful. If you think anxiety is affecting your life, or the wellbeing of a family member or friend contact an Australian health service line. Visit healthdirect for more details about the services offered.