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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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

Regular exercise is a great treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and boosts the feel good chemicals in the brain. It also helps people to forget their worries.

Signs and symptoms

Many people feel anxious every now and then, especially when they are under stress. But if your anxiety seems constant and persistent, making it hard to function or relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

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

GAD symptoms are more common in women than in men and typically begin in childhood or adolescence. They can persist into adulthood, often associated with depression and other mental health disorders.

There are other physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. They will ask questions to be sure that something else isn’t causing them and perform an examination.

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

Anxiety disorders include a range of conditions that affect your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder with or sans agoraphobia, specific phobias; social anxiety disorder and 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 disorders.

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

Treatment

Everybody feels anxious at times, but GAD is an ongoing feeling of anxiety and dread that interferes with everyday life. GAD can cause you to feel anxious about a variety of things. It can make it hard to focus at work or school and may affect your physical health. It could cause you to avoid social or activities due to feelings of fear and 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 the symptoms affect your daily life and any other issues you might have.

The first step is to talk to your doctor about the issue. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms, how long they have been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an examination and ask questions. They will also check for any other health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, and inquire about any mental illness in your family.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is the primary 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 acting to alleviate anxiety. It is quite a bit of work but it can be extremely useful with practice.

Antidepressants are the primary medication for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These medications are very effective and come with no negative side effects, especially when taken for the recommended length of duration. There are some natural remedies that may aid, such as valerian and kava, however there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims. Also, they can interact with certain medicines, such as SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it’s important to see a mental health professional to determine the cause and treatment. Talk to your doctor when your child’s anxiety symptoms impact their school, family life or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is typically diagnosed when a person experiences excessive, uncontrollable worry on more days than they do for at least six months. This is different from the occasional feelings of anxiety which is normal for most people at certain times. People suffering from GAD are usually anxious about money, health and family issues, work and other personal issues. They might be anxious, tired or unable to concentrate. GAD can cause headaches, muscle tension and difficulty sleeping. GAD can also trigger stomach upsets or heart palpitations.

Your doctor will inquire about your current and past symptoms to help diagnose GAD. Your doctor will ask about your family history. Your doctor will then conduct an examination of your body. The doctor will look for signs of any other health problems, like stomach problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test such as an CT scan or an MRI, to rule out other health issues.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is commonly used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that has been thoroughly researched. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations that can help you feel less anxious and worried. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce your anxiety. In general, these medications are only recommended for short-term GAD treatment.

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

There is no one reason behind GAD. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical ailments are likely to play a role in the development of GAD. The importance of seeking help early, as anxiety can get worse over time. Talk to your GP if you or someone you love has feelings of anxiety that interfere with daily functioning and last more than 6 months. Individuals suffering from anxiety should seek assistance from their physician or psychologist, or any other mental health professional.

Prevention

Every person experiences anxiety every now and then, especially if they are worried about an event or a situation. However, when this feeling is constant and affecting your daily life, it could be a sign of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms hinder your daily activities, it’s important to seek help. Treatment options for GAD include therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.

Although it’s not known what causes GAD specifically genetics, stress and stressful circumstances might be contributing factors. People with an ancestral history of depression or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a naturally shy or timid personality or who have had traumatizing events in their lives, are also at risk of developing the disease.

The most prominent sign of GAD is excessive and unrealistic anxiety or stress, which usually lasts for at least six months. This worrying or tension can be triggered by a variety of subjects, including work, family financial, health, and many other issues. GAD sufferers frequently have difficulty finding the cause of their anxiety and their worries seem sporadic.

Treatment for GAD can be efficient. The first step is to talk with a healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will take a full medical history and perform an examination. They might refer you to a psychiatrist or a specialist to further evaluate and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with other psychological therapies can help you manage your anxieties and improve your quality of life. These treatments are accessible through the NHS and are typically provided prior to the prescription of anti-anxiety medication. Treatments for GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, which can both reduce the feeling of fear and anxiety. Antidepressants can also be used to treat GAD but their effects might take longer to be evident than those of benzodiazepines or buspirone.

You can also explore relaxation techniques, eat healthy foods and exercise to help manage your anxiety. Talking to family and friends about your worries can be very beneficial. If you feel that your anxiety is affecting your daily routine or the health of a loved one or friend contact an Australian health service line. Visit healthdirect for more details about the services offered.