resultlunge1 – https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?GAD can manifest in a variety of ways, including sweating, clenched muscles and trouble in concentrating. It can also affect your relationships and work. Symptoms usually begin at around 30 years old. They can become more severe when you are stressed or suffer from physical ailments.Psychotherapy and medication can be used to in treating GAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-studied type of psychotherapy that works for the majority of people suffering from GAD.Signs and symptomsGAD is a constant state of extreme anxiety, worry or tension. Worries are often about work, money, health, school, family and other things that could never come to pass. These thoughts can become overwhelming and disrupt daily life. GAD can also manifest as physical symptoms, such as stomachaches or headaches.It is essential to consult your physician if you are experiencing anxiety that is excessive. This can interfere with your relationships or hinder you from living an ordinary life. They can assess your symptoms, discuss your lifestyle and past experiences to determine whether you have GAD.Certain people have a genetic predisposition to develop GAD. They could also be more susceptible due to a medical condition such as an autoimmune disease or thyroid issue. Drugs and alcohol can also affect the way your brain sends out signals. The early detection is crucial to an effective outcome.Most people are able to manage symptoms with a combination of therapy and medication. Your doctor might prescribe medication to decrease anxiety, such an inhibitor of selective serotonin reuptake or serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake inhibits for adults as well as buspirone for children. They can take a few weeks before they begin to work. They might also suggest a short-term course of benzodiazepines that provide immediate relief, but are extremely addictive and should be used only under the supervision of a physician.Psychotherapy teaches you to alter the negative thinking patterns that cause anxiety and fears. Cognitive control techniques teach you how to realistically evaluate your fears and alter those thoughts so that you can face them with confidence instead of avoiding or trying to escape from them. Your therapist may recommend a combination therapy to ensure the highest chance of a successful recovery.Regular exercise and social activities can also aid. You’ll feel calmer and at ease when you exercise for 30 minutes every day. Avoid alcohol and other over-the-counter medications as they contain chemicals that can increase anxiety. Remember that GAD is a very common problem and can be treated.DiagnosisGAD is characterized by a persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry. This anxiety can be difficult to control. The anxiety can impact their daily routine and relationships. It can also cause physical symptoms such as an increased pulse, trembling or fatigue. Stress, illness, or any change in life can trigger anxiety. It is different from phobias and depression which are more specific and last for shorter lengths of time. GAD is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, but may persist into adulthood. The symptoms can be quite severe however, they can improve with treatment.Doctors diagnose GAD when a person has difficulty controlling their anxiety and worries every day for a period of six months or more. They are overly concerned about health, money, work or family and usually anticipate the worst. They may also feel a general sense dread or anxiety, which is harder to pinpoint than other emotions such as depression or phobias.It’s normal for people to experience anxiety at times, but if you or someone you know has anxiety that affects their daily activities or relationships, it’s important to seek help. GAD is treatable like other anxiety disorders. Talking with a mental health professional can aid, as can making lifestyle changes and learning techniques for managing stress.Researchers are studying the causes of GAD and the biological processes that cause it. GAD is believed to result of genetic factors and traumatizing events. The person’s temperament that includes their tendencies to be shy or withdrawn, also contributes. GAD is more prevalent among those who suffer from depression or other mental disorders.TreatmentEveryone feels anxious or worried at times, and there are often good reasons to be concerned about health, money work, family, school or other issues of daily life. But people who suffer from GAD have these feelings almost all the time. They have difficulty keeping their worries in check and they always anticipate the worst. This makes it difficult for them to get through each day, and can cause problems with relationships and work school performance.GAD is a mental illness, but there are treatments and medication treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms. Start by talking to your GP. They can do an assessment of your mental health, and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.GAD is characterized by a dysfunctional brain chemical (such as Dopamine and serotonin). They are less effective at communicating between cells. This can cause feelings of anxiety and concern. Genetic and biological factors can make certain people more susceptible to GAD.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first step to treating GAD. It will help you learn how to control your anxiety. It involves psychoeducation, changing maladaptive thought patterns, and gradually exposing yourself to situations that trigger anxiety. Certain patients with severe symptoms need medication in addition to CBT. These medicines are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These include escitalopram, duloxetine and venlafaxine.GAD symptoms respond well to treatment but may recur if treatment is discontinued. It is possible to reduce the chance of a relapse if you continue to use your medication according to the prescription and continue to undergo CBT.It’s also important to have support from others. Find someone who can talk to face-to-face about your concerns on a regular regularly. You must ensure that they listen to you without judgement or criticism. This person could be a partner or a family member, an acquaintance or a psychotherapist.Some people with GAD may also use alternative treatments or supplements like kava, St John’s wort and hydroxytryptophan. These supplements haven’t been proved to improve GAD and may cause side effects, such as damage to the liver.PreventionEarly treatment is the best option to help people reduce their symptoms, even when they find it difficult to accept. Treatment can include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. It is essential to do at minimum 30 minutes of exercise each day, consume a healthy diet and stay connected with others. Avoid taking prescription drugs and herbal remedies, as they can aggravate anxiety.The underlying causes of GAD are complex. It is believed that they are connected to genes, biological processes in the body and brain as well as environmental factors. GAD can run in families, and it appears that certain individuals are more at risk of developing the condition. GAD is more common in those with a shy or negative personality or who are more prone to fear the worst outcomes of situations. Other risk factors include traumatizing events or major life changes such as divorce, moving house, or chronic medical illnesses.Many different symptoms can be linked to GAD and the severity of the condition varies from individual to individual. If your anxiety is affecting your work or social life it is worth seeing your GP whenever you can.Your GP will ask about your general well-being and recent life events. They will then refer you to a mental health professional for an assessment. Treatment for GAD usually involves psychotherapy and medication. Therapies that focus on changing your thinking and act specifically, such as cognitive treatment for behavioural issues (CBT), are considered to be among the most effective treatments for GAD. It is essential to locate a therapist with experience in treating GAD. A doctor can refer you to a talk therapy provider or provide support and advice. In addition to these treatments making lifestyle adjustments and learning relaxation techniques can also help your symptoms. It can also be helpful to prioritize your tasks to ensure that you aren’t overwhelmed.