What Do You Know About Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Although everyone worries from time to time If your anxiety symptoms affect your everyday life or are consistently severe, consult your doctor. The doctor can test for GAD and refer you to a mental health specialist.
Many people with GAD also find relief through psychotherapy and medication. Lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques can also help.
Tension and Worry
People with GAD have extreme and frequent worry and tension even when there's nothing to worry about. It can be difficult to sleep and concentrate, and these symptoms may last for months, or even years. GAD is often accompanied by other psychiatric conditions, such as depression, dysthymia or dysthymia.
If you're suffering from intense, persistent anxiety symptoms, it's important to talk to an expert in mental health. They will employ diagnostic criteria, standard assessments and their clinical judgment to determine the diagnosis.
It's normal to feel nervous or anxious at times however, people suffering from GAD suffer from persistent and extreme anxiety and worry, and it can affect their daily lives and relationships. They tend to expect disaster and worry more than is justified regarding many things, such as money family, work, health, and safety. The stress can lead a person to avoid activities, and can cause social isolation and loneliness.
GAD symptoms are treated with medicine and psychotherapy. Antidepressants and medicines are used to treat anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of medications utilized, and the first line treatments are medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI) classes. Examples include escitalopram, duloxetine and Venlafaxine.
Psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder is beneficial, and there are many different kinds. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a tried and true treatment for anxiety that teaches you new ways to think and behave can ease your anxiety. Psychotherapy is typically a long-term therapy and is most effective when you collaborate with a therapist who is trained in treating anxiety.
Social interaction can alleviate anxiety symptoms. You should look for an online support group that you can count on. Being able to talk to in person, particularly if they have suffered from anxiety is a great help. If you're not sure where to start ask your doctor for referrals to mental health professionals as well as the recommendation of a therapist.
Physical Symptoms
GAD can trigger anxiety that lasts for a long time even when there is no reason to be concerned. It can affect children and adults, but it is more common in women. People suffering from this disorder typically suffer physical symptoms, such as tense muscles, sweating or trembling. GAD sufferers are unable to control their thoughts or feelings, and may feel like they're losing control of their lives. The condition can cause them to be unable relax and disrupt their relationships. GAD is treated with psychotherapy or medications.
It's normal to be anxious from time to the time, particularly if your life is stressful. You should consult a doctor when you are experiencing these symptoms regularly and they're affecting your daily life. They will ask questions to ensure that there isn't another cause and may recommend a physical exam. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for a large number of people suffering from anxiety disorders, such as GAD. This treatment teaches people about their anxiety, and provides the tools needed to manage it. It typically involves exposure therapy in which patients are guided by their therapists to confront situations they are afraid of or avoid.
Certain medications can alleviate some physical symptoms of GAD symptoms, like muscle tension and shaking. A psychologist or psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants or other types of medication, to treat anxiety. Many people are concerned about becoming dependent on prescription drugs, but these drugs aren't addicting and can be taken without risk when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Other methods can help to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life by exercising which reduces tension and boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain. Meditation can also help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It has been proven to reduce blood pressure and heart rate associated with stress.
Spending time with family members and friends members can help ease anxiety. It is important to find someone you can confide in and listen to you without judgement or distraction. They should be able to help you see that your worries are unrealistic and that the world is not about to come to an end.
Panic Attacks
There are many reasons people feel anxious. For those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) the feelings of anxiety are constant and overwhelming. They frequently cause them to avoid social activities and daily tasks, which can impact the performance of their school or work. They are also more likely to be anxious about health problems and other things that could go wrong.
Panic attacks are intense episodes accompanied by distressing symptoms such as a tense pulse and a shortness of breath. These panic attacks can be a bit frightening and can initially lead people to believe they are suffering from a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. These episodes can be so intense that they can even stop people from leaving their homes, and they may cause a negative impact on relationships with family members and friends.
Treatments for GAD or panic attacks may include medication, therapy, lifestyle and diet changes, and exercise. A type of therapy helps the person reshape their thoughts and reduce their fear by using relaxation methods and gradual exposure to situations they have avoided. Support groups can be formed with other people who have the same problem.
These medications can help reduce anxiety and reduce panic attacks. They accomplish this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, including serotonin and gamma aminobutryic acid. These medications are also referred to as SSRIs or antidepressants. These medications are available without prescription or in the form of an over-the-counter. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapies.
Some people avoid taking medications for mental illnesses because they fear becoming dependent However, unlike painkillers sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence. They can also be less expensive than some other prescription drugs. People who suffer from anxiety may be reluctant to take these drugs because they think it's a sign that they are weak, however the medications can dramatically improve a person’s quality of living. They can also allow them to get back to a normal lifestyle, and they are less likely to suffer future panic attacks than people who don't take medications.
Insomnia
GAD can make it difficult for people to sleep. They may lie awake at night worrying about their family, work health, or other issues. They may wake up earlier each morning than they intended or be unable to sleep during the night and have trouble falling back to sleep. Sleeplessness can lead to numerous issues, such as fatigue and irritability. This condition can also trigger headaches and digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea or upset stomach.
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time fears or apprehension that last months and cause severe anxiety or affect everyday functioning could mean that you have an anxiety disorder. The most common types of anxiety disorders are phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. GAD is different from phobias in that your fears are not connected to specific objects or circumstances and you don't experience the specific, irrational thoughts associated with phobias.
If you have symptoms of GAD, talk to your doctor. A physical exam or questionnaire can help determine if there is a medical problem that is creating symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or an overactive gland. A mental health professional might also be able to recommend relaxation techniques and other ways to manage your symptoms.
In some instances your doctor may suggest that you keep a sleep journal to track your sleep and wake times and your patterns of sleep latency and other data over the course of several weeks or more. A sleep study might be recommended if you suffer from symptoms that suggest a underlying sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea that is obstructive.
You can also try relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation. Some doctors offer cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBTI) which is a treatment that teaches you how to rest and sleep effectively. The treatment can last from 6-8 weeks. CBT-I is provided by a variety of healthcare professionals including psychologists, nurses and doctors. You can also sleep better by avoiding any physical activity 5 to 6 hrs before bedtime, and limiting your consumption of caffeine or alcohol.