Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD can be treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Medication is generally used only for a short time to alleviate symptoms and should be followed by therapy.

Regular exercise is also an effective treatment for anxiety. It helps reduce stress hormones and boosts positive chemicals in the brain. It also helps to distract people from their worries.

Symptoms

Many people suffer from anxiety from time to moment. This is especially true when they are stressed. But if your anxiety seems continuous and persistent, making it hard to function or relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

People suffering from GAD suffer from excessive anxiety and a sense of anxiety for no apparent reason. They worry about many things, such as their school or job performance as well as the safety and wellbeing of their family members, as well as the future events. They have a sense of impending doom and have difficulty staying focused or sleeping.

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

You might also experience other physical symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches, muscle tension, and stomach upset. Consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms. They will ask you questions to confirm that there isn't something that is causing the symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination.

GAD is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy and medication are two options for treatment. Self-help techniques like mindfulness meditation, relaxation, and exercise can be helpful.

Anxiety disorders comprise a range of conditions that affect your mood and behaviour like panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, particular phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development of these disorders.

An anxiety disorder can be a problem for everyone, but it is more prevalent in children and adolescents. Some people may have a temperament that makes them more likely to suffer from anxiety and others may have an ancestry of traumatizing experiences or other mental illnesses. If you're a parent with a history of anxiety, it's important to seek care. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment is initiated more minimal your symptoms will be.

Treatment

Everyone is anxious at times, but GAD is a constant feeling of worry and dread that interferes with daily life. GAD can cause you to be nervous about a variety of situations and issues and not just one issue. It can make you unable to focus at work or school and can impact your health. It can cause you to avoid social or activities because of feelings of fear and dread.

The use of psychotherapy and medication has been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment decisions are based on how much the symptoms are affecting your daily life and any other conditions you may be suffering from.

The first step is to talk with your doctor about the problem. You should tell your doctor about the symptoms, how long they have been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an examination and ask questions. They will determine whether you are suffering from any other health problems like diabetes or heart disease and will inquire about the family history of mental illness anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be the most effective form of psychotherapy. This type of therapy teaches you different ways of thinking and acting to get rid of your anxiety. It takes lots of effort but, with time it can be very useful.

GAD is treated with antidepressants. Examples include duloxetine, escitalopram and venlafaxine. These drugs are extremely efficient and come with a small number of side effects when taken for the recommended duration. Natural remedies like valerian or kava could aid however, there aren't enough studies to back their claims. They can also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs.

If your child suffers from anxiety, it is important to see an expert in mental health to determine the cause and treatment. It is particularly important to consult with your doctor if symptoms of anxiety hinder your child's education or social life.

Diagnosis

GAD is usually diagnosed when a person is experiencing excessive, uncontrollable worry on more days than they do for at least six months. This is different from the occasional feeling of anxiety that is common for the majority of people at specific times. People suffering from GAD typically anticipate disasters and are overly worried about health, money work, family, and other personal concerns. They may have trouble staying focused and feel exhausted or restless. Some symptoms of GAD include headaches, muscle tension, insomnia and irritation. People suffering from GAD also might experience heart palpitations and stomach upset.

To determine if you have GAD The doctor will ask about your current and past symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your family history. Your doctor will then conduct a physical exam. He or she will examine for signs of any other health issues, like digestive problems, heart disease or respiratory ailments. Your doctor may recommend a CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out any other health problems.

GAD is treated through talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor might recommend 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 make you feel less anxious. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety. In general, these medications are only recommended for short-term GAD treatment.

People suffering from GAD are at risk of developing a mood disorder like depression. They also have a higher chance of developing mental health problems like bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) or post-traumatic distress disorder.

GAD is not caused by a single factor. Life experiences, genetics, and chronic medical conditions are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. The earlier intervention is crucial because anxiety can get worse with time. Talk to your GP in the event that you or someone else in your family is experiencing anxiety-related symptoms that affect your daily life and last longer than 6 months. Patients suffering from anxiety should seek help from their doctor or psychologist.

Prevention

Every person experiences anxiety every now and then, especially if they are worried about an event or situation. However, if this anxiety is constant and affecting your daily life, it may be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It is important to seek treatment if you experience symptoms that affect your daily activities. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications are all options to treat GAD.

While it isn't known exactly what causes GAD stress, genetics and stress could be factors. GAD is more prevalent in people with a history of depression and other mental health disorders. GAD may also affect those who are naturally shy or shy, or who have had a traumatizing experience in their life.

GAD is defined by excessive and unrealistic stress or anxiety, which usually lasts for at least six months. This worrying or tension can be about a range of topics, including family, work, money, health and other issues. People with GAD often don't know the cause of their anxiety, and their concerns seem to float between various issues.

Treatment for GAD can be effective. First, you should speak with a healthcare professional regarding your symptoms. They will ask for an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychological therapies can help you manage your worries and improve your quality of life. These treatments are provided by the NHS and are typically offered prior to the time that anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Treatments for GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, both of which reduce the feelings of anxiety and anxiety. Antidepressants are also used to treat GAD however their effects might be slower to be felt than those of benzodiazepines as well as buspirone.

You can also practice relaxation techniques, eat healthy food and exercise to help manage your anxiety. Talking to family and friends about your worries can be very beneficial. If you think your anxiety is impacting your life, or the health of a loved one or friend, call an Australian health service phone number. For more information on the services available on healthdirect, click here.