7 Things You Never Knew About Anxiety Disorder
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a persistent issue with a high level of anxiety and irrational worries. People suffering from GAD worry about a wide range of things, including health, money, family and work. The worry is centered around the future and seem unlikely to be a reality. GAD is not well understood, but the brain and genetics may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used to treat of GAD. Symptoms Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. However, if it becomes severe or constant it can cause disruption to daily activities. It can cause headaches and muscle tension, as well as nausea. It can also cause problems like difficulty working or studying as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are many different methods that can help anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is that is characterised by excessive, irrational worrying. People suffering from GAD worry often about everyday issues, such as money, health as well as family, work and the future. They believe that they're constantly in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. The fear can last for a long period of time and seem to come out of thin air. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have a fearful attitude of socializing with others, especially in groups or one-on-one. They are afraid that they will do or say something that could make them look embarrassed or make them appear foolish. The symptoms could include sweating, trembling and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit their social activities that can affect their work performance and social life. There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and the majority of people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist people in learning to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that involves talking. It helps people learn to recognize and replace negative thoughts that cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches patients how to face stressful situations and deal with them. Medicines can help control certain physical symptoms, like dizziness and stomach upset. They can also help those who suffer from anxiety rest better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants like SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants such as tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) that work differently and are less effective but can be used in combination with other medicines to treat anxiety. It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medications abruptly can aggravate symptoms. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements may increase anxiety, so it's best to talk with a health care provider prior to taking them. Treatment When you feel anxious, it is normal, if you feel that your worries are interfering with your day-to-day life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and refer you to a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events or traumatic experiences can increase the risk of developing them. People with genetic predisposition may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of symptoms by using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke, is a self-report tool which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD. Medicines can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Antidepressants are often avoided by those who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence. Psychotherapy is a second option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this form of treatment will teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that helps individuals to change their negative and feared behaviors and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in certain studies. Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these therapies however, they could provide a different approach to treating anxiety and can be worth trying. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Regular exercise can boost mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can help to reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with your family and friends, take up a new hobby or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone feels anxiety at times particularly when faced with a big challenge such as an interview for a job or a medical test. However, GAD is different because people suffering from it feel constantly anxious and not just a small portion of the time. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety, and tend to anticipate the worst in a range of daily life situations. They could be related to issues with money, health, issues in the family, or work or school performance. The anxiety can be a floater between different concerns and last for many months or years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your past health and conduct tests to determine whether you have any physical causes for your symptoms, like heart disease or thyroid disease. They will also search for any other mental health issues, such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and will look into your anxiety history. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders if you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or if you have had a difficult childhood. Certain drugs and substances can also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more prevalent among women than men. It usually begins at around the age of 30 however, it can occur at any time in the course of life. It is a chronic disease which can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Treatment options may include one or both of these treatments. Medications may help with both anxiety and its physical symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension and shaking. Psychotherapy can teach you how to overcome negative thoughts that lead to stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation to help manage anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Some people discover that exercise or other activities that help them concentrate their minds help relieve anxiety, too. Prevention People suffering from anxiety disorders often get relief through medication and therapy. Certain people employ relaxation techniques, diets, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and challenge the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals learn to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a. In the short-term, medications are used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the most important component. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. It's difficult to control these emotions, and they are more likely to last for more than six months. GAD sufferers may not be capable of identifying the root of their worries and may not be able to determine what's the issue. Health, money, friends and family and other daily activities are typical concerns. They also have “what-if” concerns about possible events that could happen, like their children getting in trouble or their house burning down. In addition to causing stress, anxiety can affect a person's ability to do daily tasks, like work and school. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It can also increase the likelihood of suffering from mental health issues, like depression. It can also affect relationships and a person's quality of life. Certain aspects make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are known as risk factors. They include an history of mental health issues and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse in childhood can raise the chances of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions like lung disease or heart disease can also trigger anxiety. These are usually the first symptoms of an issue. Certain medications can trigger anxiety as a side effect. Certain herbal supplements and other over the prescription medications can also increase anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor before they take them. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can make the symptoms worse.