It's Time To Expand Your Anxiety Disorder Options

What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic condition that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational worry. People suffering from GAD are concerned about a range of things including finances, health, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to occur. GAD isn't fully understood, however brain and genetic issues could be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used in the treatment of GAD. Symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, if it becomes persistent or severe, it can interfere in daily activities. It can cause nausea, headaches or tension in the muscles. It can also lead to problems such as difficulty in concentrating at work or school as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by excessive and irrational worry. People with GAD worry a lot about everyday things, such as health, money and family, work, and the future. They believe that they're constantly in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries often last for a long time and appear to pop up out of nowhere. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of being around other people, especially in groups or one-on-one. They fear they'll make a mistake or say something embarrassing or foolish. Sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations are possible signs. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit social interactions that can affect their work performance and social life. There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and most people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of talk therapy. It assists patients to recognize and correct negative thoughts that cause panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps the patient learn how to handle fearful situations. Medicines can help control some of the physical symptoms, like stomach upset and dizziness. They can also aid those suffering from anxiety to rest better and sleep better. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, like tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective however, they can be used in combination with other medications to treat anxiety. It is important to stay on the treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can make the symptoms worse. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also increase anxiety. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking these. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption with your daily routine and making you feel uneasy visit your doctor. Your doctor may ask you questions or refer you to a mental health specialist to diagnose and treat. It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatizing experiences seem to increase the likelihood of developing these disorders. Genetically predisposed people can also develop anxiety disorders. Several tests and screening tools can aid your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. For instance, the GAD-7 scale, created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-report tools that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD. Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially when used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants, which are often recommended to treat anxiety disorder are among the most effective medications available. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Antidepressants are often avoided by those who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants do not cause dependence. Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can help you learn ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which helps people to overcome their fearful and negative habits and thoughts. CBT has shown to be just as effective as medication for anxiety in certain studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety however, research on these treatments is insufficient. Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends, take up something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, especially when facing a big challenge such as an interview or medical test. However, GAD is different because people who suffer from it are constantly anxious, not just some of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and expect the worst about the smallest of problems. These include health, money problems, family issues, work or school performance. Worries may float from one issue to another and can last for months, or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by looking at the symptoms of a patient and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask you about your past health, and will conduct tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also look for any other mental health issues, such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed through laboratory tests, but your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and will look into your anxiety history. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders or if you've had an experience that was traumatic in your childhood, this could make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances could also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common for women than males, and usually occurs around the age of 30, although it can develop at any time in life. It is a chronic illness that can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. You can decide to choose either or both of these treatments. Medications may help with both anxiety and its physical symptoms, such as tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can teach you how to overcome negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and stress. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation to manage your anxiety and lessen the symptoms. Some people find that exercising or other activities that help them focus their minds can help ease anxiety, too. Prevention People suffering from anxiety disorders usually find relief through medication and therapy. Some people also use relaxation techniques such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and overcome negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which people are taught to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. In the short-term, medicines can be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. These feelings are difficult to control and can last for more than six months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries and are unable to discern what's bothering them. Money, health, friends and family and other daily activities are typical worries. They also have “what-if” concerns about possible events that could happen, like their children getting into trouble or their house burning down. Anxiety can also hinder daily tasks like school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases the likelihood of a person developing other mental health problems like depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and quality of life. Certain factors make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They are characterized by the presence of mental health issues as well as having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart diseases, or thyroid problems can cause anxiety and can be the first indication of problems. As a result, certain medications can cause anxiety. generalized anxiety disorder and over-the-counter medications can also increase anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician prior to using these products. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can make the symptoms worse.