How Anxiety Disorder Can Be Your Next Big Obsession
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a long-lasting problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational concerns. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, such as their health, finances, family, and work. The main concern is the future, and appears unlikely to happen. GAD isn't fully understood, but genetics and brain problems may be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy. Symptoms Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, however when it becomes chronic and persistent it can cause problems with routine activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause problems such as trouble concentrating at work or school and problems in social interactions and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in a variety of ways. They include psychotherapy as well as medications. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by excessive and irrational anxiety. People with GAD worry about the everyday concerns such as their finances, health and family, work, and the future. They believe they're always under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. The fear can last for a long time and appear out of nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social fear, is a condition that causes people to be afraid to interact with others particularly in a small group or one-on-1. They are afraid that they will say or do something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look foolish. Symptoms may include sweating, anxiety and heart palpitations. People suffering from SAD might be unable to socialize or avoid it and can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance. There are many treatments for anxiety disorders, and a majority of people respond well to them. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people learn to alter negative thoughts and actions that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that involves talking. It helps people identify and overcome the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to face stressful situations and deal with them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, like dizziness and stomach upset. They can also help those with anxiety to sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It is important to stay on the treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication could make the symptoms worse. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also increase anxiety, which is why it's important to talk to an expert in health prior to taking them. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption with your daily routine and causing you to feel unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment. The reason for anxiety disorders isn't completely identified however certain life experiences and traumatic events are believed to increase the chance of developing one. They also occur in those who are genetically prone to these disorders. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For instance, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that can be useful for diagnosing GAD. When taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, particularly when taken in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Antidepressants, which are often recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorder are among the most effective drugs available. disorders anxiety and over-the counter versions are available. Antidepressants are frequently 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 an alternative option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this form of treatment can teach you strategies to deal with your symptoms and stop them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known type of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has been found to be as effective in treating anxiety as medication in a few studies. Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These treatments may be effective in treating anxiety but research is lacking. Lifestyle changes also can help. Regular exercise programs can boost mood and reduce anxiety, while a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. Try to spend time with your family and friends, take up a hobby, or join a support group for those with anxiety. Diagnosis Every person experiences anxiety at times, especially when faced with an overwhelming task like an interview. However, GAD is different because people with it feel constantly anxious, not just some of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and tend to anticipate the worst in a variety of everyday life situations. This includes health, money problems, family issues, work or school performance. The anxiety can be a floater between different concerns and last for months or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's reported symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask you about your medical history and conduct tests to determine whether you are suffering from any physical causes for your symptoms, like thyroid disease or heart disease. They will also search for any other mental health issues, such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed by laboratory tests, but your doctor will test your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, and look at your history of anxiety. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or if you experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain drugs and substances can also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common for women than men, and typically starts around age 30, although it can occur at any time throughout life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime, but it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. The use of medication can help ease the physical and mental symptoms, like tension in muscles, headaches and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to alter negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and stress. You can also employ relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Other activities that help people focus their minds can also help to reduce anxiety. The following is a list of preventions. Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation techniques, diets and exercises and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and overcome negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals learn to change their thinking patterns, and exposure therapy, which involves facing fears one at a. Medicines can be used to alleviate symptoms in the short-term but therapy is the primary method of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. It is difficult to control these emotions, and they are more likely to last for longer than six months. The people who suffer from GAD may have a hard in identifying what they are concerned about, and their worries generally don't have a particular reason. Health, money family and friends and other daily activities are common concerns. They fret about “what-ifs” like their children being in trouble or their home burning down. In addition to causing stress, anxiety can affect a person's ability to do daily tasks, like school or work. It can cause issues sleeping and trigger discomfort and pain. It can also increase the risk of a person suffering from other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact relationships and a person's quality of life. Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They are characterized by the presence of mental health problems and having a family member with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse during early childhood can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease or thyroid problems, can also cause anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of an issue. As a side-effect, certain medications can cause anxiety. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also cause anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using these products. Nicotine, alcohol and abuse of drugs can cause the symptoms to worsen.