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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic condition that is characterized by excessive anxiety and irrational fear. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their finances, health, family, and work. The focus is on the future and is unlikely to occur. It is not known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with certain parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment options include medication and therapy for talk. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes chronic and persistent it can disrupt daily activities. It can cause headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also cause problems such as difficulty in concentrating at work or school, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many 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 suffering from GAD worry all the time about things that are normal like money, health and family, work, and the future. They believe that they're constantly at risk, even when there's no reason to worry. Worries often last for a long time, and seem to come out of thin air. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of being around other people, especially in small groups or one-on-one. They fear that they'll make a mistake that might make them look foolish or make them look stupid. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking and heart palpitations are possible symptoms. SAD sufferers may avoid or limit social interaction and can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance. There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, and the majority of people respond well to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist people in learning to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It assists people to recognize and correct distorted thoughts that trigger panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps patients learn to deal with anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them. Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness. They can also help those with anxiety sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It's important to stick with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication could make the symptoms worse. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements can aggravate anxiety, so it's recommended to consult a health care provider before taking any of them. Treatment While feeling anxious at times is normal, if you feel that your worries are affecting your life and making you feel uneasy visit your doctor. Your doctor may ask you questions or refer you to a mental health provider to diagnose and treat. It is not known what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatic experiences are believed to increase your risk of developing anxiety disorders. They also occur in those who are genetically predisposed to these disorders. Numerous screening tests and tests can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale, which was created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that can be helpful in diagnosing GAD. Medicines can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, which are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety disorders are among the most effective drugs available. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Many people steer clear of these medications because they fear they'll become dependent but unlike painkillers and sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants do not lead to dependency. Psychotherapy is a second option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this form of treatment can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which helps people change their negative and fearful habits and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in certain studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), or interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these therapies however, they may provide a different approach to managing anxiety and are worth a look. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. A healthy diet can also help reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with your family and friends, learn new hobbies or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Every person experiences anxiety at times particularly when confronted with an overwhelming task like an interview. However, GAD is different because people with it feel constantly anxious and not just a small portion of the time. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and believe that the worst is coming about in various everyday life problems. They can be related to issues with money, health, issues in the family, or school or work performance. Worries can move from one problem to the next and be present for months or years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by evaluating the patient's symptoms and how these symptoms affect their daily lives. They will ask you about your medical history and conduct tests to determine if you have any physical reasons for your symptoms, such as thyroid or heart disease. They will also look for any other mental health issues, such as depression. There are no tests in the lab for GAD, but your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, heart rate 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 had an experience that was traumatic in your childhood, this could make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common among women than men. It usually starts around the age of thirty, but it can happen at any time in the course of life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime, but it can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may include one or both of these therapies. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can teach you how to alter negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and stress. You can also try relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to manage your anxiety and ease its symptoms. Other activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also help reduce anxiety. The following is a list of preventatives. Talk therapy and medications can be beneficial for those with anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises, and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Talk therapies teach people to recognize and confront negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. They may also include cognitive behavior therapy, in which people are taught to change their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. Medicines can be used to treat 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 about many different things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they tend to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers might not be able to pinpoint the cause of their anxiety and are unable to identify what is the issue. Typical concerns include money, health, family and friends, work, or other activities that are part of their day. They also have “what-if” worries about things that could happen, such as their children getting into trouble or their home burning down. In addition to causing stress, anxiety can affect the ability of an individual to complete daily tasks, like school or work. generalized anxiety disorder can cause issues sleeping and cause aches and pains. It also increases the risk of having other mental health issues such as depression. It can also affect relationships and a person's quality of life. Certain factors increase the likelihood of suffering from anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They can be triggered by having an history of mental health issues and having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in childhood can raise the chances of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Some medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease can also cause anxiety. These are usually the first indications of a problem. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as a side effect. Some herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, which is why people should consult a physician before taking them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can make the symptoms worse.