15 Startling Facts About Anxiety Disorder You've Never Known

What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. I Am Psychiatry suffering from GAD worry about a wide range of issues, including finances, health, family and work. The worries are centered on the future and appear unlikely to be a reality. GAD is not fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is the natural reaction to stress. However, when it becomes chronic or persistent, it can interfere in daily activities. It can cause headaches, nausea, or muscle tension. It can also cause problems like trouble concentration at school or at work and issues with social interactions and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. These include psychotherapy and medication. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is mental health issue that is characterized by excessive, irrational worry. People suffering from GAD worry about everyday issues, such as their finances, health and family, work, and the future. They believe that they're constantly at risk, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. These fears can last for a long period of time and seem to come out of thin air. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frightened of interacting with other people, especially in a group or one-onone. They are afraid that they will make a mistake that could make them look embarrassed or make them look stupid. Signs of SAD could include sweating anxiety and heart palpitations. SAD sufferers may be unable to socialize or avoid it and can negatively impact their social life and work performance. The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist people in learning to change the negative thoughts and actions that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that involves talking. It helps people learn to recognize and eliminate distorted thoughts that trigger panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches the patient how to deal with stressful situations. Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness can be cured by taking medications. They can also help those suffering from anxiety rest better and sleep better. Antidepressants like SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants like tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective but they can be used in combination with other medicines to combat anxiety. It is crucial to continue treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can cause the symptoms to worsen. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements may increase anxiety, so it's recommended to talk with an expert in health before taking any of them. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption with your daily routine and causing you to feel unhappy visit your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. It is not known what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events and traumatizing experiences seem to increase the risk of developing them. They can also be seen in those who are genetically susceptible to these disorders. A variety of tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. The GAD-7 scale was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke, is a self-report instrument which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD. When taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants are some of the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. They are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by those who are afraid of becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence. Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can teach you ways to cope with your symptoms and stop them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and change them. CBT has been found to be as effective in treating anxiety as medication in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments however, they could provide a different approach to treating anxiety and can be worth trying. Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise can improve mood and reduce anxiety. A healthy diet can also help reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, especially when facing an enormous challenge like an interview or medical test. However, GAD is different because people with it feel anxious all the time, not just some of the times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and tend to expect the worst about various everyday life problems. These include financial, health problems, family issues, work or school performance. The worry can float between different concerns and last for many months or years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they affect the person's daily life. They will inquire about your previous health and will conduct tests to determine if there are physical causes for your symptoms. They will also test for other mental conditions like depression. GAD is not detected by laboratory tests, but your doctor will test your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will also inquire about your daily routine and review your anxiety history. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders, or if you've experienced traumatizing experiences in your the past, it could make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances may also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common in women than in men, and it usually occurs around the age of 30, but it can develop at any time in life. It is a chronic condition that can be treated with therapy and medication. You can choose to use either or both of these treatments. The use of medication can ease anxiety and physical symptoms, such as tension in muscles and headaches. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome the negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and help you cope with stress in a healthier way. You can also use relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also help to reduce anxiety. The following is a list of preventatives. Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation techniques, diets and exercises, and other lifestyle changes to control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts that fuel their anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals learn to change their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. In the short term, medication can be used to help treat the symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. It is difficult to control these feelings, and they tend to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their problems and are unable to discern what's bothering them. Common concerns are money, health and family members working, and other day-to-day activities. They worry about “what-ifs” like their children getting into trouble or their home burning down. In addition to creating stress, anxiety can affect the ability of an individual to complete everyday tasks like school or work. It can lead to problems sleeping and can cause discomfort and pain. It also increases the chance of suffering from other mental health issues, including depression. It can also impact the quality of relationships a person has and their the quality of their life. Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are called risk factors. They include a history of other mental health issues as well as having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Emotional and physical abuse in childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Certain medical conditions, such as lung disease or heart disease can also cause anxiety. These are usually the first indications of an issue. As a side effect, certain medications can cause anxiety. Some herbal supplements and other over the counter medicines can also worsen anxiety, so it is recommended that people consult with a doctor prior to when they use these products. Alcohol, nicotine, and abuse of drugs can cause the symptoms to worsen.