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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. GAD can cause people to be worried about many things, such as their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The concerns are focused on the future and seem unlikely to occur. GAD is not fully understood, however the brain and genetics may be involved. Medicine and talk therapy are used to treat of GAD. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. However, if it becomes severe or constant it can disrupt everyday activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause issues like difficulty working or studying and issues with relationships and socializing. There are a variety of ways to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irrational, excessive anxiety. People suffering from GAD worry all the time about things that are normal, such as health, money, family, work and the future. They are constantly worried, even if there is no reason to worry. These fears can last for a long period of time and appear to come from nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is also referred to as social fear, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with others particularly in a group or one-on-one. They worry that they will make a mistake or say something embarrassing or stupid. Tenseness, anxiety and heart palpitations are possible signs. 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 a majority of people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people learn to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that cause their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. It assists patients to recognize and eliminate distorted thoughts that trigger panic attacks and anxiety. It also helps the patient learn how to deal with stressful situations. Medicines can ease some of the physical symptoms, like nausea and dizziness. They can also aid people with anxiety sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, like tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, but they can be used in combination with other medications to combat anxiety. It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. Suddenly stopping medication can make the symptoms worse. Certain herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also increase anxiety. It is recommended to consult an expert before taking these. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption in your daily routine, and making you feel uneasy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask questions and could refer you to a mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment. It is not known what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events or traumatic experiences seem to increase the likelihood of developing them. Genetically predisposed individuals are also susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. A variety of tests and screening tools can assist your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. 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. Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and as prescribed. Antidepressants are some of the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders. Both prescription and over-the-counter versions are available. Antidepressants are usually avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants don't lead to dependence. Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. This kind of treatment, also known as talk therapy, can teach you how to cope with your anxiety symptoms and stop the severity of your anxiety from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals to change their negative and feared behaviors and thoughts. CBT has shown to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy are mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety, but research is insufficient. Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise programs can improve mood and decrease anxiety, while a healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, discover new hobbies or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time particularly when faced with major challenges like a job interview or a medical test. GAD is different in that the person suffering from it is anxious all the times and not just at times. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and believe that the worst is coming about in a range of everyday life issues. They could be related to financial, health, or problems in the family, or school or work performance. The anxiety can fluctuate between different issues and last for many months or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they impact his or her daily life. They will ask about your past health, and conduct tests to determine if there are any physical causes to your symptoms. They will also check for other mental illnesses such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed through laboratory tests, but your doctor will check your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, and look at your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have an history of anxiety disorder s in your family or experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common for women than men, and typically starts around age 30 but it can occur at any point in time. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime but it is treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may involve just one or both of these therapies. Medication can help with anxiety and physical symptoms like tension in muscles and headaches. Psychotherapy can help you to overcome the negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and help you manage stress in a more positive way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to manage your anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Some people find that exercise or other activities that help them concentrate their minds can help ease anxiety, too. The following is a list of preventions. People with anxiety disorders often get relief from medication and talk therapy. Certain people employ 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. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, where they confront their fears one by one. Medicines can be used to treat symptoms for a short time but therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or fear about a variety of things. It's difficult to control these feelings, and they can be expected to last for more than 6 months. GAD sufferers may not be able to pinpoint the cause of their problems and may not be able to discern what's troubling them. Typical concerns include health, money and family members, work, or other activities that are part of their day. They worry about “what-ifs” like their children getting into trouble or their home burning down. Anxiety can also interfere with everyday tasks such as school and work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It can also increase the risk of having other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also affect relationships and the quality of life. Certain aspects make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. These include an ancestral history of anxiety disorders as well as an underlying history of mental health issues. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or thyroid issues, can cause anxiety and can be the first sign of problems. Certain medications can trigger anxiety as an effect. Some herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also cause anxiety, so it is recommended to consult a physician prior to using these products. Alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs can make the symptoms worse.