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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a persistent issue that involves excessive anxiety and irrational worries. People with GAD worry about a variety of things, including finances, health, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to occur. It is not known what causes GAD, but genes and problems with specific areas of the brain may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used to treat of GAD. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when it becomes persistent or severe, it can interfere in everyday activities. It can cause headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also lead to problems such as difficulty working or studying as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are several different methods that can help anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are two options. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that is characterized by excessive, irrational worrying. People with GAD worry often about everyday issues, such as health, money and family, work, and the future. They believe they're always at risk, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries can last a long time and then appear out of nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) which is also known as social phobia, is a condition in which people are afraid to interact with others, especially when they are in a small group or one-on-1. They are afraid that they will make a mistake that might make them look foolish or make them look foolish. Signs of SAD could include sweating anxiety and heart palpitations. SAD sufferers may be unable to socialize or avoid it, which can negatively affect their social life and work performance. Many people are able to respond well treatment for anxiety disorder s. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. It assists people to recognize and replace distorted thoughts that trigger panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches the patient how to cope with fearful situations. Some physical symptoms such as nausea and dizziness are able to be controlled with the help of medications. They can also help anxiety sufferers sleep better and relax. Antidepressants like SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), which act differently and are less effective, however, they can be used in conjunction with other medicines to combat anxiety. It's important to stick with the treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements may aggravate anxiety, so it's recommended to consult a health care provider prior to taking any of them. Treatment Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if your worries interfere with your life and making you feel miserable visit your doctor. Your doctor might ask you questions or refer you to a mental health provider for diagnosis and treatment. It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders however certain life events and traumatic experiences seem to increase your risk of developing them. They can also be seen in those who are genetically predisposed to them. Your doctor can assess the severity of the symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, which was created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report instrument that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD. Medications can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if used regularly and in accordance with the prescription. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorder. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Antidepressants are frequently avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills sedatives, and painkillers, antidepressants do not cause dependence. Psychotherapy is an alternative option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this form of treatment can help you learn methods to manage your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that assists people overcome their fearful and negative behaviors and thoughts. CBT has shown to be just as effective as medications for anxiety in certain studies. Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. Although research isn't complete on these treatments however, they could provide an alternative approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth trying. Lifestyle changes also can help. Regular exercise programs can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety at times, especially when faced with the biggest challenge, like an interview. GAD is different in that people with it feel anxious all the times, not just sometimes. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and are more likely to anticipate the worst in a variety of situations in everyday life. They could be triggered by issues with money, health, issues in the family, school or work performance. The worry can float between various issues and last for many months or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they impact the person's daily life. They will ask about your previous health and perform tests to determine if there are any physical causes to your symptoms. They will also search for any other mental health issues such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, but your doctor will test your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also inquire about your lifestyle and review your history of anxiety. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders in the event that you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or had a traumatizing childhood experience. Some medications and substances can also increase your risk for developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more prevalent in women than males, and usually begins around the age of 30 but it can happen at any time in life. It is a chronic condition that can be treated by therapy and medication. You can decide to choose either or both of these treatments. Medication can alleviate anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension. Psychotherapy can teach you how to change negative thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to reduce anxiety and ease its symptoms. Exercise or other activities which can help people to focus their minds can also help to reduce anxiety. Prevention People with anxiety disorders often get relief through medication and therapy. Some people also use techniques for relaxation, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and overcome negative thoughts that fuel anxiety. These therapies may include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps individuals learn to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy, which focuses on confronting fears one at a time. The use of medication can treat symptoms in the short-term, while therapy is the primary method of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by constant and excessive feelings of anxiety or dread about many different things. These emotions are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers may not be capable of identifying the root of their worries and may not be able to determine what's the issue. Money, health family and friends, work or other daily activities are common concerns. They also have “what-if” concerns about the possibility of things that could happen, such as their children getting in trouble or their house burning down. Anxiety can affect everyday tasks such as school and work. It can cause sleep problems and aches and discomforts. It also increases the risk of having other mental health problems like depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and the quality of their life. Certain aspects make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are referred to as risk factors. They are a family history of anxiety disorders and the presence of other 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 problems, can also cause anxiety, and are often the first sign of problems. As a result, certain medications can cause anxiety. Some herbal supplements and prescription medications can also increase anxiety, so people should consult a doctor before using them. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can also make symptoms worse.