15 Amazing Facts About Anxiety Disorder You've Never Known

What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem with a high level of anxiety and irrational fears. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, including their health, finances, family, and work. The worry is centered around the future and seem unlikely to be a reality. GAD is not fully understood, however brain and genetic issues could be involved. Treatment options include medication and therapy for talk. Symptoms Anxiety is the natural reaction to stress. However, if it becomes severe or constant it can cause disruption to daily activities. It can cause headaches or muscle tension as well as nausea. It can also cause problems like trouble concentrating at work or school as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational, excessive anxiety. People suffering from GAD worry about everyday issues like their health, finances families, jobs and the future. They believe they're always under threat, even when there's no reason for them to be worried. Worries can last a long while and seem to appear out of nowhere. People suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) have intense fear of interacting with other people particularly in a group or one-onone. They fear they'll say or do something embarrassing or foolish. Sweating, trembling and heart palpitations are all possible signs. People suffering from SAD might restrict or avoid social interactions that can negatively impact their social life as well as job performance. There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and a majority of people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can help people overcome their negative attitudes and behaviors that can cause anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It helps people identify and replace the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to face anxiety-provoking situations and how to deal with them. Medicines can help control certain physical symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. They can also help those with anxiety to sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants like tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that work differently and are less effective but can be used in combination with other medications to combat anxiety. It is essential to keep taking medication for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can increase anxiety, so it's recommended to talk to an expert in health prior to taking these supplements. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption in your daily routine, and making you unhappy, then see your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or recommend you to a mental health specialist to diagnose and treat. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders but certain life events and traumatizing experiences seem to increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders. Genetically predisposed people may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Your doctor can assess the severity of symptoms using a variety of tests and screening tools. For example the GAD-7 scale created by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan, and Kroenke, is a self-report tool that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD. The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, often recommended to treat anxiety disorders are among the most effective medicines available. Both over-the-counter and prescription versions are available. Many people steer clear of these medications because they fear they will become dependent, however, unlike painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants aren't a cause of dependency. Psychotherapy is another treatment option for anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this kind of treatment will teach you methods to manage your symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and alter them. CBT has been proven to be as effective as medication for anxiety in certain studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. These therapies may be effective in treating anxiety, but research is not conclusive. Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety, and a balanced diet can reduce the effects of stress on the body. 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. GAD is different, because people with it feel anxious throughout the day and not just occasionally. They also have difficulty controlling their anxiety and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of daily life situations. They can be related to financial, health, or problems in the family, work or school performance. The worry can float between various issues and last for months or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on the reported symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. They will inquire about your past health and run tests to see if you have any physical causes of your symptoms, like heart disease or thyroid disease. They will also look for other mental conditions such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed through lab tests, however, your doctor will test your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask you about your daily routine and examine your past history of anxiety. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders or if you've had traumatizing experiences in your childhood, this can make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances may increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common in women than males, and usually starts around age 30, but it can happen at any time in life. It is a condition that can last for a lifetime however it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Treatment options may involve just one or both of these treatments. Medicines can ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, like tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you to change the negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and help you deal with stress in a healthier way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to help manage anxiety and ease its symptoms. Activities that can help people to focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety. Prevention Talk therapy and medication can be beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Certain people employ relaxation techniques, diets, exercise and other lifestyle adjustments to reduce their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and challenge negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, where individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns, as well as exposure therapy in which they confront fears one at a time. Medications can be used to treat symptoms for a short time, while therapy is the primary method of treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of anxiety or worry about many different things. It's hard to manage these feelings, and they can be expected to last for longer than six months. GAD sufferers might not be in a position to pinpoint the source of their anxiety, and they can't always identify what is troubling them. Common concerns are health, money and family members, 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 creating anxiety, anxiety can also affect the ability of an individual to complete daily tasks, like school or work. It can lead to sleep issues and aches and pains. It also increases the likelihood of a person developing other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and the quality of life. Certain factors can make someone more likely to develop anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They are an ancestral history of anxiety disorders and an underlying history of mental health problems. Childhood abuse physical and emotional can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can cause anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of problems. Certain medications can also trigger anxiety as an adverse effect. Some herbal supplements and prescription medicines can also worsen anxiety, which is why people should consult a physician prior to using them. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can cause the symptoms to get worse.