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What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic problem with excessive anxiety and irrational fears. GAD can cause people to be worried about a variety of things, including their finances, health and family members, as well as work. The worries are centered on the future and seem unlikely to happen. It is unclear what causes GAD however, genes and problems with certain parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment includes medicine and therapy for talk. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes severe and constant it can disrupt routine activities. It can trigger headaches and muscle tension, as well as nausea. It can also cause problems like trouble working or studying as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. These include psychotherapy and medications. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is mental health issue that is characterized by irrational, excessive worry. People with GAD worry about every day issues like their health, finances, family, jobs and the future. They are constantly worried even when there's no reason to be concerned. They can be worried for a time and then appear out of thin air. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is also referred to as social fear, is a condition that causes people to be hesitant to interact with other people particularly in a group or one-on-one. They fear that they'll say or do something that could make them look embarrassed or make them look foolish. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking and heart palpitations are all possible signs. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit social interactions, which can affect their job performance and social life. 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 talk therapy. It assists people to recognize and replace the distorted thoughts that cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps the patient learn how to cope with fearful situations. Medicines can alleviate some of the physical symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. They can also help those with anxiety sleep better and feel more at ease. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which work differently and are less effective, but they can be used in combination with other medications to treat anxiety. It's important to stick with the treatment for anxiety disorders. Stopping medication suddenly can worsen symptoms. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements can aggravate anxiety, which is why it's important to talk to your doctor before taking these supplements. Treatment If your worries are causing disruption in your daily routine, and making you unhappy consult your physician. Your doctor will ask questions and may refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat. The reason for anxiety disorders isn't fully known however certain life experiences or traumatic events are believed to increase the chance of developing one. People with genetic predisposition are also susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Several tests and screening tools can aid your doctor in determining the severity of your symptoms. For instance, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report tool that can be helpful for diagnosing GAD. If they are taken regularly, medications can reduce anxiety, specifically when taken as prescribed. Antidepressants are among the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorder. They are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Antidepressants are usually avoided by people who fear becoming dependent on them. However unlike sleeping pills, painkillers and sedatives, antidepressants aren't a cause of dependence. Psychotherapy is a different option to treat anxiety. Sometimes called talk therapy, this type of treatment can help you learn strategies to deal with your symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known type of psychotherapy that helps individuals recognize negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and change them. CBT has shown to be as effective as medications for anxiety in some studies. Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training, acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. Although there isn't much research on these treatments, they may offer an alternative approach to managing anxiety and are worth a look. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Regular exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety, while a healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with your family and friends, take up new hobbies or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone is anxious from time to time and this is especially true when faced with a big challenge such as an interview for a job or a medical test. GAD is different in that the person suffering from it is constantly anxious, not just sometimes. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety and think that they are in the dark about a range of everyday life issues. These include finances, health problems, family issues, work or school performance. Worries can move from one issue to the next and can 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 health history, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical causes for your symptoms. They will also check for other mental health conditions like depression. There are no lab tests for GAD however, your doctor will examine your blood pressure, thyroid function and heart rate. They will ask questions about your daily routine, and examine your anxiety history. If you have a family history of anxiety disorders, or if you've experienced a traumatic experience in childhood, this can increase your chances of develop an anxiety disorder. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more prevalent for women than men, and typically starts around age 30, but it can happen at any time in life. It is a chronic condition however it can be treated with medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to use either or both of these treatments. Medicines can ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle tension and trembling. Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and stress. You can also explore relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help manage anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Other activities that aid people in focusing their minds can also help to reduce anxiety. Prevention Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial to those with anxiety disorders. Some also resort to techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms. Therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and challenge the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which individuals are taught to alter their thinking patterns as well as exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. In the short-term, medications can be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the primarystay. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread over a variety of things. It's hard to manage these emotions, and they are more likely to last for longer than six months. People who suffer from GAD may have a hard time telling what they're concerned about, and their worries generally don't have a particular cause. Common concerns are health, money and family, friends and family, work, or other activities that are part of their day. disorders anxiety fret about “what-ifs” like their children getting in trouble or their home burning down. In addition to creating anxiety, anxiety can also hinder a person's ability to do everyday tasks like school or work. It can cause issues sleeping and trigger discomfort and aches. It also increases the likelihood of having other mental health issues, including 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 include an history of mental health issues as well as having a parent with an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse in childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later on in life. Certain medical conditions, like lung disease, heart disease or thyroid problems, can also trigger anxiety and are sometimes the first indication of problems. As a side effect certain medications can cause anxiety. Certain herbal supplements and other over the counter medicines can also worsen anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor prior to when they begin using these products. Alcohol, nicotine and abuse of drugs can cause the symptoms to worsen.