generalized anxiety disorder causes Anxiety Disorder

Most people have some anxiety when faced with the new challenge, however with GAD the worries are much more frequent and exaggerated. Worries are about anything from work and money to family health and future events.

Most people can manage their symptoms using the combination of psychotherapy and medications. One form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches new ways of thinking and reacting to different situations.

Symptoms

Everyone feels anxious at times but when it turns into an ongoing worry or fear, it can be crippling. People suffering from GAD have a hard time controlling their anxiety and are unable to stop thinking about health, money and family, work or Anxiety disorder social phobia other issues. They anticipate the worst of everything and often do.

GAD symptoms include excessive worry restlessness, insomnia and difficulty sleeping. They can also be characterized by irritation, tightened muscles, sweating, and shaking. You may also experience dry mouth or difficulty swallowing. These signs can make it difficult for a person to concentrate or keep up at school or work.

GAD's cause is not fully identified, however genetics and life events may play a role. The brain neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid may make some people more susceptible to it. Additionally, life events that have been traumatic and stress can trigger episodes of mixed anxiety depressive disorder.

Symptoms of GAD typically begin in the adolescent years or early childhood but they can also begin at any age. Women are twice as likely to develop GAD as men. GAD can be mild or severe however, most of the times it is chronic (ongoing).

There are many ways to treat GAD. The most commonly used are psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy and involves working with a therapist to discover ways of thinking and behaving to help decrease anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an extremely well-studied form of psychotherapy, is often used to treat GAD.

People with GAD could benefit from changes in their lifestyle that include regular exercise, enough sleep, and relaxation methods. You should also eat healthily and stay away from alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and illegal drugs. Antidepressants are the most commonly used treatment for GAD However, there are other options. A psychiatrist or doctor can prescribe these drugs. Certain people suffering from GAD benefit from practicing mindfulness meditation which has been proven to lower levels of stress hormones in the body. Other options include hypnosis acupuncture and light therapy. GAD is a long-term problem, but it usually improves with medication and psychotherapy.

Diagnosis

Anxiety is the brain's natural reaction to stress. It alerts you to the danger. Everybody experiences anxiety every now and then for iniatric disorders, such as substance abuse and depression. Co-occurrence can increase your symptoms and decrease your response to treatment.

Research suggests that a mix of treatments is the most effective method of treating GAD. Practicing relaxation techniques, improving your physical health and engaging in psychotherapy are all effective treatments for GAD. The use of medication can ease some symptoms, but you must discuss this with your doctor. The use of too much prescription medication could cause dependence and side negative effects.

Treatment

GAD is an illness that affects adults and children. It is more common among women than men. GAD affects both adults and children but is more common in women. It is also more prevalent for people with family members with a history of anxiety or depression.

The first step in treating GAD is to speak with an expert in mental health. This could be an adolescent psychiatrist, child psychiatrist psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or social work. A physical examination that includes the blood pressure test and questionnaires is commonly used to determine the cause of the disorder.

Generally speaking, the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective method to treat GAD. The treatment for GAD that is psychological is focused on addressing your anxiety and teaching you ways to manage it. The medication prescribed is to lessen the severity of your symptoms as you are working on your therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you to recognize and challenge the unhelpful thoughts that cause anxiety. It teaches you how to alter your behavior, and then gradually return to activities you've avoided due to your anxiety.

CBT is more effective than medication alone. It is essential to choose a provider with experience in treating anxiety disorders using CBT.

Medications that are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders ranging from generalized to severe include antidepressants as well as other medications that are sedatives or muscle relaxants. Your doctor will guide you in choosing the right medicine.

Finding a support group that can help manage your disorder is also important. It can be beneficial to talk with someone you care about, particularly when they've experienced GAD. Also, try to get an exercise routine every day to ease your nervous system and reduce stress. Even yoga, gardening, or a vigorous walk can help relieve tension. A lack of social contact can also contribute to anxiety, so it's essential to spend time with your loved ones and family on a regular basis.

Prevention

Everyone is sometimes anxious - it's a natural reaction to fear or stress. When anxiety and worries become constant, they can become a problem. In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) sufferers experience an overall, numb feeling of anxiety disorder treatments at home or fear that colors their whole life. They are constantly anticipating the worst and are unable to calm their thoughts or relax. It can be mentally and physically exhausting.

GAD is distinct from depression and phobias, which usually focus on a particular issue. People suffering from GAD are often concerned about a variety of things over a long period of time and are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of their worries. It is believed that a combination of factors are responsible for the development of GAD. Genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stresses may all play a role.

Researchers aren't sure what triggers GAD however it does appear to be a family issue. GAD symptoms are linked to changes in the balance of certain brain chemicals that regulate emotions and mood. Psychotherapies and medicines that target these neurotransmitters could ameliorate symptoms.

Other factors that contribute to the development of GAD include temperament and family history. People who are timid or shy, or have a history of traumatizing experiences may be more prone to anxiety disorders than others. Children who have a parent with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder themselves.

Treatment for GAD includes self-help strategies and professional assistance. Self-help strategies include relaxation techniques, meditation and exercise. It's also important to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet. Psychotherapy can reduce anxiety by teaching coping skills and using exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves intentionally putting yourself in situations that you would normally avoid. Gradually, you progress to longer sessions and more intense ones in which you resist the urge to run away. You make use of relaxation and coping statements and gradually reduce the amount of duration of the situations.

It is also important to learn as the information you can about your specific health condition. This can be done through books or on the Internet or by consulting a qualified professional. It is important to know what's causing your anxiety and to realize that your fears aren't rational.