15 Interesting Facts About Anxiety Disorder You've Never Heard Of
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
GAD is a persistent issue with a high level of anxiety and irrational concerns. People with GAD worry about a variety of things including health, money, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to happen.
GAD is not fully understood, however genetics and brain problems may be involved. Talk therapy and medicine are used in the treatment of GAD.
Signs and symptoms
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes chronic and persistent it can cause problems with routine activities. It can cause headaches, muscle tension or nausea. It can also cause issues like a difficult time in concentrating at work or school as well as difficulties in relationships and socializing. There are a variety of treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. These include psychotherapy and medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by excessive and irrational worry. People with GAD worry about the everyday concerns like their health, finances, family, jobs, and the future. They feel that they're always at risk, even when there's no reason to worry. The fear can last for a long time and then appear from nowhere.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a condition that causes people to be hesitant to interact with other people particularly in a small group or one-on-1. They fear that they might say or do something embarrassing or foolish. Signs of SAD could include sweating shaking and heart palpitations. People with SAD may be unable to socialize or avoid it that can negatively impact their social life and job performance.
The majority of people respond well to treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people learn to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy. It helps people identify and overcome distorted thinking that triggers panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to cope with fearful situations.
Medicines can ease certain physical symptoms, including stomach upset and dizziness. They can also aid those suffering from anxiety to relax and sleep better. Antidepressants, like SSRIs (escitalopram, Lexapro) or SNRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders .
It is essential to continue with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can aggravate anxiety, so it's best to talk with your doctor prior to taking them.
Treatment
If your worries are interfering with your daily routine and making you feel uneasy, then see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions and refer you to a mental health provider to diagnose and treat.
It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders, but certain life events or traumatic experiences seem to increase your risk of developing anxiety disorders. People with genetic predisposition may also be susceptible to developing anxiety disorders. Several tests and screening tools can help your doctor determine the severity of your symptoms. For example, the GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, Monahan and Kroenke is a self-report tool which can be helpful in diagnosing GAD.
If they are taken regularly, medications can help reduce anxiety, especially when they are taken according to the prescription. Antidepressants, which are frequently recommended to treat anxiety disorder are among the most effective medicines available. Both prescription and over-the counter versions are available. Many people avoid taking them because they think they'll become dependent, but unlike painkillers and sleeping pills and sedatives antidepressants don't cause dependency.
Psychotherapy is another option to treat anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this kind of treatment can teach you methods to manage your symptoms and keep them from becoming worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy that helps people identify negative and threatening thoughts and behaviors and alter them. CBT has been found to be as effective in treating anxiety as medication in a few studies.
Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) or interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these treatments, they may offer an alternative approach to dealing with anxiety and could be worth a try.
Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can help reduce 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 is anxious at times particularly when faced with major challenges like a job interview or a medical test. GAD is different in that people with it feel constantly anxious, not just sometimes. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and believe that the worst is coming about in the smallest of issues. They can be related to health, money, problems in the family, work or school performance. The worry can float from one issue to another and be present for months or years.
Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by looking at the symptoms of a patient and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask you about your health history, and will conduct tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also search for other mental health conditions like depression.
GAD is not diagnosed through laboratory tests, but your doctor will test your thyroid function and blood pressure. They will also ask you about your lifestyle and examine your history of anxiety. If you have an ancestral history of anxiety disorders or if you had a traumatic experience in childhood, this can increase your chances of develop anxiety disorders. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
GAD is more common in women than men. It usually begins around the age of thirty however, it can occur at any point in life. It is a chronic disease that can be treated by psychotherapy and medication. Treatment options may include one or both of these treatments. Medications may help with both the anxiety and its physical symptoms, such as tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and help you cope with stress in a healthier way. You can also use relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Exercise or other activities which can help people to focus their minds can also help reduce anxiety.
Prevention
Talk therapy and medications can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety disorders. Many people also employ techniques for relaxation such as diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. These therapies include cognitive behavior therapy in which people are taught to change their thinking patterns as well as exposure therapy where they face fears one by one. In the short-term, medicines can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by frequent and over-exaggerated feelings of worry or dread regarding a variety of things. These feelings are difficult to control and usually last longer than six months. Those suffering from GAD may have a hard time telling what they are worried about, and their worries generally don't have a particular cause. The most frequent concerns are health, money, family and friends and work, as well as other activities that are part of their day. They are worried about "what-ifs" such as their children being in trouble or their home burning down.
Anxiety can affect daily activities like school and work. It can cause issues sleeping and cause aches and pains. It may also increase the risk of a person having other mental health issues, such as depression. It can also impact relationships and a person's quality of life.
Certain factors make people more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. These are known as risk factors. They are a family history of anxiety disorders, as well as 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 heart disease or lung disease can trigger anxiety. These are often the first indications of an issue. Certain medications can trigger anxiety as an effect.
Certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can also increase anxiety, which is why people should consult a physician before taking these products. Nicotine, alcohol and drug abuse can also cause the symptoms to worsen.