What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD GAD can cause a variety of symptoms, including sweating, clenched muscles and a difficult time in concentrating It can also impact your relationships and work Symptoms usually begin around 30 years old They may get worse if you are stressed or suffer from a physical ailment GAD can be treated with psychotherapy and medication Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-studied type of psychotherapy that works for most people with GAD Signs and symptoms GAD is a continuous condition of extreme anxiety, worry or tension Stresses often center around health, money, family, work or school, and may be about things that might not happen at all These thoughts can be overwhelming and interfere with daily living GAD can also trigger physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches It is crucial to visit your doctor if you are experiencing excessive anxiety It can affect your relationships or prevent you from leading an ordinary life They can examine your symptoms and inquire about your previous experiences and lifestyle to see if you have GAD or another condition Certain people are genetically inclined to develop GAD They could also be more vulnerable due to a medical condition, such as an autoimmune condition or thyroid issue https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/anxiety-disorders could also be taking medications that can affect how your brain transmits signals like alcohol or illegal drugs The early detection is crucial to the best outcome The majority of people manage their symptoms by a combination of therapy and medication Your doctor may prescribe medications to ease anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin and norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors for adults or buspirone for children They can take a few weeks before they begin to work They might also recommend the use of benzodiazepines for a short-term period, which can provide immediate relief, but are highly addictive and should be used only under the supervision of a doctor Psychotherapy teaches you to alter the negative thinking patterns that create anxiety and fears Cognitive control strategies help you assess your fears realistically and change your thoughts so that you can confront them instead of avoiding them or trying to escape them Your therapist is likely to recommend an array of treatments to give you the best chance of recovery Regular exercise and a regular social life can help Getting 30 minutes of exercise a day and making sure you stay connected with your friends can help you feel more at ease and calm Avoid alcohol and other over-the-counter medications because they contain chemicals that can cause anxiety Lastly, remember that GAD is quite common and easily treatable Diagnosis People with GAD suffer from an ongoing, excessive and unrealistic anxiety that is difficult to manage The worry can affect their daily activities and relationships It may also cause physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, trembling and fatigue Stress, illness or changes in your life can cause anxiety It is not similar to depression or phobias, which are more specific and have a shorter duration of time GAD typically begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist throughout adulthood Symptoms can be very intense, but they can improve with treatment Doctors diagnose GAD when a person has difficulty controlling their anxiety and worries on most days for six months or more They are constantly worried about health, money family or work and usually anticipate the worst They may also feel an overall sense of fear or anxiety, which is harder to pinpoint than other emotions such as depression or anxiety It's normal to feel anxious at times However, if your anxiety interferes with your daily life or relationships, you should seek help GAD, like other anxiety disorders, is remarkably treatable Talking to a mental health professional may help, as can making lifestyle changes and learning strategies for managing stress Researchers are studying the causes of GAD, as well as the biological processes that contribute to the disorder GAD is believed to result of genetic causes and traumatic events A person's temperament is a factor, and this includes their tendency to be shy or withdrawn, also contributes GAD is more common in those suffering from depression or other mental disorders Treatment Everyone is anxious or concerned at times There are many good reasons to be worried about health, money family, work, school or other everyday matters People suffering from GAD feel these emotions almost constantly They have difficulty putting their worries into perspective and always expect the worst This makes it difficult to make it through the day, and affects school, work and relationships GAD is an extremely serious mental illness However, there are treatments and medications available to manage the symptoms Start by speaking to your GP They can do an assessment of your mental health, and recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist GAD is characterized by a dysfunctional brain chemical such as Dopamine and serotonin They are less effective in transmitting messages between cells, and this causes the anxiety and fear Genetic and biological factors may make some people more susceptible to GAD The first step in treating GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy CBT This helps you learn strategies to control your anxiety It involves psychoeducation, changing negative thought patterns and gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations Some patients suffering from severe symptoms require medication in addition to CBT These medicines are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs These include escitalopram, duloxetine and venlafaxine The symptoms of GAD generally respond well to treatment but they can return when treatment stops You can reduce the risk of return by taking your medication as prescribed and continuing with your CBT It is important to be able to count on the support of others Find a person can talk to face-to-face about your feelings on a regular, regular basis Be sure that they listen to you without judgement or criticism This person could be an intimate partner or a family member or therapist Certain people suffering from GAD are prescribed alternative or complementary treatments, like kava St John's Wort and hydroxytryptophan These supplements have not been tested to treat GAD and can cause side effects for example, liver damage The following is a list of preventatives Although some people may be hesitant to accept that their anxiety is out of control, getting assistance early is the best way to manage symptoms Treatment options include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments It is crucial to get at minimum 30 minutes of exercise every day, eat a healthy diet and stay connected to others Avoid over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies as they can aggravate anxiety The causes of GAD can be complex They are believed to be connected to genes, biological processes in the brain and body and environmental factors GAD is a disorder that can run in families It also seems to be more prevalent in certain individuals GAD is more prevalent in people who have a stifling or negative personality or who tend to fear the worst outcome in situations Other risk factors include traumatizing events or major life changes such as divorce, moving house or chronic medical illnesses A variety of symptoms can be linked to GAD, and the severity of the condition can vary from one person to another If your anxiety is affecting you at work or in your social life, it is crucial to consult your GP immediately Your GP will inquire about your general health and what's been happening in your life recently The GP will recommend you to a specialist in mental health for an evaluation Psychotherapy and medication are frequently utilized to treat GAD Therapies that involve talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT that alter the way you think and behave are considered to be the most effective treatments for GAD It is crucial to find a therapist who has experience with GAD GPs can also refer you to a therapy provider or offer you advice and support themselves In addition to these treatments, making lifestyle changes and learning relaxation techniques can also help your symptoms Prioritizing your tasks will assist you in staying away from feeling overwhelmed