10 Healthy Anxiety Disorder Habits
What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a chronic condition that involves excessive anxiety and irrational worry. GAD can cause people to worry about many things, such as their health, finances, family, and work. The concerns are focused on the future and seem unlikely to happen. It is not known what causes GAD however, genes and issues with specific parts of the brain could be involved. Treatment includes medicine and talk therapy. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural response to stress, however when it becomes severe and constant, it can interfere with everyday activities. It can cause nausea, headaches or muscle tension. It can also cause issues like a difficult time working or studying, and difficulties in relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in many ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness characterized by irrational, excessive anxiety. People suffering from GAD worry about the everyday concerns such as their finances, health and family, work and the future. They believe they're always in danger, even though there's no reason for them to be worried. The fear can last for a long time and appear out of thin air. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social fear, is a condition that causes people to be afraid to interact with others particularly in a small group or one-on-1. They fear that they might say or do something embarrassing or foolish. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking, and heart palpitations are all possible signs. People with SAD avoid or limit their social interactions, which can affect their job performance and social life. There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and a majority of people are able to respond to them. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can assist individuals in learning to change the negative thoughts and actions that contribute to their anxiety. One type of talk therapy is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. It helps people recognize and overcome the distorted thinking that causes panic attacks and anxiety. It also teaches patients how to deal with fearful situations and cope with them. Certain physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness can be controlled by medicines. They can also aid people who suffer from anxiety to sleep better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants like SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It's important to stick with the treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Some over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements can increase anxiety, so it's recommended to talk with a health care provider before taking these supplements. Treatment While feeling anxious at times is normal, if your worries interfere with your day-to-day life and making you feel uneasy, see your doctor. Your doctor may ask you questions or refer you to a mental healthcare specialist to diagnose and treat. It is unclear what causes anxiety disorders, but certain life events and traumatic experiences are believed to increase your risk of developing them. They also occur in people who are genetically prone to these disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of symptoms by using a variety of tests and screening tools. The GAD-7 scale, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that are useful in diagnosing GAD. The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, often recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorder, are among the most effective medications available. They can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Many people are reluctant to take them because they think they'll become dependent, but unlike painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants don't cause dependency. Psychotherapy is another option for treating anxiety. Sometimes referred to as talk therapy, this type of treatment can teach you methods to manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy which helps individuals to change their negative and fearful habits and thoughts. CBT has been proven to be as effective in treating anxiety as medications in a few studies. Other types of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and interpersonal therapy. These therapies could be effective in treating anxiety, however, research on these treatments is not conclusive. Lifestyle changes can also benefit. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stress. Spend time with family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety at times, especially when facing a big challenge such as an interview or medical test. However, GAD is different because people with it feel constantly anxious and not just a small portion of the times. They also struggle to manage their anxiety and expect the worst about various everyday life problems. This includes financial, health, family problems and work or school performance. Worries may float from one problem to the next and last for months, or even years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders by analyzing the patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. They will ask about your health history, and will conduct tests to determine if there are physical causes for your symptoms. They will also search for any other mental health issues, such as depression. GAD is not diagnosed by lab tests, but your doctor will examine your blood pressure and thyroid function. They will inquire about your lifestyle and will look into your anxiety history. You could be more prone to anxiety disorders when you have an anxiety disorder history in your family or experienced a traumatic childhood experience. Certain medications and substances can also increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. GAD is more common in women than males, and usually occurs around the age of 30, although it can happen at any point in time. It is a chronic condition 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, including muscle tension, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can teach you how to change negative thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. You can also employ techniques of relaxation like meditation or yoga to ease anxiety symptoms. Some people find that exercise or other activities that help them concentrate their minds can help ease anxiety, too. The following is a list of preventions. Medications and talk therapy can be beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Some people also use techniques for relaxation as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Talk therapies help people identify and overcome negative thoughts that fuel 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. In the short-term, medications can be used to alleviate symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and exaggerated feelings of worry or dread about many different things. These anxiety-related feelings are difficult to manage and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers may not be able to pinpoint the cause of their worries and may not be able to determine what's troubling them. Common concerns are health, money and family, friends and family and work, as well as other day-to-day activities. They fret about “what-ifs” like their children being in trouble or their home burning down. In addition to causing anxiety, stress can also interfere with the ability of an individual to complete daily tasks, like school or work. It can cause problems sleeping and can cause discomfort and aches. It also increases the likelihood of having other mental health issues, like depression. It can also impact a person's relationships and quality of life. Certain factors increase the risk of anxiety disorders. These are known as risk factors. They include an history of mental health problems and having a family member who suffers from an anxiety disorder. Physical and emotional abuse in childhood can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder later in life. Certain medical conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, or thyroid issues, can also trigger anxiety, and are often the first sign of an issue. Certain medications can cause anxiety as a side effect. Some herbal supplements and other over the counter medicines can also worsen anxiousness, so people should consult a physician before they use these products. Abuse of alcohol and drugs and nicotine can also make symptoms worse.