anxiety-disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder SymptomsAlthough everyone worries every now and then, if your anxiety symptoms are affecting your everyday life or are consistently severe, talk to your doctor. He or she can test you for GAD and recommend you to a mental health professional.Many people with GAD also experience relief through psychotherapy and medication. Lifestyle adjustments and relaxation techniques can also help.Tension and anxietyGAD patients have extreme and excessive anxiety and tension even when there’s no reason to worry. This can make it difficult to concentrate and sleep, and the feelings may linger for months or years. It is also common for those with GAD to have other psychiatric disorders, like dysthymia or depression, a mild form of depression.It is essential to speak with an expert in mental health If you are suffering from chronic, persistent symptoms of anxiety. They will use diagnostic criteria, standard assessments and their clinical judgment to make the diagnosis.It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious at times but those suffering from GAD have persistent and excessive anxiety and worry, and it can affect their daily life and relationships. They often anticipate disaster and worry more than is justified about various things, including money, work, family, health, and safety. The stress can lead a person to avoid activities, and can lead to social isolation and loneliness.GAD symptoms can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants and other medications are used to treat anxiety symptoms. Several types are used. The first option for treatment is medication within the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (SNRI) classes. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR).Psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder is helpful, and there are a variety of types. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-researched and effective treatment for anxiety, and it can help you learn new ways of thinking and acting that can ease anxiety and stress. Psychotherapy is typically a long-term therapy and is most effective when you work with a therapist who is trained in treating anxiety.Social interaction can also help relieve anxiety symptoms. You should look for an advocate you can rely on. Being able to talk to face-to-face, especially those who have experienced anxiety themselves, can be very helpful. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor for referrals to mental health professionals as well as a recommendation for therapy.Physical SignsGAD is a cause of anxiety that is persistent even when there is very little or no reason to worry. It can affect both adults and children. However it is more prevalent in women. People with this disorder often suffer physical symptoms, like tight muscles or sweating, as well as trembling. GAD sufferers GAD cannot manage their thoughts or feelings and may feel that they’re losing control of their lives. The condition can cause them to be unable to relax and can affect their relationships. GAD can either be treated with psychotherapy or medications.It’s perfectly normal to be anxious particularly when your life is stressful. It is recommended to consult a physician in the event that you experience these symptoms frequently and they’re impacting your daily life. The doctor may ask questions to make sure that there isn’t something other than stress causing the symptoms. They may even order an examination of the body. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a great option for many people who suffer from anxiety disorders, like GAD. The treatment helps individuals understand their anxiety and gives them tools to manage it. It usually involves exposure therapy where patients are directed by their therapists to face situations they fear or avoid.Medications can help relieve certain physical symptoms of GAD that can be a problem, such as muscle tension and shaking. Based on your specific needs, a psychiatrist or psychologist may prescribe antidepressants and other types of medication to treat your anxiety. Some people are concerned about becoming dependent on prescription medications however, these medications aren’t addicting and can be taken without risk when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.Other methods can help lower anxiety and improve well-being, such as exercise, which relieves tension and boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain. Meditation can also help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate associated with stress.Spending time with your family and friends can also help ease anxiety. It is important to find someone you can confide in and listen to you without judgment or criticism. This person should aid you in understanding that your worries aren’t justified and that the world won’t end any time soon.Panic AttacksEveryone feels anxious at times, and there can be valid reasons to feel this way. For those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), anxiety is constantly and overwhelming. They can cause people to avoid social interactions and tasks. This could affect their work or school performance. They are more likely to be concerned about health issues and other things that could go wrong.Panic attacks are a series of intense episodes accompanied by distressing symptoms such as a racing pulse and breath shortness. These panic attacks can be frightening and could lead people to believe they are suffering from a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. These episodes can be serious enough to stop individuals from leaving their homes and may negatively impact relationships with family and friends.Treatments for GAD or panic attacks may include therapy, medication changes to lifestyle and diet, and exercise. A type of therapy helps the person reshape their thoughts and reduce their fear by using relaxation methods and gradual exposure to situations that they have stayed away from. Support groups can be formed with other people who have the same condition.These medications can help reduce anxiety and reduce panic attacks. They do this by altering the levels of neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, including serotonin and gamma aminobutryic acids. These drugs are also referred to as SSRIs or antidepressants. They are available over-the counter or through prescription. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapies.Certain people do not take medication for mental illnesses because they worry about becoming dependent however, unlike painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives, antidepressants aren’t a cause of dependence. They are cheaper than other prescription drugs. Patients with anxiety may be reluctant to take them because they feel that they are a sign of weakness, however, these medications can enhance the quality of life of an individual significantly. They can help them lead normal lives and less likely to experience panic attacks in the near future.InsomniaPeople suffering from GAD are unable to get restful sleep. They may be up all night worrying about their family, work or health issues, among others. They may wake up earlier than they intend to each morning, or they may sleep during the day, and have trouble falling back to sleep at night. Insomnia can trigger a number of problems such as fatigue and irritability. This condition can also trigger headaches and digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.While everyone feels anxious from time to time, feelings of fear or apprehension that last months and cause significant distress or interfere with everyday functioning could mean that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. The most common kinds of anxiety disorders are phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. GAD differs from phobias in that your fears don’t have any connection to specific situations or objects and you don’t have the particular irrational thinking associated with phobias.Speak to your doctor if you experience symptoms of GAD. A physical examination or questionnaire can help determine if you have an illness that is creating symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or an overactive gland. A mental health specialist can also recommend relaxation techniques or other methods to reduce symptoms.In some instances your doctor may recommend that you keep a sleeping diary to track your bedtime and waketimes and your patterns of sleep latency and other information over the period of several weeks or more. If you experience symptoms that suggest a sleep disorder such as an obstruction in your sleep, it is advised.You can also practice relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises. Some doctors offer cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) A type of treatment that can help you improve your sleep and relax better. This treatment usually lasts between 6 to 8 weeks. CBT-I is offered by many healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychologists, and doctors. You can also sleep better by avoiding physical activity for 5 to 6 hours prior to the time you go to bed, and limiting your consumption of alcohol or caffeine.