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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)GAD can be treated using psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. It is recommended to only use medication temporarily to treat symptoms and should be followed by therapy.Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and increases the feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also helps people to forget their worries.Signs and symptomsMany people experience anxiety at times, especially when they are under stress. But if your anxiety seems constant and persistent and makes it difficult to function or relax, you may have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).People suffering from GAD have a lot of anxiety and anxiety without a reason. They are worried about a variety of things, like their school or job performance as well as the safety and wellbeing of family members, and future events. They have a feeling that the end is near and have difficulty concentrating or sleeping.Symptoms of GAD typically begin in childhood or adolescence and are more prevalent among women than men. They can persist throughout adulthood and are frequently accompanied by depression or other mental disorders.There are other physical signs of anxiety, like headaches, muscle tension or stomach discomfort. Speak to your doctor if you notice these symptoms. They will ask questions to make sure that nothing else is causing them and perform an examination.GAD is a treatable disease. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help techniques like exercise, relaxation and mindfulness meditation can also help.Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions that affect your mood and behavior like panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, particular phobias such as social anxiety disorder separation anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that temperament, genetics and environmental factors are the main contributors to the development of these conditions.While anyone can suffer from anxiety disorders, it is more common in children and adolescents. Certain people may have a personality that makes them more prone to be affected and others may have the experience of traumatic events or other mental disorders. If you have a family history of anxiety, it is important to seek care. The earlier you begin treatment and diagnosis, the less severe the symptoms will be.TreatmentEveryone experiences anxiety at times, but GAD is a constant feeling of worry and anxiety, which can interfere with daily life. GAD can cause you to be anxious about a broad range of issues and situations, not just one thing. It can make it difficult to concentrate at school or work, and can affect your physical health. You might avoid social events and activities because of feelings of fear or dread.Psychotherapy and medication have been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment decisions are based on how the symptoms impact your daily life and any other issues you might have.The first step is to talk with your doctor about the problem. You must inform your doctor about the symptoms and how long they’ve been present, and how serious they are. Your doctor will then do an examination and ask questions. They will also look for any other health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, and inquire about any mental health issues in your family.Psychotherapy or talk therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Several types of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. This type of therapy teaches you new ways of thinking and acting to alleviate anxiety. It is quite a bit of work but it can be very useful with practice.Antidepressants are the first line medication for GAD. Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). These drugs are extremely effective and have few side effects, especially when used for the recommended length of duration. There are also some natural remedies that may aid, such as valerian and kava. However, there is not enough evidence to support these claims and they may interact with other medications, such as SSRIs.If your child is suffering from anxiety, it is important to see an expert in mental health for diagnosis and treatment. Talk to your doctor when your child’s anxiety symptoms interfere with their school, family or social life.DiagnosisGAD is diagnosed when a person has excessive and uncontrollable worrying on a regular basis for at least six months. This is different from the occasional feelings of anxiety that is normal for the majority of people at certain times. People suffering from GAD typically anticipate disasters and are overly worried about money, health and family, work and other personal issues. They may have difficulty staying focused and feel exhausted or restless. Some signs of GAD include muscle tension, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. GAD can also trigger stomach upsets or heart palpitations.Your doctor will inquire about your present and previous symptoms to determine if you have GAD. The doctor will also inquire about your family history. Your doctor will perform a physical examination. He or she will examine for any signs of health problems, like stomach problems, heart disease, or respiratory illnesses. Your doctor might recommend an CT scan, MRI or other imaging tests to rule out other health problems.GAD is treated using talk therapy (psychotherapy). Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of psychotherapy that has been well researched. CBT offers new ways to think, behave, and react to situations, which can make you feel less anxious. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to ease anxiety. Medications are generally only recommended as a short-term treatment option for GAD.GAD patients are at risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression. They also have a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as bipolar or attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), or post-traumatic distress disorder.GAD is not caused by one single factor. Life experiences, genetics and chronic medical illnesses are likely to all contribute to the development of GAD. The importance of seeking help early since anxiety can become worse over time. Consult your GP in the event that anxiety is affecting daily functioning for you or a family member, and is present for more than six months. generalized anxiety disorder gad suffering from anxiety should seek help from their physician or psychologist, or any other mental health professional.PreventionEvery person experiences anxiety at some point, especially when they are concerned about a particular circumstance or event. When this feeling is constant and is affecting your daily routine, it could indicate that you suffer from generalised anxiety disorder. If your symptoms interfere with daily activities, it is essential to seek assistance. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all options for treating GAD.While it isn’t known exactly what causes GAD stress, genetics and stress may be factors. People with a family history of depression or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop GAD. People who have a timid or shy temperament or who have had traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the disease.The most prominent sign of GAD is excessive and unrealistic worrying or tension, usually for at least 6 months. The tension or worry could be triggered by a variety of topics, including family, work health, money, and many other issues. People with GAD often can’t identify the cause of their anxiety, and their concerns seem to float from one issue to another.Treatment for GAD is effective. The first step is to speak to your healthcare provider or GP about your symptoms. They will ask for an entire medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may refer you for further evaluation or treatment to specialists or psychiatrists.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other psychotherapies, can help you manage your anxiety and improve the quality of your life. These treatments are available through the NHS, and are often offered prior to the time that anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Treatments for GAD include benzodiazepines as well as buspirone, which both decrease the feelings of anxiety and worry. Antidepressants can be used to treat GAD as well, but they can take longer than benzodiazepines and buspirone before they begin to work.You can also utilize relaxation techniques, eat healthily and exercise to ease your anxiety. Being a part of a support group and talking about your worries with friends or family members can also be helpful. If you believe that anxiety is affecting your daily life or the wellbeing of a loved one or friend contact an Australian health service phone number. For more information on the services that are available on healthdirect, click here.