Anxiety
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD means that you are worrying constantly and can’t control the worrying. Healthcare providers diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and for at least 6 months.
what cases GAD?
GAD can develop when you can’t cope well with your internal stress. It also runs in families, but it’s not understood why some people get it and others don’t. Researchers have shown that the areas of the brain that control fear and anxiety are involved.
The symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or substance abuse. It can also be related to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, that increase hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Chronic illness and disease can also trigger GAD.
What are the symptoms of GAD?
GAD can develop when you can’t cope well with your internal stress. It also runs in families, but it’s not understood why some people get it and others don’t. Researchers have shown that the areas of the brain that control fear and anxiety are involved.
The symptoms of GAD can happen as a side effect of a medicine or substance abuse. It can also be related to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, that increase hormones. This can make the body response more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Chronic illness and disease can also trigger GAD.
If you have GAD, you likely know that your anxiety is more intense than the situation calls for, but still you can’t stop these unfounded concerns. While each person may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most common symptoms:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Trembling
- Twitching
- Tense muscles
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Hot flashes
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Urinating often
- Lump in the throat
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Being easily startled
- Unable to relax
The symptoms of GAD may look like other mental health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. GAD begins gradually, usually in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It is more common in women. It often runs in families.
How Is GAD Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or mental health professional diagnoses GAD. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to another problem. The symptoms happen on most days and last 6 months or longer.
How is GAD treated?
Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, and other factors when advising treatment for you.
Treatment may include:
- Medicine
- Counseling (cognitive behavioral therapy, or psychotherapy)
- Relaxation techniques
- Working with a therapist to boost coping skills
- Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and avoid stimulating substances. Also, seek help with quitting smoking, drug or alcohol use.
