Generalized anxiety disorders symptoms
General anxiety disorder is characterized by uncontrollable worry and excessive stress about daily concerns. The frequency, duration and intensity of the anxiety are somehow not proportionate and are regarded as abnormal. This results to interruption in normally performing daily activities.
General anxiety disorder greatly affects 5% of the total American population. It is more prevalent in women than men and in the young than the old. People who have general anxiety disorder have symptoms like tension, restlessness, hyperactivity, fear, rumination, worrying and inconsistency.
If this is prevalent for at least six months then we strongly recommend that the person go to his physician as soon as possible.
Those who have general anxiety disorders often worry about things like their finances, health, job and their family when there is no point to do so in the first place. Those with GAD worry over minor matters like deadlines, appointments, cleaning the house and keeping the workplace organized.
30% of General Anxiety Disorder is inherited but there are traits that make people become more liable to getting it. People who are naturally nervous, depressed or unable to tolerate frustration are more likely to show symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder.
People with GAD also have more tendencies to come in conflicts with other people. They are also very hard on themselves and they choose to evade situations that result to fear, worry or anxiety.
General anxiety disorder results in lower levels of support from society as well as underachievement in the academia. It can also result in substance abuse and acquiring other psychological problems.
The following are signs that the person must be treated as soon as possible
- Excessive anxiousness and worry that occurs for more than six months causing interruptions in daily activities such as school or work performance.
- He is restless, always on the edge or keyed up
- Sleeping hours are often interrupted and has a hard time falling asleep again
How do you treat someone with GAD?
Treatments for general anxiety disorder are medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. When the two are combined, symptoms are alleviated. Medication alone can already reduce the anxiety of the patient. However, it will not be able to entirely eliminate the disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that are said to be the first choice of professionals in treating social anxiety disorder. These drugs lift the level of serotonin. This is also the first drug that has been formally approved by the FDA or the Food and Drug Administration. There is less risk with this medication. It has also not been subjected to any controversy.
There may be side effects as the body adjusts to the medication. Symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and nausea are normal. There are also changes in sexual behavior. It is not yet sure whether the medication is safe for pregnant women though.
Anti-depressants such as SNRIs and SSRIs are commonly used in order to remedy GAD. Luvox, Faverin, Zoloft, Seroxat, Paxil, Celexa, Cipralex, Lexapro are examples of SSRI while Efexor, Lyrica are examples of SNRI.
Pregabalin or lyrica is used as well. Diazepam and alprazolam, or forms of benzodiazepenes, are also used in order to treat the ailment in short-term but they are not recommended because continuous use of this often result to dependency on the drug.
Basically, anti-depressants are said to be the most effective treatment because depression and anxiety are linked to the serotonin. That is why a lot of people who are depressed expressed these symptoms and turn to these remedies.
Another remedy for general anxiety disorder is psychotherapy. It has been proven to be effective to the treatment of panic disorder as well. It has two main components. The cognitive component assists in making people aware of how they can change thinking patterns to overcome their fears.
Since medication is implemented over cognitive behavioral therapy, the medical community often has consternation regarding the matter. Though pharmacological treatments have deemed to be successful in treating the disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy has also shown to be effective and efficient just as well – with less side effects and risk involved.
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