Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) happens when you worry a lot. This often happens and without an apparent reason. This condition is typically associated with consistent and uncontrollable anxiety. You may receive a diagnosis for this problem if you have been feeling worried most days over a period of at least six months.
GAD symptoms differ from the occasional anxiety that people have about their health, work, family, and other matters. With this condition, you:

• Always expect the worst
• It impacts your daily functioning and ability to lead a normal life

Generalised Anxiety Disorder – Causes

Studies have shown that some specific things can trigger generalised anxiety disorder. These factors can be biological or environmental, including:

• Genetics: Evidence indicates that GAD may have a genetic component, as it typically runs in families.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals cause GAD. This imbalance can impact hormones essential for healthy brain functioning.
• Environmental factors: The surrounding environment can also raise the risk. These factors include traumatic events, chronic stress, or a history of abuse.

Additionally, this disorder is usually more common among women than in men. Other factors that increase the risk of GAD include:

• Personality: A timid or negative person who avoids necessary risks may be more susceptible to this disorder.
• Past experiences: People who have had negative experiences in the past may develop GAD. It can also develop after a long-term illness or health condition.

Symptoms of GAD

Anxiety and GAD are not synonymous. According to Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA,

“Anxiety is a normal response to stress, and isn’t always a bad thing. But when it gets to be uncontrollable or excessive to the point where it affects quality of life, this may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.”

Jaime R. Herndon

Symptoms and severity of GAD varies from person to person. While one individual might get only a few symptoms, others can suffer from all the ones listed below.

Treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

The treatment for GAD depends on the clinical analysis of how it is affecting your routine life. Once your condition is assessed, the GP may move towards treatment. The GP may recommend one of the following treatment options:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• A combination of both

Psychotherapy

Through psychotherapy, a therapist uses a mixture of verbal interaction and communication to help relieve the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. Also known as talk therapy, it allows individuals to better manage their emotions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the best options to consider. This is because it is considered one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy. Using this approach, the therapist helps you learn skills to manage worries and perform tasks that you have been avoiding due to anxiety.

Medications

Your doctor may use medications to treat your GAD if it has not responded to psychotherapy. The most common types of drugs used in this regard are:

• Benzodiazepines: These drugs fall into the category of sedatives and are prescribed only for short-term use.
• Antidepressants: The classes of antidepressants most commonly used to treat GAD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
• Buspirone: Your doctor may recommend a long-term use of Buspirone to relieve symptoms

How to Prevent Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

If you have been suffering from GAD, lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping you recover. These changes include:

• Be Physically Active: Exercise has numerous health benefits, but it also allows individuals to improve their mental health. It keeps you fit, enhances mood, and gives you a chance to explore nature.
• Better sleep: Ensuring you get enough sleep every night gives your body and brain a chance to recover. Studies indicate that deep sleep can reset an anxious brain.
• Relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, and visualisation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety and help you remain calm and composed.
• Healthy diet: Eating healthy foods — like fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains — may help reduce anxiety and stress.
• Avoiding drug abuse and alcohol: Recreational drugs and alcohol have been found to worsen anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Generalised Anxiety Disorder can disrupt your routine by causing constant mental distress. Fortunately, you can lessen its symptoms. You can regain peace of mind with the right medical or psychotherapy help.

Concise Medico offers rehabilitation services that allow you to overcome mental health issues and get your life back. Learn more through our website today.