Are you suffering from GAD?
Worrying about everyday life events is known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD. Those suffering from this type of disorder find they cannot stop themselves worrying about a range of things from health and money to friends or work. This worry is unrealistic, making the life a constant state of fear, dread and worry. The anxiety starts dominating the person’s perception, and starts interfering with the daily functioning such as studies, work, relationships or social activities. Click here for more information on What is Anxiety?.
What Are The Symptoms of GAD?
Anxiety can affect the logical thought process of a person leading to a variety of sysmptoms which can manifest themselves physically from any or all of the following: irritability, nausea, headaches, sweating, restlessness, tiredness, frequent urination, insominia and being easily alarmed.
Causes of anxiety are not known fully, but there are various factors that contribute to its development, and these factors are brain chemistry, genetics and environmental stress. People with family history of anxiety are more likely to suffer from it. GAD has been linked with abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemical couriers ferrying messages between brain cells and if they get interrupted it the information is not delivered properly. This will change the brains reaction to different situations ans thus cause anxiety.
Certain unpleasant events, like trauma, divorce, death of a loved one, or job stress may cause anxiety, and it becomes worse if there is high level of stress. Click here for more information on Anxiety Therapy.
What Treaments are Available?
Anxiety is treated by psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health professionals. These professional are trained to diagnose and treat any kind of mental illnesses. Anxiety treatment includes the combination of cognitive-behavioral anxiety therapy and medications. If GAD has started to interfere with everyday functioning, medications can be very useful. These may include tranquillizers to relax and calm the patient.
By recognizing the features that cause anxious behavior, cognitive-behaviour therapy can bring about a change in thought patterns and allow sufferes to deal with them. The therapy helps by having a realistic approach towards worries, and limiting the distorted thinking.
It is believed that GAD cannot be prevented but there are several things that can be done to control the symptons. This would include cutting back on the consumption of coffee, tea, cocoa and cola. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over the counter herbal remedies or medicines, as they may contain the chemicals that increase the anxiety symptoms. Eat a well-balanced diet, and exercise regularly. If you have suffered a disturbing or traumatic experience, talk to a counselor and seek support.
For more information visit our Anxiety and Depression Homepage.
