GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
We all feel anxious sometimes. It's normal. Everyone does it, from children to adults. It can manifest as fear or nervousness that causes your heart rate to increase, breathing to become shallow and rapid, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
But Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is when this sensation of anxiety becomes persistent, pervasive, and out of proportion to the situation. It can cause a lot of distress and can affect your day-to-day life.
Many people who suffer from GAD have tried to get help from mental health professionals, but they haven't worked out. They continue to feel anxious and worry excessively about everyday life situations.
WHAT IS GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a psychiatric disorder that causes excessive and inappropriate anxiety and worries. It is one of the most common mental disorders.
Whereas the other forms of anxiety, like Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Phobias, tend to be more localized, GAD can be felt everywhere in the body.
People with GAD may experience the following:
● Irritability
● Sleep problems
● Fatigue
● Feelings of fear or nervousness
● Worrying excessively
● A feeling of restlessness
These feelings can last for a long time and significantly impact a person's life.
WHAT IS THE PREVALENCE OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER?
GAD affects around 4 million adults in the United States each year, or roughly 2 percent of the population. Childhood and adolescence are the most common ages of onset. However, they may also develop in adults. Among women, it's more prevalent than among males.
WHY DOES GAD OCCUR AND WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
GAD's specific causes are a mystery even to professionals. Several factors seem to have a role in its development, such as:
1. GENES
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of GAD. For example, people with a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop GAD. The degree of risk increases as the number of affected family members increases.
2. LIFE EVENTS
When you are faced with a major life event such as a death in the family, a job loss, or a health crisis, it is common to feel stressed. This is normal. But when you are faced with these events on a regular basis, you may begin to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
The studies also show that people who have experienced traumatic events in their lives are more likely to develop GAD. This may be because trauma triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause anxiety.
3. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Studies show that some people who suffer from GAD have a low level of serotonin in their brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate mood.
Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help to restore normal serotonin levels. These medications are sometimes used to treat GAD.
WHAT KINDS OF TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GENERALIZED ANXIETY
DISORDER?
In the event that there is no other underlying medical disease, you could be sent to a psychiatrist or a psychologist. GAD may be diagnosed and treated by one of these mental health specialists. Medications and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most common treatments for GAD. In addition, your everyday routines might have an effect.
1. MEDICATIONS
Many medications can help reduce anxiety. If your doctor has recommended that you take medication, your doctor may also have prescribed a combination of medications to help you. They can be used alone or in combination with other medications. Some of the medications that are used to treat GAD include:
●
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Antidepressants are the most common medications used to treat anxiety. There are two antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Some people find that medications can help with their anxiety. They may feel more relaxed and less anxious.
2. COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment that can help you learn to manage your anxiety. CBT is a combination of psychotherapy and behavior therapy. It helps you learn how to change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
The treatment focuses on your thoughts and behaviors. It helps you learn to control your anxiety and change the way you respond to situations.
People with GAD often think about the future and imagine the worst-case scenario. They might become overwhelmed with thoughts of failure and may worry about the future. CBT can help you learn to identify these thoughts and change how you think.
CBT is helpful when other treatments don't work. CBT can help you learn to manage your anxiety and feel less anxious. It may help you feel less anxious and help you function better in everyday life.
HOW CAN HOMEOPATHY HELP WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER?
Homeopathy is a complementary and alternative treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. It can help with anxiety and stress. It is a safe, natural treatment that can help you feel better.
Homeopathy uses natural substances to treat the body. The homeopathic practitioner will look at your case history and symptoms to help find the most appropriate remedy.
It can be used to treat many different health conditions, including anxiety. It is safe and has no known side effects.
Homeopathic treatment can be used independently or in combination with other treatments. You can take homeopathic remedies for a long time.
IS GAD TREATMENT SAFE? WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS?
In order to have a safe and effective treatment for GAD, it's important to know what the adverse effects of GAD treatment are. The following list describes the most common side effects and adverse effects of GAD treatment.
A. TIREDNESS
GAD can cause extreme tiredness and exhaustion. This can happen because the brain and body are overworked and overtaxed. GAD can also cause insomnia.
B. LOSS OF CONCENTRATION
GAD can cause you to have problems with your concentration. It can be difficult to focus, stay on task, or remember things.
BOTTOM LINE
You might start to worry about a sick child, a natural disaster, and so forth. It takes over your life and interferes with your work and other social activities.
Some people even avoid certain places like shopping malls, supermarkets, or even airplanes due to their fear of experiencing a panic attack.
GAD is not the end of life. You can seek help from those waiting to change your life.
References:
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad
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