Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological condition characterized by constant feelings of worry and anxiety. It affects both men and women and can cause symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological condition that belongs to the family of anxiety disorders, psychological disorders characterized by having anxiety as a core feature. People can develop generalized anxiety disorder at any age, with the condition about twice as common in women as men. There are a number of treatments that can be used to address this condition, depending on the specifics of the patient, and there is no reason to suffer from GAD without treatment.
People with generalized anxiety disorder experience constant feelings of worry and anxiety that aren’t necessarily centered around one particular thing. They may feel like they have to constantly be prepared for disaster or catastrophe, stressing you out about everything from money to social situations. Some people develop panic attacks and other signs of severe stress, and these in turn can be a cause of anxiety, as the patient may feel uncomfortable in public because they are worried about developing a panic attack.
In addition to anxiety, the patient may also develop fatigue, insomnia, restlessness, impatience, headache, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and irritability. For some patients, the level of anxiety may be relatively low, but in others, generalized anxiety disorder causes a disruptive level of anxiety, making it difficult for the patient to live a normal, active life. If this persists for more than six months, the patient requires treatment. A diagnosis can be provided by a psychiatrist, who can offer some treatment options to the patient.
Several types of medications can help with generalized anxiety disorder, including anti-anxiety medications that can be used to manage anxiety and related symptoms, along with antidepressants, which can help the patient achieve a more balanced state of mind. GAD is believed to originate in the brain, in the form of problems with neurotransmitters and the balance of chemicals in the brain, and the use of medications can help restore a more normal level of these chemicals to make the patient feel more comfortable.
Psychotherapy can also help with generalized anxiety disorder. Sessions with a therapist may be able to help a patient pinpoint the root cause of the anxiety and address specific situations and issues, such as a desire to be able to go out and socialize with friends. Psychotherapy can be used as an alternative or supplement to medications, depending on the patient and the treatment approach of the patient’s psychiatrist.
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