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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD can also be treated by therapy and medication. Medication should only be used temporarily to relieve symptoms, and should always be followed by therapy. Regular exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety. It reduces stress hormones and increases the levels of feel good chemicals in the brain. It also helps distract people from their worries. Symptoms Many people feel anxious at times particularly when they are under stress. If your anxiety is persistent and continuous and makes it difficult to function or relax you could have a generalized anxiety disorder. People suffering from GAD experience excessive worry and feelings of apprehensive expectation without a reason. They worry about a myriad of things, including their school and job performance and the security of their family members, future events and natural disasters. They are concerned about imminent danger and have difficulty staying focused or sleeping. GAD symptoms are more frequent in women than in men and typically begin in childhood or adolescence. They can persist into adulthood, and are often associated with depression or other mental disorders. You may also experience other physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches and stomach upset. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor. They will ask questions to be sure that nothing else is the cause and will conduct an examination. GAD is treatable. Psychotherapy and medication are two treatment options. Self-help techniques like meditation, relaxation, and exercise meditation can also help. Anxiety disorders comprise a range of conditions that impact your mood and behavior, such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, particular phobias and social anxiety disorders, separation anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Some researchers believe that genetics, temperament and environmental factors contribute to the development of these conditions. While anyone can suffer from an anxiety disorder, it is more common in adolescents and children. Some people are more susceptible to anxiety disorders due to their temperament, whereas others have a history of trauma or mental illness. It is crucial to seek treatment if you have an anxiety history in your family. The earlier you start treatment and diagnosis and treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be. Treatment Everybody feels anxious at times, but GAD is a constant feeling of worry and anxiety, which can interfere with everyday life. GAD can make you feel anxious about many different things. It can cause you to be unable to concentrate at work or school and affect your health. It can cause you to avoid social or activities due to anxiety and fear. The use of psychotherapy and medication has been proven to decrease symptoms of generalized anxious disorder. Treatment decisions are according to the severity of your symptoms as well as any other medical conditions you might be suffering from. The first step is to speak with your doctor about the problem. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing, how long they've been present and how serious they are. Your doctor will conduct an examination and ask you questions. They will determine if you have other health problems such as diabetes or heart disease and will inquire about your family history of mental illness. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders . Different types of psychotherapy have proven to be effective, but cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective. This kind of therapy helps you learn new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce anxiety. It requires some effort, but with practice it can be extremely helpful. GAD is treated by antidepressants. Examples include escitalopram, duloxetine, and venlafaxine. These drugs are extremely effective and come with no side effects, especially when taken for the recommended time. Natural remedies like valerian and kava can aid, but there are not enough studies to support their claims. They also interact with certain medications, including SSRIs. If your child suffers from anxiety, it is important to consult an expert in mental health to determine the cause and treatment. Discuss with your doctor if your child's anxiety symptoms interfere with their school, family life, or social life. Diagnosis GAD is usually diagnosed when someone experiences excessive, uncontrollable worry on more days than they do for at least six months. This is distinct from the occasional feelings of anxiety that is common for the majority of people at certain times. People suffering from GAD are usually worried about their finances, health and family issues, as well as other personal issues. They might be anxious, tired or unable to concentrate. The symptoms of GAD include muscle tension, headaches difficulty sleeping and an irritability. People with GAD also may have stomach upsets and heart palpitations. To diagnose GAD, your doctor will ask about your current and past symptoms. Your doctor will also inquire about your family history. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body. The doctor will look for signs of other health issues, like heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, or respiratory illnesses. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test like an CT scan or an MRI, to rule out other health issues. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often used to treat GAD. Your doctor might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a well-researched type of psychotherapy. CBT provides you with new ways of thinking, acting and reacting to situations that can help you feel less anxious and stressed. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce anxiety. In general, medication is only advised for short-term GAD treatment. GAD sufferers are at risk of developing a mood disorder, such as depression. They also have an increased risk of developing mental health problems like bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder. GAD is not caused by one single factor. It is likely that genetics life events, and chronic medical illnesses all contribute to the development of GAD. Getting help early is important because anxiety can get worse with time. Consult your GP when anxiety is affecting your daily life for you or a family member, and is present for more than six months. Individuals suffering from anxiety should seek help from their doctor or psychologist, or another mental health professionals. Prevention Every person experiences anxiety from time to time, especially if they are worried about an event or a situation. But, if this feeling is constant and affecting your daily life, it could be an indication of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). If your symptoms interfere with daily activities, it is important to seek help. Treatment options for GAD include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Although it's not known what causes GAD specifically, genetics and stressful situations may be factors. GAD is more common in those who have an underlying depression or other mental health issues. People who have a timid or shy temperament or who have had traumatizing events in their lives are also at risk of developing the disease. The primary sign of GAD is excessive and unreasonable worry or tension, typically for at least six months. This stress or anxiety can be about many topics, such as finances, family, work health, and many other concerns. GAD sufferers often have trouble finding the cause of their anxiety. Their anxieties are often sporadic. Treatment for GAD is effective. The first step is to talk with an expert in healthcare or GP about your symptoms. They will ask for a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. They may refer you for further evaluation or treatment to a psychiatrist or specialist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other psychotherapies, can help you manage your worries and improve your quality of life. These treatments are available through the NHS and are usually offered prior to the time that anti-anxiety medications are prescribed. Buspirone and benzodiazepines are two medicines that can be used to treat GAD. They both decrease anxiety and dread. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat GAD too, but they may take longer than benzodiazepines or buspirone to begin working. You can also employ relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise to manage your stress. A support system and sharing your concerns with family or friends can be beneficial. If you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily routine or the wellbeing of a family member or friend contact an Australian health service phone number. Visit healthdirect for more details on the services that are available.