Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)

Introduction:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can be defined as anxiety and worry about several events and activities for an extended period or days. The anxiety and worry of GAD differ from normal anxiety by its excessiveness, the difficulty of controlling it, and their interference in our routine daily life. The onset of GAD can be primary (without any apparent cause) or secondary to thyroid problems, drug abuse, or cardiovascular diseases.

Generalized anxiety disorder is much more common in women than in men. The age of onset is often difficult to calculate, as most patients typically report a history of excessive worry throughout their lives.

What Are the Common Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized anxiety disorders are similar to other forms of mental illness. The specific cause of generalized anxiety disorder is still not known. But it is considered that a combination of the following factors can contribute to this condition.

• Long-term exposure to stressful events.

• Severe or long-term stress can change the chemical balance that controls the mood. Experiencing stress for a prolonged period can lead to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

• Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.

• Differences in brain chemistry and function.

• Differences in the way how threats are perceived.

What Are the Risk Factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

The major risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are:

• Recent or extended exposure to stressful situations.

• Prolonged use of tobacco or alcohol can worsen the existing anxiety disorder.

• Family history of anxiety disorders.

• Childhood abuse.

Women are at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorder than men.

What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Physical complaints can be prominent, and patients could have symptoms of motor tension, tremors, palpitation, giddiness, fearfulness, weakness, and headaches. Patients with autonomic hyperactivity can have gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or cardiovascular complaints, whereas patients with cognitive vigilance are often irritable and easily frazzled.

Psychosocial symptoms include:

• Difficulty handling uncertainty.

• Feeling restless.

• Indecisiveness.

• Fear of making wrong decisions.

• Difficulty concentrating.

Some of the physical signs of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include:

• Weakness.

• Irritability.

• Muscle ache.

• Nervousness.

• Sweating.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Trembling.

• Rapid heart rate.

• Numbness in different parts of the body.

Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) a Chronic Condition?

The course of GAD is variable. It is usually regarded as a chronic condition that worsens with life stressors like the occurrence of negative life events.

What Other Mental Health Disorders Commonly Occur with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Approximately 50% to 90% of patients with a generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) have an associated mental disorder such as depressive disorder, panic disorder, and dysthymic disorder.

Research shows that the onset of GAD typically occurs before the onset of depression and that depression may result secondary to the chronic stress of GAD. The other mental health disorders associated with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are the following:

• Phobias.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Substance abuse.

How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?

Generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed by a physical examination and a mental health screening. During a physical examination, the doctor looks for the signs of anxiety. The doctor further questions you about your medical history to check if any underlying condition or certain medications are linked to the condition. If in case the doctor suspects an underlying medical condition or any substance abuse, then a few tests like blood tests, urine tests, gastric reflux tests, and stress tests may be recommended.

How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

Even though generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric illness, only one-third of patients actually seek treatment for it. Others seek help for somatic symptoms of this illness from various other physicians such as cardiologists, internists, and gastroenterologists. The treatment depends on how this anxiety disorder affects the ability to perform daily functions.

Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder includes:

• Psychotherapy.

• Medications.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one effective form of psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on educating the individual on how to manage the worries and fear and also helps to gradually return to normal activities.

Medications:

Medications usually prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder are the following:

• Antidepressants.

• Buspirone.

• Benzodiazepines.

What Are Some of the Complications of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Some of the complications of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are:

• It impairs the ability to perform day-to-day activities quickly and productively.

• Hard to focus on something.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• It increases the risk of depression.

Generalized anxiety disorder can worsen other physical conditions like:

• Sleep problems.

• Headaches and migraines.

• Digestive problems.

• Issues related to the heart.

How to Prevent Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

There is no specific way to determine when and how generalized anxiety disorder will affect a person. But there are some ways you can follow to reduce the impact of the symptoms of anxiety disorder.

1. Ask for help. There are so many helplines available to help you out with this condition.

2. Keep track of your daily routine activities to determine what is causing you stress. By keeping track, you can find ways to get yourself relieved of stress.

3. Try to manage your time and energy. This is one way you can reduce your anxiety level. Prioritize the issues in your life.

4. Avoid unhealthy practices like drug abuse, alcohol consumption, use of nicotine or caffeine, etc. If you are not able to stop the habit on your own, find a treatment program or support group to help you out with this habit.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes Needed to Manage Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Some lifestyle modifications that can help manage this condition better include:

1. Keep yourself physically active. Exercise is the best stress reliever.

2. Prioritize your sleep. Proper and adequate sleep can improve the condition by reducing stress.

3. Perform some relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, etc.

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Conclusion:

Taking medications as directed and practicing the skills learned in psychotherapy can help to improve the condition. Consistency makes a big difference when managing this condition.