All About Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Ojus Life

All About Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Dr Anita Nischal

 

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder refers to the act of thinking and worrying uncontrollably about some of the commonly occurring situations and events. It involves being overly anxious about issues that people usually find normal. The disorder may involve a person worrying without the presence of a worrisome topic.

Nearly 3% of the US population suffers from GAD. Affected people are not able to convey their feelings of restlessness to anyone. Such people face unrealistic frightening and difficulties in sleeping, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, loss of focus, and much more. Young people and teenagers seem to become more prone to such issues day by day.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

People with GAD might feel anxious about things like managing finances several times during given days and stress about it. It is also completely normal that people may be aware that there is nothing to worry about but can’t keep off their symptoms. In such a situation, they are unable to express themselves and tell you about the exact reason behind their anxiety and nervousness.

The levels of increased stress, excessive worry, and inability to calm themselves can disrupt their routine activities. The symptoms can be observed both physically and mentally in an individual’s body. Generally, it becomes difficult in GAD anxiety disorder to loosen themselves and let go of worries. They feel nervous and face irritability along with facing discomfort in relaxing completely.

They may become prone to gastrointestinal diseases, muscle tension, experiencing weakness, sweaty palms, and exhaustion. Such issues can also be observed among children or teenagers. This may be associated with being confident and feeling inability to fit in the social sphere.

Causes of GAD Anxiety Disorder

When we speak of GAD anxiety disorder, it becomes important to distinguish it from other forms of anxiety. In simple terms, people suffering from GAD worry uncontrollably about many issues for a long period. Often, they are unable to identify the cause of their worry and stress.

Both hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the development of GAD in an individual. If one holds a family history of anxiety or has been exposed to stressful situations for a prolonged time, it can lead to generalized anxiety disorder.

Any personal issues or some family illness might also be the reason behind it. Certain health issues like heart arrhythmias can also be a possible solution behind it.

Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When you visit one of the mental health specialists, he or she will perform a mental screening of yours. You will be asked regarding the period since you have been experiencing the symptoms. The doctor will perform the relevant tests to know about underlying illness if any.

Anxiety can occur due to several heart diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or thyroid disorders. Health problems like bipolar disorder, epilepsy, pheochromocytoma could also possibly lead to anxiety issues.

The doctor will check for your hormone levels, substance abuse through several tests. X-rays and endoscopy might be performed to see for gastrointestinal reflux disease.

Must Read: Serious effects of Stress & Anxiety on Health

Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Certain therapies and medications are put in effect to handle the situations of generalized anxiety disorder.

Use of medications

Certain short-term and anti-anxiety medications that may be prescribed are lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam. Apart from these, specific antidepressants like citalopram, fluvoxamine, buspirone, sertraline, etc. can be prescribed by the specialist. Medications might take some time to show their effect fully.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This approach involves working on the thinking and behavior of people with GAD to help them relax. The therapy will include working on your thought process and methods to cope with feelings of anxiety.

Lifestyle Changes

Adapting to a good lifestyle can also help in lowering the levels of anxiety to some extent. Getting regular sleep, eating good food, and keeping a check on your health are some of the major things that you need to work upon. The use of stimulants like coffee should be avoided.

Best Vitamins For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Not every supplement or vitamin will work better for you. To deal with generalized anxiety disorders, the doctors usually suggest you – opt for supplements. OjusLife offers you some effective dietary supplements like N-adrenal, Pregnenolone, NAC, and a lot more that improve relaxation levels and support mental health.

Also Read: Why Take Supplements with Probiotics for Anxiety & Depression

Conclusion

There is not a specific reason behind the development of anxiety in a person nor can it be predicted in advance. Therefore, it becomes necessary that you take certain precautions and prioritize the issues in your life. The use of supplements can also help relax to some extent and have a positive effect on your mental state.