Anxiety Disorder and Treatment

Introduction

The term anxiety disorder is used to describe a group of mental health conditions that are characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension about future events. Anxiety disorders can be experienced in the short term (such as when you feel anxious before an exam), or they may occur on a more chronic basis (for example, if you have panic attacks). If someone feels these kinds of characteristics, So he or she should consult with the best psychiatrist in Lahore or nearby your area.

Common types of anxiety disorders:

social phobia: Social phobia is characterized by extreme fear of being judged negatively by others because of your behavior or appearance. You may avoid certain situations where you think people will judge you harshly. This fear can cause problems at work or school. It also makes it difficult for you to enjoy yourself with friends and family members.

Specific Phobias:

Specific phobias are fears that involve objects or places. For instance, someone who has a fear of spiders might be afraid of walking into a room where there’s a spider web hanging from the ceiling. Someone who has a fear of heights might be afraid of going up a ladder or climbing onto a high shelf.

Separation Anxiety Disorder:

Separation anxiety disorder involves intense anxiety and distress caused by the anticipation of separation from parents or other caregivers. Children with this disorder may become upset and clingy when their parents leave the house. Adults with this disorder may feel anxious when they’re away from home.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

This disorder is characterized by persistent worrying about everyday life. Worrying occurs without any particular reason or trigger. It interferes with daily activities and sleeps patterns.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People who suffer from GAD typically report feeling tense, restless, irritable, fatigued, worried, fearful, apprehensive, jittery, agitated, depressed, sad, hopeless, worthless, guilty, ashamed, angry, nervous, self-conscious, embarrassed, disgusted, confused, rejected, lonely, isolated, inadequate, shameful, unworthy, inferior, useless, stupid, incompetent, helpless, powerless, insignificant, weak, vulnerable, fragile, dependent, and/or out of control.

Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

There is currently no known cause of GAD. However, some researchers believe that genetics play a role. For instance, people who have a close relative with GAD are up to three times more likely to develop this condition themselves. Other factors that may contribute to GAD include:

• A history of trauma or abuse
• Chronic pain
• Certain medical conditions
• Substance use
• Family history of mood disorders
• Personality traits
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet

Treatment Options of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Medications

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed medications for treating GAD. Antidepressant drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and others. Some studies suggest that SSRI medications are particularly effective in reducing symptoms of GAD.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very helpful treatment in GAD. CBT teaches patients how to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. This helps reduce their overall level of anxiety.

Other Types of Therapy

Hypnosis is another form of psychotherapy that has proven useful in treating GAD. Hypnotherapists help patients learn relaxation techniques and other methods to cope with their fears and anxieties.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture is one of the therapy to treat GAD. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points along the body to stimulate certain nerves. The theory behind acupuncture is that these nerve endings carry messages between different parts of the brain. When they become blocked, the brain sends signals to the rest of the body to produce physical responses.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation have all been found to be beneficial in treating GAD. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing each part of the body until you reach total relaxation.

Self-Help Strategies

People with GAD often find it difficult to control their emotions. They worry about things that don’t seem important and tend to focus on past events rather than current situations. To overcome these problems, people need to practice self-control.

How does generalized anxiety disorder affect my life?

When you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), you experience excessive worrying and fear about everyday activities. These fears are usually irrational and out of proportion to any real danger. People who have GAD often feel tense, restless, irritable, and unable to concentrate. They may have trouble sleeping and may even have panic attacks.

Can I treat myself?

Yes. There is no reason why you should not seek treatment for this condition. However, because GAD is a mental illness, it cannot be cured by willpower alone. You must also work closely with a trained professional.

Does generalized anxiety disorder cause physical health problems?

No. Although some people with GAD have physical symptoms, these are generally mild and temporary.

Are there any tests for generalized anxiety disorder?

No. The diagnosis of GAD is based solely on the symptoms you describe.

Do I have a generalized anxiety disorder if I’m just afraid sometimes?

No. Only those who have severe, persistent, and disabling symptoms of GAD qualify for an official diagnosis.

How long does generalized anxiety disorder last?

The length of time you have GAD depends on many factors: How old you are, whether you have other medical conditions, and how well you respond to treatment. Most people with GAD have their first episode between ages 15 and 25. After that, the risk of having another episode decreases.

Where do people with generalized anxiety disorder live?

People with GAD tend to live in urban areas.

Conclusion

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and fear about everyday situations. It affects both children and adults. Because it is a mental illness, however, it cannot be cured simply by willpower. A person with generalized anxiety disorder needs to see a qualified professional for effective treatment.