Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adult
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adult
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder. People with this condition constantly worry about everyday events. Unlike normal anxiety, worry related to GAD is not triggered by a specific event. These worries also do not fade or get better with time. GAD interferes with life functions, including relationships and school.
GAD can vary from mild to severe. People with severe GAD can have intense waves of anxiety with physical symptoms (panic attacks).
CAUSES
The exact cause of GAD is not known. Factors that probably contribute include changes in certain genes (mutations), environment, temperament and extremely stressful life events, like death of a loved one.
RISK FACTORS
There may be …show more content…
• Fatigue.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Muscle tension.
• Difficulty sleeping or unsatisfying sleep.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider can diagnose GAD based on your symptoms and medical history. You will also have a physical exam. The health care provider will ask specific questions about your symptoms, including how severe they are, when they started, and if they come and go. Your health care provider may ask you about your use of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines. Your health care provider may refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation.
To get a diagnosis of GAD, one must have anxiety that:
• Is out of his or her control.
• Affects several different aspects of his or her life, such as work and relationships.
• Causes distress that makes him or her unable to take part in normal activities.
• Includes at least one physical warning symptoms of GAD, such as fatigue, trouble concentrating, or sleep difficulties.
Your must have these symptoms for at least six months before your health care provider can confirm a diagnosis of GAD. …show more content…
People learn coping skills and techniques to ease their anxiety. They learn to identify unrealistic or negative thoughts and behaviors and to replace them with positive ones.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This treatment teaches people how to be mindful as a way to cope with unwanted thoughts and feelings.
• Biofeedback.
• Stress management techniques. These include yoga, meditation, and exercise and can be very helpful when they are practiced regularly.
A mental health specialist can help determine which treatment is best for you. Some people see improvement with one therapy. However, other people require a combination of therapies.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Try to maintain a normal routine.
• Try to anticipate stressful situations and allow extra time to manage them.
• Practice any stress management techniques as told by your health care provider.
• Do not punish yourself for setbacks or for not making progress.
• Try to recognize your accomplishments, even if they are small.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder. People with this condition constantly worry about everyday events. Unlike normal anxiety, worry related to GAD is not triggered by a specific event. These worries also do not fade or get better with time. GAD interferes with life functions, including relationships and school.
GAD can vary from mild to severe. People with severe GAD can have intense waves of anxiety with physical symptoms (panic attacks).
CAUSES
The exact cause of GAD is not known. Factors that probably contribute include changes in certain genes (mutations), environment, temperament and extremely stressful life events, like death of a loved one.
RISK FACTORS
There may be …show more content…
• Fatigue.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Muscle tension.
• Difficulty sleeping or unsatisfying sleep.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider can diagnose GAD based on your symptoms and medical history. You will also have a physical exam. The health care provider will ask specific questions about your symptoms, including how severe they are, when they started, and if they come and go. Your health care provider may ask you about your use of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines. Your health care provider may refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation.
To get a diagnosis of GAD, one must have anxiety that:
• Is out of his or her control.
• Affects several different aspects of his or her life, such as work and relationships.
• Causes distress that makes him or her unable to take part in normal activities.
• Includes at least one physical warning symptoms of GAD, such as fatigue, trouble concentrating, or sleep difficulties.
Your must have these symptoms for at least six months before your health care provider can confirm a diagnosis of GAD. …show more content…
People learn coping skills and techniques to ease their anxiety. They learn to identify unrealistic or negative thoughts and behaviors and to replace them with positive ones.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This treatment teaches people how to be mindful as a way to cope with unwanted thoughts and feelings.
• Biofeedback.
• Stress management techniques. These include yoga, meditation, and exercise and can be very helpful when they are practiced regularly.
A mental health specialist can help determine which treatment is best for you. Some people see improvement with one therapy. However, other people require a combination of therapies.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Try to maintain a normal routine.
• Try to anticipate stressful situations and allow extra time to manage them.
• Practice any stress management techniques as told by your health care provider.
• Do not punish yourself for setbacks or for not making progress.
• Try to recognize your accomplishments, even if they are small.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is