Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

It is a chronic over concern about a series of activities or events.

Anxiety is characterized by discomfort, fear or fear, which is not limited to a specific concern or concern.

Paying bills or doing laundry can cause feelings of anxiety in some, while others will feel worried about work, or feel afraid that something bad will happen to a loved one.

People with GAD have a “fight or flight” to stress situations. Anxiety is a healthy response to a stressful situation.

When people are in danger, their brains release hormones that prepare them to fight or flee. To prepare the body for action, the heartbeat accelerates, the muscles become tense and the blood is likely to clot in the event of an injury.

Normally, this reaction disappears once the person no longer feels threatened; However, this response is maintained for months, which can cause a series of negative effects on physical health and mental well-being.

Causes

A mixture of genetic and environmental factors are implicated in Generalized Anxiety Disorder . Studies in twins have shown that genes account for approximately 37% of the cause of anxiety disorder, while environmental factors account for about 62% of the cause.

It is thought to occur when certain chemical receptors in the brain do not function properly. Gamma amino butyric chemical brain acid has an anti-anxiety effect when it attaches to certain receptors in the limbic system, (region of the brain that regulates emotions). If these receptors do not work properly, the TAG will occur.

  • Certain medications can also cause generalized anxiety.
  • Medical problems, such as head trauma, brain infections, irregularities in the heartbeat, thyroid dysfunction, and asthma have also been linked to GAD.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

There are a number of psychological and physical symptoms that can interfere with a person’s ability to function properly such as anxiety, muscle tension , headaches, a rapid heartbeat, irritability and fatigue.

People with anxiety disorder are often nervous or trembling, causing them difficulty concentrating.

Treatment

Hospitalization rarely occurs, however, if you or someone close to you has thoughts of suicide, delusions, or difficulties in providing self-care, seek medical help immediately.

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes recreation, exercising, having proper nutrition, spending time with friends and having a rewarding job can help stabilize feelings of anxiety.

Your doctor is the best source of information about the treatment options and medications available to you.

Psychotherapy that includes introspection and behavioral techniques such as relaxation. While medications can improve symptoms, psychotherapy can help address the underlying issues behind the symptoms, and teach patients how to deal with problems.

Behavioral techniques can be used to modify responses to stimuli that produce anxiety. Deep muscle relaxation helps patients be aware of the tension in their bodies.

Another relaxation technique that can be used involves deep breathing. While sitting or lying down, breathe slowly. The chest and stomach should expand outward.

The breath should be kept for a second or two, and then exhaled slowly in a controlled manner. Deep breathing has a calming effect, and can be used to prevent anxiety.

One of the most important treatment options is alternative medicine every day becomes more important to treat generalized anxiety disorders .