General Anxiety Disorder Overview

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Overview

• GAD is excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and interferes with daily activities.
• It's normal to feel anxious sometimes, but excessive anxiety is a sign of GAD.
• GAD can develop in childhood or adulthood.
• Symptoms are similar to other anxiety disorders, but are distinct.
• GAD often co-occurs with other anxiety or mood disorders.
• Treatment often involves psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques.

GAD Symptoms

• Persistent worrying or anxiety about various issues disproportionate to their impact.
• Overthinking possible outcomes of situations.
• Feeling situations as threatening even when they're not.
• Indecisiveness and fear of making wrong decisions.
• Inability to relax, feelings of restlessness.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Physical symptoms include fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, trembling, nervousness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Worry may not always be constant, but anxiety may occur even without cause.
• Symptoms cause significant distress in social, work, or other areas.
• Symptoms can change over time and with age.

GAD Symptoms in Children and Teenagers

• Similar worries as adults, but with extra concerns like performance at school or sporting events, family safety, punctuality.

Risk Factors for GAD

• Women are diagnosed more often than men.
• Possible factors include personality (timid, negative, avoids risks), genetics, experiences (life changes, trauma, recent negative events), or chronic medical illnesses.

Causes of GAD

• A complex interplay of biological and environmental factors, potentially including brain chemistry differences, genetics, perceived threats, and developmental factors.
• It's likely caused by a combination of many factors.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If worries interfere significantly with daily life, relationships, or work.
• If accompanied by depression, digestive issues, or other mental health concerns.
• If thoughts of suicide arise, seek immediate help.

GAD Diagnosis

• Physical exam, to look for medical issues that could cause anxiety.
• Questionnaires to help assess symptoms and diagnoses.
• Blood or urine tests, if necessary.

GAD Treatment

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy) — cognitive behavioral therapy is effective.
• Medications (antidepressants, buspirone, benzodiazepines in limited cases)
  • Antidepressants are often the first-line medications.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Exercise, physical activity, and balanced nutrition to support mental well-being.
• Social interaction and engaging with fulfilling activities to reduce isolation.
• Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or visualization to manage anxiety symptoms.
• Managing time and priorities to reduce stress levels.

Coping and Support

• Adhering to treatment plans and recommendations.
• Participating in mental wellness activities.
• Seeking support from therapists or support groups.