GAD is a common mental health issue characterized by persistent and excessive worry. While it’s normal to experience anxiety now and then, the intense worry associated with GAD can interfere with everyday tasks like work, school, and maintaining relationships.
Although GAD can cause significant distress, there are successful treatment methods available. Seeking guidance from a professional is key to creating a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
What can cause generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder can affect anyone, but certain factors may make individuals more likely to develop the condition.
Biological factors such as genetics may predispose someone to developing GAD, and the condition tends to run in families.
Stressful environments, traumatic experiences, or childhood adversity can also play a role. GAD is associated with higher rates of certain other mental health conditions like depression and substance use.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
While GAD affects each person differently, the most common symptoms include:
- Excessive, persistent worrying
- Feeling overwhelmed with uncontrollable anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness and feeling on-edge
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Generalized anxiety disorder often coexists with mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
Without treatment, GAD can profoundly impact your daily life. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment, providing relief from excessive worry. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of GAD, it’s important to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for a proper evaluation and to explore suitable treatment options.
How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?
To diagnose generalized anxiety disorder, a mental health expert conducts a thorough clinical assessment to see if a person’s symptoms align with the established criteria for the disorder. It’s not uncommon for this condition to be mistaken for other mental health issues.
Other factors, such as coexisting mental health conditions, the use of certain medications, substance use, or underlying medical problems, can influence the symptoms of anxiety. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving the right treatment.
Our team at Reliant Family Psychiatry specializes in various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Your provider will inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle, habits, and overall demeanor in recent months. They’ll assess the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms and understand their impact on your daily life. Open communication about your anxiety is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and well-informed treatment plan.
Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Psychiatry Practices
For managing GAD, it's often advisable to combine medication with psychiatric evaluations. Our team ensures a personalized treatment strategy aligning with your unique symptoms and requirements. Continuous monitoring of your progress and symptoms is an integral part of this treatment, allowing us to fine-tune medication doses and frequency for optimal results.
Therapies
Also known as Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy), talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including GAD. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A common form of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help you identify negative or inaccurate thinking in your life so you are more capable of assessing difficult situations more clearly in the future. CBT helps individuals uncover unhelpful patterns, learn coping strategies, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
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