Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is defined as excessive and persistent worry about many different things. Those with generalized anxiety disorder may have a tendency to anticipate disasters and be excessively concerned about their finances, family, health, work, or other matters. Generalized anxiety disorder sufferers have trouble controlling their worry and their worry may be out of proportion to the actual event. They may fear the worst, even if there is no reason to.
What’s Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may sometimes be known to the friends as the “worriers” of the group. People with GAD worry constantly about possible problems that could happen in their lives. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is defined as excessive and persistent worry about many different things. Those with generalized anxiety disorder may have a tendency to anticipate disasters and be excessively concerned about their finances, family, health, work, or other matters. Generalized anxiety disorder sufferers have trouble controlling their worry and their worry may be out of proportion to the actual event. They may fear the worst, even if there is no reason to. It can be a daily struggle to stop the growing worry from affecting their daily lives for those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Normal Worry Vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What is the difference between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and normal worry? The severity and duration of symptoms are some of the main indicators. Normal worry can actually be beneficial because it may help with planning for future events or get you ready or pumped before doing an action, like giving a speech or partaking in a competitive game. Moreover, Normal anxiety is usually tied to a specific event or situation and can be easily managed, does not consume your everyday life. Generalized Anxiety disorder is more emotionally engulfing, not easy to manage, and permeates to almost every aspect of your life like finances, friendships, family, work, etc; It’s more pervasive and pronounced. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder often describe themselves as anxious throughout their lives, while normal worry is temporary. The most important distinction between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and normal anxiety is that generalized anxiety disorder causes impairment in occupational or social functioning or clinically significant distress
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Signs & Symptoms
It’s important to recognize the symptoms and signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder if you or someone you care about are worried.
Symptoms which may be indicative of general anxiety disorder include:
- Excessive and persistent worry
- Finding it difficult to control the worry
- Feeling on edge, keyed up, or restless
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty sleeping – falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep
Generalized Anxiety Disorder – GAD Treatment
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common diagnosis affecting 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in a given year. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder may be inclined to seek treatment because of the emotional and/or physical discomfort it causes. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder often recognize that their worries and fears are unrealistic or excessive and experience frustration when they cannot control their worries.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT for GAD
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the primary psychotherapy treatment choice for people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. CBT helps those with GAD identify irrational automatic thoughts that exacerbate worry and fear, and teaches people to challenge and reframe those thoughts. It may be difficult to identify these automatic thoughts at first because they happen automatically, in the blink of an eye, and you may not even realize they are there. A licensed clinical psychologist can teach their client how to identify the thoughts and provide strategies to improve their anxiety-provoking thought patterns.
Medication Treatment for GAD
Individuals who experience moderate to severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder may benefit from medication. A psychiatrist, an intern medicine doctor, a family practitioner doctor or even a nurse practitioner can prescribe medication. Medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs, may be effective in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Sometimes, multiple medications can be combined to better treat the symptoms. If you are considering medication for an anxiety disorder, it is important that you speak with your doctor or psychiatrist.
Get help for your Generalized Anxiety Disorder
It is important to seek help if you suspect you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder treatment is very effective and extremely helpful.
GAD sufferers may avoid certain situations or may miss out on opportunities because of their anxiety (travel, social situations, promotions, etc.). When anxiety is severe, some people may have trouble with the most basic daily tasks. However, GAD patients can live a full life, be productive and socially active if their anxiety is low to moderate or they are getting treatment. Reach out today.
Miami Anxiety Treatment – Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Hello, I’m Dr. Carolina Raeburn, a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a subspecialty in neuropsychology in Miami. I help people with emotional concerns and those adjusting to life changes. I offer coaching and bespoke psychotherapy for individuals and couples, providing cognitive behavioral therapy, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, panic attack treatment, stress management, as well as help those going through life changes, such as grief and loss, chronic and terminal illness, injuries, retirement, perfectionism, and much more.
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*All the information published in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Any information provided here is offered in generic form. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.