Do
you worry? Are you very anxious about just getting through the day? Are
you afraid that everything will always go badly? If so, you may have an
anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
What is GAD?
All
of us worry about things like health, money, or family problems. But
people with GAD are extremely worried about these and many other things,
even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. They are
very anxious about just getting through the day. They think things will
always go badly. At times, worrying keeps people with GAD from doing
everyday tasks.
GAD
develops slowly. It often starts during the teen years or young
adulthood. Symptoms may get better or worse at different times, and
often are worse during times of stress.
People
with GAD may visit a doctor many times before they find out they have
this disorder. They ask their doctors to help them with headaches or
trouble falling asleep, which can be symptoms of GAD but they don't
always get the help they need right away. It may take doctors some time
to be sure that a person has GAD instead of something else.
What are the signs and symptoms of GAD?
A person with GAD may:
- Worry very much about everyday things
- Have trouble controlling their constant worries
- Know that they worry much more than they should
- Not be able to relax
- Have a hard time concentrating
- Be easily startled
- Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feel tired all the time
- Have headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pains
- Have a hard time swallowing
- Tremble or twitch
- Be irritable, sweat a lot, and feel light-headed or out of breath
- Have to go to the bathroom a lot.
How is GAD treated?
First,
talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor should do an exam
to make sure that another physical problem isn't causing the symptoms.
The doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist.
GAD is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Psychotherapy.
A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy is especially
useful for treating GAD. It teaches a person different ways of
thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help him or her feel
less anxious and worried.
Medication.
Doctors also may prescribe medication to help treat GAD. Two types of
medications are commonly used to treat GAD—anti-anxiety medications and
antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications are powerful and there are
different types. Many types begin working right away, but they generally
should not be taken for long periods.Antidepressants are used to treat
depression, but they also are helpful for GAD. They may take several
weeks to start working. These medications may cause side effects such as
headache, nausea, or difficulty sleeping. These side effects are
usually not a problem for most people, especially if the dose starts off
low and is increased slowly over time. Talk to your doctor about any
side effects you may have.
It's
important to know that although antidepressants can be safe and
effective for many people, they may be risky for some, especially
children, teens, and young adults. A "black box"—the most serious type
of warning that a prescription drug can have—has been added to the
labels of antidepressant medications. These labels warn people that
antidepressants may cause some people to have suicidal thoughts or make
suicide attempts. Anyone taking antidepressants should be monitored
closely, especially when they first start treatment with
medications.Some people do better with cognitive behavior therapy, while
others do better with medication. Still others do best with a
combination of the two. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment
for you.
What is it like to have GAD?
"I
was worried all the time about everything. It didn't matter that there
were no signs of problems, I just got upset. I was having trouble
falling asleep at night, and I couldn't keep my mind focused at work. I
felt angry at my family all the time. "I
saw my doctor and explained my constant worries. My doctor sent me to
someone who knows about GAD. Now I am taking medicine and working with a
counselor to cope better with my worries. I had to work hard, but I
feel better. I'm glad I made that first call to my doctor."
This information is provided by the National Institute of Mental Health
Psychotherapist New York
New York Dynamic Psychology
http://www.mentalhealthnyc.org
topspeaker@yahoo.com
New York Dynamic Psychology
http://www.mentalhealthnyc.org
topspeaker@yahoo.com
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