General anxiety disorder
With all the pressures, risks and possibilities now present is our everyday lives, it's no surprise that most will experience anxiety at one time or another. This is normal, and there are a ton of reasons why someone might feel anxious or worry -- debt, problems at work, family matters and health problems topping the list - but it's when this anxiety and worry lingers that it could be a problem. A constant feeling of being apprehensive or nervous to the point that it affects the way you live or function, especially when it isn't justified, could be a sign that you have general anxiety disorder; a rather common yet taxing long-term ailment.
So what is General Anxiety Disorder then exactly?
GAD is a well-known anxiety disorder that is characterized by excess worry, stress, and a tendency to feel nervous all the time. Most times, there will not even be a reason to feel this way but the sufferer will feel edgy, tense and generally uneasy regardless. It's a chronic condition that can take over your life completely, affecting your mental and physical wellbeing. It can make life seem like an uphill battle, and affect both personal and professional relationships. Although the anxiety endured by the sufferer is normally not as intense as a panic attack, it can really be strenuous and the symptoms unpleasant.
As mentioned, the symptoms of general anxiety disorder can be tough to deal with, and can include any or all of the following:
Tension; muscle stiffness and aching
Upset stomach; nausea, diarrhea, etc.
Insomnia; difficulty sleeping
Restlessness and irritability; feeling edgy or jittery
Inability to concentrate
Procrastination; delaying things because you feel snowed under'
Worrying constantly; anxiety
A persistent feeling of dread or fear
Symptoms can of course vary from person to person, but the aforementioned are normally common warnings signs that you may be suffering from this exhausting condition; in which case you should seek professional help and try and get it sorted out as soon as possible.
Diagnosing General Anxiety Disorder
If you suspect that you may have this condition, it's time to visit your family doctor. Once you explain your problem, chances are that he/she will examine you to ensure that there isn't an underlying physical cause for the continuous anxiety. If the GP doesn't find anything, he will likely refer you to a specialized mental health professional, who, upon examination, will diagnose you with GAD. The specialist will then recommend a suitable treatment and get you started on that.
General anxiety disorder is usually treated in two ways; psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that has proven to be very effective for this condition. It basically revolves around teaching one to react, think and behave in different ways, relieving some of the anxiety. Medication is sometimes also prescribed, and generally comes in two sorts; anti-anxiety and antidepressants - both work well; either alone or in conjunction. Both behavioral therapy and medication are effective in treating GAD, it just depends on the person being treated; some do well on one, while others respond better to the other form of treatment. Your healthcare professional will let you know what the best course of action is.
