Generalized anxiety disorder: causes, symptoms and treatment

Definition of generalized anxiety disorder

What is that generalized anxiety disorder ?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or generalized anxiety disorder is a condition of anxiety that is so excessive that it tends to get out of control.

People with GAD do not feel ordinary anxiety, they can even be very restless even though they are not in a tense situation, aka when there is nothing.

That is why, this condition is often referred to as chronic anxiety. For them, anxiety is like an enemy who can easily attack under any circumstances.

Even though it is difficult to calm down, people who are experiencing GAD generally can only feel their own worries without being able to express them to others. Later, excessive anxiety without this reason will only hinder daily activities.

How common generalized anxiety disorder ?

This condition is quite common in adults. Even so, women have a greater tendency to experience this condition than men. If you experience any of these types of anxiety disorders, see a mental health professional immediately.

Signs & symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition that develops slowly. Initially, this condition began in adolescence or young age. However, gradually, without expert treatment, this condition can get worse.

Common symptoms that may arise

To be able to overcome it, you need to be sensitive and alert to the various symptoms of this type of anxiety disorder, including:

• Having too much worry about everyday problems.
• Unable to control the worry or anxiety you have.
• Realizing that the worry you feel is actually excessive.
• Can't relax and relax.
• Can't concentrate.
• Easily startled or startled.
• Can't sleep well.
• Often feels tired.
• Headaches, muscle aches, stomach cramps, and various pains that have no cause.
• Difficulty chewing food.
• Easy to feel angry and upset.
• Easy sweating, lightheadedness, and short of breath.

Advanced symptoms that need attention

If this happens to children, often children will worry too much about the following:

• Worried about bad grades or fear of losing a sports match.
• Worried about natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods.

Meanwhile, in adults, excessive anxiety is usually related to daily life, for example:

• Performance at work.
• Personal and family health.
• Financial condition.
• Homework and various other responsibilities.

Both children and adults who experience GAD usually experience physical symptoms that make it difficult for them to carry out daily activities.

Causes of generalized anxiety disorder

As with many other mental health disorders, the cause of generalized anxiety disorder occurs due to various factors, both biological and environmental, such as:

• There are differences in function and chemicals in the brain.
• Genetic or hereditary factors.
• Growth process and characteristics.
• How each individual perceives threats.

Risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder

Compared to men, women are diagnosed more often generalized anxiety disorder . There are several supporting risk factors for this, such as:

1. Characteristics of yourself

If you often feel embarrassed and uncomfortable with other people, your risk of developing this condition is usually greater than that of other people. Moreover, because you have these qualities, you tend to prefer to run away from problems because you don't have the courage to face them.

2. Heredity

If there are family members who have anxiety disorders, especially GAD , the potential to experience the same conditions is certainly greater. The reason is, this condition can be passed down in the family.

3. Certain experiences in life

The life experience of people is different. However, some people experience severe trauma in their lives, unexpected changes, and various bitter experiences that other people do not or may not have experienced.

These experiences that have a negative impact on life can be a trigger for this generalized anxiety disorder.

Diagnosis & treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?

There are several things your doctor may do to examine and diagnose your condition:

• The doctor will perform a physical examination to find out any symptoms that may be related to the use of certain medications or medical conditions.
• Blood and urine tests if certain medical conditions are suspected to be the cause of this generalized anxiety disorder.
• Ask in depth and in detail about the symptoms that appear and the medical history they have.
• Ask you for a questionnaire regarding your psychological condition to determine the right diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder ?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are several treatment options for this type of anxiety disorder, including:

1. Psychotherapy

One type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will usually be done to overcome generalized anxiety disorder .

This CBT therapy will help patients to have a mindset, attitude, and respond to certain situations in different ways. Usually, this helps the patient not to be overly anxious and worried.

2. Use of drugs

The doctor may recommend the use of certain drugs to treat this condition if it is felt that therapy alone is not enough to treat it. There are several groups of drugs, including antidepressants, that may be prescribed to patients, such as:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Drugs serotonergic other.
• Benzodiazepine drugs.

The use of depression drugs can also be used to relieve symptoms of GAD. Even so, this drug can only really work if taken for several weeks.

Home treatments for generalized anxiety disorder

To support the treatment process for GAD, do the following at home:

• Exercise regularly.
• Enough sleep.
• Relax.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Avoid using illegal drugs.
• Cut down on alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking and reduce caffeine consumption.