Generalized Anxiety Disorder: GAD -The Worrier’s disease
Are you a Worrywart? We all have worries from time to time, but if your worrying is starting to disrupt your daily life and is causing debilitating anxiety, you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. People with GAD may begin by worrying about simple things but the disorder can easily take over, preventing them from doing what they really want with their life
It isn’t unusual to worry about normal things like money, health, relationships, and career. However, if you have GAD this worry is continuous and excessive and often irrational. People diagnosed with GAD can be so distracted and consumed with worry that it becomes impossible for them to think about anything else. From the time they wake in the morning until the moment they fall asleep (when they can get to sleep); worry is part of their life. And so often this worry has no basis.
Medical professionals still do not know what actually causes GAD but it does appear that people can inherit a general tendency to anxiety and depression. This makes treatment and diagnosis sometimes difficult. There are a number of symptoms stemming from GAD some of which include nausea, breathing difficulties, muscle tension, headaches, restlessness, fatigue, sleeping problems, changes in appetite, and sweating or hot flashes. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and find yourself constantly worrying, you should visit your doctor to discuss the possibility of GAD.
Diagnosing GAD and relative treatment options begins with ruling out other anxiety disorders. It is crucial to be very specific about your symptoms. Treatments that works well can than include both therapy and medication. Everyone is unique and therefore will worry in a different way, so it makes sense that each person will need a different treatment regime to suit them. Work with your doctor to find the best form of medical treatment for your specific GAD symptoms. And work at understanding your own body’s wants and needs.
Remember that no matter why you developed GAD, help is available. If you are constantly consumed with worry, talk to your doctor immediately to find out what medical treatment can help you. Discuss with your doctor any other forms of treatment available. There are also non-medication treatments and natural remedies that have been successful in treating anxiety disorders. You can lead a normal life, even if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
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