10 Anxiety Disorder Related Projects That Can Stretch Your Creativity

What is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? GAD is a persistent issue that causes excessive anxiety and irrational fears. People with GAD worry about a wide range of things including finances, health, family and work. The focus is on the future, and appears unlikely to occur. It is unclear what causes GAD but genetics and issues with specific parts of the brain might be involved. Treatment options include medication and talk therapy. Signs and symptoms Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, but when it becomes chronic and persistent it can disrupt routine activities. It can trigger headaches, nausea or tension in the muscles. It can also cause problems like difficulty concentrating at school or work and issues with relationships and socializing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways. Psychotherapy and medication are two of the options. Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by irrational, excessive anxiety. People with GAD worry a lot about everyday things, such as health, money and family, work, and the future. They believe that they're constantly under threat, even when there's no reason to be concerned. Worries often last for a long period of time and appear to pop up out of nowhere. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is also referred to as social anxiety, is a disorder that causes people to be hesitant to interact with other people, especially when they are in a group or one-on-1. They fear that they'll do or say something that will embarrass them or make them look foolish. The fear of being embarrassed, shaking and heart palpitations are all possible symptoms. People suffering from SAD tend to avoid or limit their social activities that can affect their job performance and social life. There are a myriad of treatments available for anxiety disorders, and most people find them effective. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people learn to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. One type of therapy that is used in talk therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. It helps people recognize and correct distorted thinking that triggers anxiety and panic attacks. It also teaches patients how to deal with stressful situations. Medicines can help control some of the physical symptoms, including nausea and dizziness. They can also help people who suffer from anxiety rest better and feel more relaxed. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, Lexapro, Escitalopram or SNRIs, fluoxetine, Prozac, are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants like tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. It's important to stick with treatment for anxiety disorders. The abrupt discontinuation of medication can cause more symptoms. Certain prescription medications and herbal supplements can aggravate anxiety, so it's best to consult an expert in health prior to taking any of them. Treatment Although feeling anxious at times is normal, if you feel that your worries are interfering with your daily life and making you feel uneasy visit your doctor. Your doctor can ask you questions or refer you to a mental health provider for diagnosis and treatment. It isn't known what causes anxiety disorders, but certain life events or traumatic experiences are believed to increase your risk of developing them. They also occur in those who are genetically prone to these disorders. Your doctor can determine the severity of symptoms by using various tests and screening tools. For example the GAD-7 scale developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams Monahan and Kroenke are self-reporting tools that can be useful to diagnose GAD. The use of medications can greatly reduce anxiety, particularly when taken regularly and according to the prescribed. Antidepressants, often prescribed to treat anxiety disorder are among the most effective drugs available. They are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Many people are reluctant to take these medications because they fear they will become dependent, but unlike painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills, antidepressants don't cause dependence. Psychotherapy is a second option for treating anxiety. This kind of treatment, sometimes called talk therapy, can show you how to manage your anxiety symptoms and prevent their worsening. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to identify negative and fearful thoughts and behavior and change them. CBT has shown to be as effective as medications for anxiety in some studies. Other forms of psychotherapy include mindfulness training as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as interpersonal therapy. While some research is lacking on these therapies, they may offer an alternative approach to treating anxiety and can be worth a look. Lifestyle changes can also help. Regular exercise can improve mood and decrease anxiety. A healthy diet can lessen the effects of stress on the body. Spend time with family and friends, learn something new or join an anxiety support group. Diagnosis Everyone experiences anxiety at some point particularly when confronted with the biggest challenge, like an interview. GAD is different in that the person with it feels anxious throughout the day, not just sometimes. They also have trouble controlling their anxiety, and are prone to anticipating the worst in a variety of daily life situations. They can be related to financial, health, or problems in the family, work or school performance. Worries may float from one issue to another and be present for months or years. Doctors diagnose anxiety disorders based on a person's symptoms and how they impact his or her daily life. They will inquire about your past health, and perform tests to determine if there is any physical reasons for your symptoms. They will also check for other mental health conditions like depression. There aren't any lab tests for GAD However, your healthcare provider will test your blood pressure, thyroid function and heart rate. They will also ask you about your daily routine and look at your history of anxiety. You may be more susceptible to anxiety disorders in the event that you have an history of anxiety disorders in your family or have had a difficult childhood. Certain medications and substances could also increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder . GAD is more common among women than men. It usually begins at around the age of 30 but it can happen at any point in life. It is a lifelong condition however it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy). You can choose to utilize one or both treatments. The use of medication can help ease anxiety and its physical symptoms, such as tension in muscles, headaches and shaking. Psychotherapy can help you learn to shift your negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and help you deal with stress in a more positive way. You can also explore relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to manage your anxiety and reduce its symptoms. Exercise or other activities which aid people in focusing their minds can also reduce anxiety. Prevention Talk therapy and medication can be helpful for people suffering from anxiety disorders. Some people use relaxation methods, diets, exercises, and other lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Talk therapies assist people in identifying and challenge the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. These treatments include cognitive behavior therapy where people are taught to change their thinking patterns and exposure therapy where they face fears one at a time. In the short-term, medicines are used to treat the symptoms. Therapy is the mainstay. Generalized anxiety disorder gad is characterised by exaggerated and persistent feelings of worry or fear about a variety of things. These feelings are difficult to control and usually last longer than six months. GAD sufferers may not be able to pinpoint the cause of their problems, and they can't always discern what's bothering them. The most frequent concerns are health, money and family members working, and other daily activities. They are worried about “what-ifs” like their children getting into trouble or their home burning down. In addition to causing anxiety, anxiety can also affect the ability of an individual to complete daily tasks, like school and work. It can cause sleep problems and aches and discomforts. It also increases the chance of suffering from mental health issues, like depression. It can also impact the relationships of a person and their the quality of life. Certain factors increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders. These are referred to as risk factors. They include an history of mental health issues and having a family member with an anxiety disorder. Childhood abuse, both emotional and physical can increase the chance of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Some medical conditions such as lung disease or heart disease can also cause anxiety. These are often the first indications of an issue. As a side effect, certain medications can cause anxiety. Some herbal supplements and over-the counter medicines can also worsen anxiousness, so people should consult with a doctor prior to when they take these products. Alcohol and drug abuse and nicotine can also make symptoms worse.