GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

Agoraphobia

People who have agoraphobia have a fear of unique places or circumstances that make them think trapped, powerless, or embarrassed. These emotions result in panic attacks. Men and women with agoraphobia avoid these areas and occasions to prevent panic attacks. )

Generalized anxiousness disorder (GAD)

Those with GAD have consistent nervousness and fear about activities, even those which can be routine. The worry is higher than it is actually. This worry causes physical symptoms such as headaches, belly upset, or insomnia.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is the continuous experience of unwanted or intrusive ideas and concerns that create  anziety. A person could understand these thoughts are trivial, but they are going to try to relieve their nervousness through performing certain rituals or behaviors. This will include hand washing, counting, or checking on things like whether or not they’ve locked their apartment.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder causes unexpected and repeated bouts of extreme anxiousness, worry, or terror that peak in minutes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD occurs after a person experiences a traumatic event such as war, disaster, assault or other things

Specific phobias

This can be the fear of an object, event, or concern that creates severe anxiety while you’re exposed to that factor.

DIAGNOSIS & MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT

Here are some tips:

• Connect with others
• Learn to calm down quickly
• Get moving
• Look at your worries in new ways
• Understanding worrying
• Regularly practice relaxation techniques for GAD
• Get enough sleep
• Limit caffeine
• Relaxation techniques for GAD include
• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Meditation
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine
• Eat right

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) is a unique therapy that is helpful in the cure of GAD. CBT examines distortions in our ways of looking at the world and ourselves. Your therapist will help you eliminate negative thoughts that contribute to your anxiety.

Medications:

There are three types of medication prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder:

• Buspirone –Generally considered to be the safest drug for generalized anxiety disorder
• Benzodiazepines – These anti-anxiety drugs act very quickly (usually within 30 minutes to an hour), but physical and psychological dependence are common after more than a few weeks of use.
• Antidepressants – The relief antidepressants provide for anxiety is not immediate, and the full effect isn’t felt for up to six weeks.

Various classes and names of medications used to treat GAD are listed below:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine, Escitalopram
• Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI): Venlafaxine, Duloxetine
• Benzodiazepine: Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam
• Azapirone: Buspirone
• Tricyclic Antidepressant: Imipramine
• Antihistamine: Hydroxyzine
• Anticonvulsant: Pregabalin
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): Kava-kava and other homeopathic preparations