Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that can have anyone, including children, but usually occurs more often in women than men and affects only 3% of people. Those who suffer from this disorder constantly worry about matters and details of daily life that may get out of their control. If you suffer from moderate anxiety, you can lead an everyday social life and even keep a job; even if you try to avoid some situations when the anxiety picture becomes severe, it will be challenging to deal with even daily tasks. At FastlyHeal, we explain generalized anxiety’s causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Causes of generalized anxiety
The cause of generalized anxiety disorder is unknown. However, it may be due to genetics or stress. Having other conditions such as depression or panic can also cause anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder develops gradually, with childhood and middle age the highest risk years. There are also no tests to diagnose stress other than your answers regarding its symptoms; in some cases, specific laboratory tests will be done to rule out a disease with similar symptoms.
Other factors could increase your risk of generalized anxiety:
- If you are pregnant or have just had a baby.
- Drugs abuse.
- Having had a prolonged situation of diabetes, alcoholism, or depression.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety
The most common symptom of generalized anxiety is a frequent and exaggerated worry related to family, health, relationships, and money. It is widespread for people with this disorder to be aware that their fear is excessive, but they still cannot control it. Other anxiety symptoms are problems with concentration, irritability, fatigue, restlessness when waking up, problems sleeping, falling asleep and staying asleep, and achieving restful sleep. It can also encompass physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, and stomach problems.
Treatment for generalized anxiety
The most effective treatment for mild generalized anxiety is antidepressants and psychotherapy; in more severe cases, it can be a combination of both. About psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy is the one that is usually used so that the patient can understand the relationship between their thoughts and behaviors, manage stress, and replace their distorted and negative thoughts. There are cases in which anxiety is chronic and difficult to treat; however, a good prognosis can be achieved with what has been described above.
It should be noted that medications do not cure anxiety; they are only responsible for controlling the symptoms. Anxiolytics, beta-blockers, which can prevent the physical symptoms, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, generally used to treat long-lasting anxieties, may be prescribed. It is essential to follow the directions for taking them because they may not affect if they are not administered correctly.
Finally, you should keep in mind a series of personal care, avoid illicit drugs, reduce caffeine consumption, exercise regularly, rest, and eat healthy foods.
When to go to the doctor?
If your worries negatively interfere with your daily activities or if you are depressed or have started to consume any drugs, it is recommended that you visit your doctor to make a correct diagnosis and to be able to place the corresponding treatment.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Generalized Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Mental Disorders .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.