What is GAD and How Is It Treated?

by | Jan 14, 2020 | General Medical Articles | 0 comments

Generalized anxiety disorder or GAD is a common condition that is characterized by irrational and uncontrollable worry. The symptoms need to have been present for at least six months for a doctor to make a diagnosis. GAD is believed to affect 6.8 million people, and is more prevalent in women than it is in men. In developing countries it can affect two to three times more women than men, and research suggests that it is a hereditary condition.  Affordable healthcare in Las Vegas can help you formulate a management plan for your anxiety based on a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

GAD is characterized by consistent worry that may have little or no cause. The person’ s worries float between various aspects of their lives, and the person feels like they are struggling to control them. other symptoms may include concentration problems, tired and fatigue, irritability, problems with sleep like insomnia and unsatisfactory sleep, restlessness and jumpiness. The person may also experience headaches, muscle shakiness and stomach problems.

The sufferer may experience autonomic arousal symptoms like tremors, a dry mouth, sweating and heart palpitations. The person’s ability to breathe may become labored, and the ability to think clearly is also affected. They may experience nausea or an upset stomach as a result of anxiety. Dizziness, a fear of dying and a sense of losing control are also commonly associated with GAD.

The purpose of treatment is to improve quality of life and the person’s ability to function normally on a daily basis, and usually consists of a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. SSRIs are usually the first line of treatment as far as medication is concerned. Other anti-depressants or anti-seizure drugs may also be used. Cognitive therapy allows the sufferer to get a grip on their distorted sense of life stressors, especially other people’s behaviors. It also seeks to help the person identify the thoughts that cause anxiety and to teach them relaxation techniques. People who suffer from anxiety need to learn to stop small worries from progressing into big problems.

Those who suffer from anxiety should avoid system stimulants like drugs, caffeine, tobacco and some over the counter medications issued for colds. The outcomes of the treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, as GAD may persist and can prove difficult to treat. Clinics in Las Vegas are likely to recommend medication until behavioral therapy can take effect and the person has the necessary coping skills to learn to relax and manage stress.