Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Generalized anxiety disorder abbreviated as GAD disorder, is a psychological disorder classified as a sub-type of anxiety disorders, it is characterized by persistent and chronic worrying, nervousness and stress, the fear is usually not related only to a particular thing or specific circumstances, generalized anxiety disorder influences almost all areas of life, as a whole it is a general feeling of fear, discomfort and disquiet. Meet the best team of expert psychologists At First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY to help yourself manage and treat the symptoms of GAD.
Outlook / Overview of (GAD):
Individuals living with GAD find it challenging to control their anxiety. They may worry more than that is needed even if the actual events happen. They mostly assume the worst to happen even if there is no actual reason for such a concern.
Generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks affects 6.8 million adults, in the United States, annually. At times, people having bad GAD can struggle with physical symptoms such as upset stomach and headaches and migraines.
Signs and symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
GAD also causes physical symptoms, common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include:
- Unnecessary and constant tension
- Impractical view of problems
- Impatience or a feeling of being nervous
- Feeling of being in trouble
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Palpitations i.e. faster than normal heart rate
- Faster breathing rate
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Concentration issues
- Nausea
- Frequent need to go to bathroom
- Feeling lethargic or weak
- Trouble while falling asleep or staying asleep for as long as desired
- Tingling of hands and limbs
- Being easily surprised
- Swallowing issues
People having severe GAD psychology usually also suffer from other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, depression, or addiction of drugs or alcohol. If you are longing to live a normal life despite having these symptoms, connect with us today at First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY and let us help you with these disturbing symptoms of GAD.
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What are the causes and risk factors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Causes of and risk factors for GAD depression include many factors like:
A lack of neurotransmitter i.e. serotonin in brain, which leads to regulation of sense of contentment, childhood abuse which causes Gad in children, family history of genetic anxiety and chronic anxiety disorders, prolonged exposure to stress in past few days, or exposure to extreme stressful conditions, involving one’s own or family illnesses, too much intake of tobacco or caffeine can also worsen the symptoms of anxiety. First Light Psychological Services, are helping many people by assessing them for the risk factors of GAD, for the timely diagnosis of the disorder to overcome the stressors causing significant distress, In Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY we have effectively assisted a number of individuals to get back to their normal lives.
What are the effects and complications of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized anxiety disorder can also cause or worsen some physical health conditions, like GAD related sore throat, digestion or bowel diseases for example gastrointestinal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, headaches, migraines, chronic pain and illnesses etc. Living a life with such a disturbing disorder, especially when it brings a lot of other psychological conditions is difficult, if you are diagnosed with GAD, our therapists are ready to listen to your concerns and to help you push away any stigma. Get yourself open up to us now and avail the benefits of mental health counseling. Book an appointment today for the treatment of GAD with First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY.
How Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is diagnosed?
Mental health screening is done for GAD diagnosis. Doctor will ask about your symptoms and for how long you have had them. He might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Doctor may also perform medical tests to determine if there is any underlying disease or substance abuse causing these symptoms. Anxiety has been linked to thyroid disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), menopause, heart diseases etc. However DSM-5 criteria for GAD includes having at least 3 of these symptoms to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder:
Restlessness, fatigue, concentration issues, irritability, sleeping difficulties and muscle tension. At First Light Psychological Services, located in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY team of expert psychotherapists and psychiatrists are offering incredible diagnostic services for generalized anxiety disorder.
Prevention of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Following are some of the habits, helpful in preventing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder:
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a good cycle of sleep
- Meditation and Yoga
- Reducing the intake of tea, coffee and un-necessary medications e.g. diet pills and habitual painkillers
- Talking to a professional, trusted friend, family member or spouse about fears concerns and worries.
Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
This treatment regimen includes:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
CBT involves meeting a psychologist to change your thinking and behaviors. It is considered first-line treatment for anxiety disorders in pregnant women, cognitive behavioral therapy also provides long-term anxiety relief to non-pregnant patients. CBT sessions help to learn how to identify and control anxious thoughts. At First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY our anxiety therapists are providing remarkable CBT services for GAD (Generalized anxiety disorder) which can help you free yourself from the burdens of over-thinking, over-worrying and over-reacting due to anxiety, enabling you to regain the peace of your mind our therapists also teach ways to calm yourself down when the upsetting thoughts arise.
Medicines for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Medicines recommended for generalized anxiety disorder usually involve:
Anti-anxiety medications, which relax the physical symptoms of anxiety are the best medications for GAD, i.e. muscle tension and abdominal cramps. Some common anti-anxiety medications are alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) etc. but due to higher risk of dependence these medicines are not used for longer periods. Our practitioners at First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY are providing best anti-anxiety medicines for the treatment of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder).
Anti-depressants, work well as a long-term treatment for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Some common antidepressants are citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft) etc. At First Light Psychological Services, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY our expert psychologists are providing anti-depressant medicines in accordance with the needs of individuals.