How To Identify And Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Normally, anxiety is a reaction towards some sort of dangerous, threatening or uncertain situation but Generalized Anxiety Disorder puts a different spin on it. GAD is a pathological disorder which is both excessive and chronic. It can have a severe impact on a person's daily activities and life in general.
Generalized anxiety - also known as free-floating anxiety - doesn't need a particular event or situation to be triggered. Unlike most panic attacks, this form of anxiety can occur anytime and doesn't necessarily need some memory or event to bring it on.
GAD is related to irregular levels of neurotransmitters in a person's brain. These are chemical "messengers" that transmit messages to the brain's nerve endings.
Three types of these neurotransmitters are associated with anxiety:
- norepinephrine
- gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- serotonin
These neurotransmitters interact with one another during a period of anxiety, to lower the level of stress. When the levels are irregular it can decrease a person's ability to deal with and manage anxiety and stress.
People coping with anxiety, GAD in particular, are prone to certain environmental stresses, such as work, school, travel or social situations. Sleep disorders are another possible symptom of GAD.
Anytime a stressful situation arises it can lead to a heightened level of anxiety and stress. These situations can include any of the following, for example:
- financial concerns
- problems at school
- work problems
- relationship difficulties
- other health-related problems
Although GAD itself is a serious problem, it often manifests itself along with other issues such as depression, phobias and panic disorders.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety
Some of the common anxiety signs of GAD include difficulty concentrating, not being able to shake persistent worries, constant tension, lightheadedness, nausea and erratic mood swings.
If these symptoms are a problem and generalized anxiety is suspected, a visit to your doctor is important. They can suggest the proper treatment and help to minimize or eliminate the problem. The earlier it is identified and treated, the easier it will be to deal with.
