For those who don’t know, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and stress. People with GAD often have difficulty controlling their anxiety and may feel anxious about things other people wouldn’t usually be nervous about.
If you live with GAD, you might constantly worry about things like your health, job, or world events. This can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. It can also make it hard to concentrate or get anything done.
If you’re looking for information on how to deal with GAD, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some Los Angeles mental health treatment options available for generalized anxiety disorder and tips for managing your anxiety in daily life.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme anxiety and worry. GAD differs from the everyday anxiety that most people experience because it’s intense, uncontrollable, and persistent. People with GAD may feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to control their worries and fears, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. GAD can be disabling and cause significant disruption to a person’s day-to-day life, but proper treatment and support can manage its symptoms successfully.
For some people, GAD is a chronic disorder that lasts throughout their lifetimes. For others, it is a condition that appears during specific periods, such as during times of high stress or after losing a loved one. Other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance abuse, or an anxiety disorder, often accompany GAD.
Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There is currently limited research on what might cause GAD, but many theories exist. These include biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. There are several different types of anxiety disorders, and GAD is the most common. Anxiety can be a normal human reaction to stressful situations we encounter daily. But when it becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it disrupts daily activities and negatively impacts a person’s relationships.
GAD affects nearly as many women as men, and people of all ages can be affected, although it is most common during middle age. Women are somewhat more likely than men to be diagnosed with GAD, but the reasons for this are unclear.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
The Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can be classified into two categories: physical and psychological.
Physical symptoms of GAD include fatigue, Muscle tension, trembling or shaking, headaches, lightheadedness or dizziness, sweating, hot flashes or cold chills, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can often lead to insomnia, as people with GAD find it hard to “turn off” their anxiety and relax enough to fall asleep.
Psychological symptoms of GAD include excessive worry about everyday events such as finances or health, feeling “keyed up” or on edge, most days, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. People with GAD may also experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts related to traumatic events.
Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Diagnosing GAD can be challenging because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, many of the symptoms of GAD are common in other mental disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, diagnosis often requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.
During the evaluation process, a mental health professional will likely ask about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. They may also ask about your family history of mental illness and whether you have any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Ultimately, diagnosis of GAD is based on ruling out other potential causes for your symptoms and determining that they are consistent with those seen in others with this disorder.
Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
There are several GAD treatments, and the most effective approach depends on the individual. Some people may only need medication to manage their symptoms, while others may benefit from a combination of medication and therapy.
Medication: A variety of medications can be used to treat GAD, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for GAD, and they can be very effective in reducing symptoms. However, it is important to note that antidepressants take several weeks to start working, so they are not quick fixes. Anti-anxiety medications can also help treat GAD but can cause drowsiness and other side effects.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for treating GAD. CBT focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It teaches relaxation techniques and how to identify and challenge thoughts contributing to worry or distress. Therapy can be conducted one-on-one with a therapist or in a group format; both equally effectively treat GAD.
Satori Health is a Mental Health Treatment Center Offering Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Southern California
Satori Health is a mental health treatment center offering GAD treatment in Southern California. We provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Our evidence-based approach includes medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling.
We believe in holistic care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to help our clients heal from past traumas and live a life of purpose and meaning. Don’t wait any longer – contact Satori Health today to experience the peace and serenity of life without anxiety.Satori Health is a partial hospitalization program in Los Angeles providing comprehensive mental health treatment.