By Dr Rajpal Kaushik , Psychology
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic condition which, in most cases, occurs along with types of anxiety or mood disorders and can develop in both child and adult. It usually goes to the extent of interfering with your day-to-day activities but there are, however, a number of ways with which it can be treated.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-
- Persistent worrying or obsession.
- Restlessness and inability to relax.
- Difficulty concentrating or zoning out.
- Fear of making decisions.
- Inability to let go of worry.
- Worrying about excessive worrying.
- Having a pessimistic perspective with regard to any issue.
- Unable to handle uncertainty.
Physical signs may include-
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or tension
- Trembling and itchiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Sweating
Causes of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-
Although the exact cause is unknown, generalized anxiety disorder is commonly believed to have been caused by genetic abnormalities or other risk factors, such as a timid or a pessimistic personality. It is also more common in women than in men.
Treatment-
Besides healthy lifestyle changes and home therapies, there are primarily two effective ways of treatment:
- Psychotherapy: Also referred to as psychological counseling or talk therapy, it generally involves attending private sessions where you can talk and consult with a professional psychiatrist. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy.
- Medications: These include-
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Buspirone