Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Comprehension

By Gordon Dalwood

The fictitious beliefs surrounding GAD or generalized anxiety disorder are many. Some say it is not an illness of great import and the people that have this are just suffering from a weak mind. This is just a stereotype that has become commonplace and the accuracy of this diagnosis is totally off-track. Millions of people who have GAD are suffering from a genuine incapacitating condition that is not a figment of their imagination.

GAD is a form of chronic anxiety that centers on nervousness and worry. Specifically, someone that suffers from GAD will constantly and irrationally deal with bouts of fear, nervousness, and paranoia. These feelings can revolve and family, financial, and person related matters. Such feelings must persist for at least 6 months in order to fully fit the criteria for GAD.

When one suffers from GAD, there will be a tendency to suffer from a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can include drowsiness, lack of energy, irritability, forgetfulness, chronic insomnia, and other issues. In short, so much anxiety if weighing on the person's mind that the psychological problem starts to manifest in physical ways. This is where the person suffers to the point common life activities are impeded.

There are instances of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among those who have GAD. Events that may have been traumatic can result in flashbacks. This will interfere with the quality of life the person had prior to experiencing these symptoms of GAD and their way of life loses the value when compared to those who do not suffer from GAD. Thus, the importance of seeking treatment for GAD.

The primary step in treatment focuses on receiving a proper analysis. Such an analysis is carried out by a psychiatrist by means of a series of tests. Once the psychiatrist has made a proper diagnosis, they will move on to the next treatment. In many cases this usually involves being given prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication in order to control the problem.

Some patients will recover just fine simply by using the anti-anxiety prescriptions. There will be those, however, that prefer to meet with a therapist and discuss counseling options to reduce the onset of GAD. For many, the mix of prescription medication and therapy work quite well.

It is, however, important not to dismiss engaging in simple lifestyle changes to reduce anxiety. Playing sports, cleaning up one's diet, taking part in hobbies that burn up excess tension can all have a calming and therapeutic. This is why they are considered so valuable.

Those who think GAD is not a serious condition should be dismissed. The opinions of these people are not based on any professional knowledge and are not going to help. The condition is not going to go away by ignoring it and listening to well meaning advice is not advised. This is a myth and has no value as a cure. Seek help from those who know what they are doing. - 14130

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