General Anxiety Disorder Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is excessive and persistent anxiety about many things. This disorder is different from ordinary anxiety. Everyone must have felt anxious about something. For example when facing an exam or conducting a job interview. Feelings of anxiety like this are normal.
Whereas GAD sufferers are usually often afraid of natural disasters and worry too much about financial conditions, health, family, work, or other things. GAD sufferers have difficulty controlling their anxiety. As a result, this high level of anxiety will also affect their daily life.
GAD conditions are more common in women than men and are more often found at the age of 35–59 years.
Symptom
Symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are actually a form or combination of symptoms of several other mental disorders, such as:
1. panic disorder
2. phobias – such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia
3. post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD)
4. social anxiety disorder or social phobia
However, in generalized anxiety disorder, sufferers will feel anxious about various situations and conditions, and not just about one particular event. Sufferers will feel anxious most days and often have trouble remembering when they felt relaxed.
When one worry has been resolved, another thing will appear as a new problem. In addition, GAD can cause other symptoms, both mental and physical, such as:
1. feel worried and restless
2. difficulty sleeping or concentrating
3. easy to get angry
4. dizzy, tired, shaking
5. heart palpitations (palpitations)
6. muscle pain, stomach pain, headache
7. excessive sweating
8. hard to breathe
9. feeling sick
Reason
The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder ( GAD) is still not clear. Some of the factors thought to have played a role are:
1. Overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotion and behavior regulation.
2. Imbalance of brain chemicals, namely serotonin, and noradrenaline, which are involved in controlling and regulating mood.
3. Genetic factors and family history can increase the risk of disorders up to five times.
4. Have a history of experiencing traumatic or stressful events, such as domestic violence (KDRT) or child abuse.
5. Have a long-term illness, such as arthritis.
6. Have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) from the behavioral symptoms that appear. The doctor will find out about the patient’s feelings, behavior, and symptoms of anxiety toward several conditions and situations.
Further and detailed examinations can be carried out by a psychologist in accordance with their field, as well as a psychiatric specialist for the required treatment method.
Treatment
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can have a significant disruptive effect on daily life. Some treatment methods that may reduce symptoms include:
1. Psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
2. Medications such as antidepressants
Prevention
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) cannot be predicted or prevented directly. The following tips are ways that can be done regularly to reduce anxiety disorders, namely:
1. Exercise regularly
2. Quit smoking
3. Limiting the amount of alcohol and caffeine consumed
4. Do regular relaxation activities or exercises –such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
5. Engage in a favorite relaxing hobby or activity, such as playing music, gardening, knitting, or painting.