Generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a relatively common mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry. While some amount of anxiety from time to time is a normal part of life, the excessive worry in GAD interferes with daily activities like work, school, and relationships.
While GAD can cause significant distress, effective treatments are available. Seeking professional help is essential in creating a treatment plan that addresses each person’s individual needs. With appropriate treatment, individuals with GAD can find relief from excessive worry and improve their quality of life
What can cause generalized anxiety disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder can affect anyone, but certain factors may make individuals more likely to develop the condition. Biological factors such as genetics may predispose someone to developing GAD, and the condition tends to run in families. Stressful environments, traumatic experiences, or childhood adversity can also play a role. GAD is associated with higher rates of certain other mental health conditions like depression and substance use.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
While GAD affects each person differently, the most common symptoms include:
- Excessive, persistent worrying
- Feeling overwhelmed with uncontrollable anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness and feeling on-edge
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Generalized anxiety disorder can also occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
GAD can have a serious impact on daily functioning if left untreated. However, identifying symptoms early on enables individuals to receive treatment and find relief from uncontrollable worry. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, speak with a licensed mental health professional who can provide an assessment and offer treatment options.
How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?
The diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is based on a clinical interview with a mental health professional, who will determine if an individual meets the criteria for diagnosis. GAD can sometimes be mistaken for other mental health issues, such as depression or OCD. Individuals with GAD can also be suffering from other mental health conditions at the same time. Medications, substance use, and medical conditions can contribute to symptoms of anxiety as well. It is important for individuals with GAD to receive an accurate diagnosis so that they can get the treatment they need.
Our team of mental health professionals at Geode is very knowledgeable in a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Your Geode provider will ask you questions about your symptoms as well as your general habits, lifestyle, and attitude over the past several months. They will assess the severity, duration, and frequency of your symptoms and learn about how they have impacted your daily life. It is important to be transparent with your provider about your anxiety so that they can make an accurate diagnosis and develop the most informed treatment recommendation.
Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
Talk Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy which helps individuals identify negative thoughts or beliefs and develop effective coping strategies, has been shown to be effective in treating GAD.
Anti-Anxiety Medication
Medications targeting the serotonin system in the brain, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, can also help relieve symptoms of GAD. Many of these medications are also used to treat depression.
Find treatment for generalized anxiety disorder at Geode Health
We are here to help if you or someone you love is dealing with generalized anxiety disorder. Our team at Geode Health is thoroughly trained and licensed to assess your symptoms and devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
We offer extensive mental health services including therapy, psychiatry and medication management to help get you back on track. To get the help you need, view our many different locations to find a mental health facility near you, or set up an appointment online today.
If you are in crisis and in need of immediate support
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741