The Basics of an Anxiety Disorder

If you are dealing with an anxiety disorder, you know just how far reaching the effects of this condition can be.You may be diagnosed with an anxiety ...


If you are dealing with an anxiety disorder, you know just how far reaching the effects of this condition can be.You may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as a child or you may not develop any symptoms of this condition until much later in life.There are many different types of anxiety disorders currently diagnosed, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders and generalized anxiety.For the purpose of this article, we will look more closely at one type of anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant worry about issues of all shapes and sizes.People with this condition might feel on edge regularly, and may have trouble sleeping because of their worries.It is also typical to have stomach problems, such as nausea or diarrhea when the anxiety becomes particularly intense.People with generalized anxiety disorder may also experience regular muscle tension that can lead to back and neck pain and frequent headaches.

At this time, there is no known cause for generalized anxiety disorder.With many patients seeking medications for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, most medical professionals believe that brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine may play a role in its onset.Because the disorder tends to run in families, experts are considering genetics and some environmental factors as contributors to generalized anxiety disorder.Another possible contributor appears to be a particularly stressful event or time of life, since the condition is often preceded by such an occasion.

Although there is no cure for generalized anxiety disorder at this time, medical professionals have discovered many effective methods for treating anxiety symptoms and keeping the disorder under control.The first course of action is often a medication, like those used to treat depression and a host of other psychological disorders.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (also known as SSRIs) are one of the most common selections in this category and go by commercial names like Prozac and Paxil.While SSRIs are effective for the majority of generalized anxiety disorder patients, they do not work for everyone and doctors have other medication options to try for these patients.

The most effective treatment plan will combine one of these medications with psychotherapy for best results.When patients go through psychotherapy, they learn to control the thought patterns that eventually lead to anxiety and constant fear.These sessions are usually done with a psychologist or psychiatrist specifically trained in anxiety disorders.A combination of effective psychotherapy and medication is usually the best solution for a patient dealing with generalized anxiety disorder.

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