Picking out the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one. Holiday parties with family members having different political opinions than you. Spending way too much money. These are some of the things that can trigger anxiety during the Holiday season.
However, when are you supposed to know what is just Holiday-Induced Stress and what are the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
In this article, I will clarify the definition and symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in order for you to have a better understanding of the two similar experiences.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
If you tend to worry a lot, even when there's no reason, you may have a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD means that you are worrying constantly and can't control the worrying. Healthcare providers diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and for at least 6 months.
What are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. They may include:
- Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
- Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes
- Difficulty handling uncertainty
- Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren't
- Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
- Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
- Inability to relax, feeling restless, and feeling keyed up or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that your mind "goes blank"
- Physical signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle tension or muscle aches
- Trembling, feeling twitchy
- Nervousness or being easily startled
- Sweating
- Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
- Irritability
What Causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Risk for GAD can run in families. Several parts of the brain and biological processes play a key role in fear and anxiety. By learning more about how the brain and body function in people with anxiety disorders, researchers may be able to develop better treatments. Researchers have also found that external causes, such as experiencing a traumatic event or being in a stressful environment, may put you at higher risk for developing GAD.
How Can Generalized Anxiety Disorder be Treated?
Treatment decisions are based on how significantly generalized anxiety disorder is affecting your ability to function in your daily life. The two main treatments for generalized anxiety disorder are psychotherapy and medications. You may benefit most from a combination of the two. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you.
Psychotherapy
Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific skills to directly manage your worries and help you gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build on your initial success.
Medications
Several types of medications are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including those below. Talk with your doctor about the benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
- Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including medications in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes, are the first-line medication treatments. Examples of antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva). Your doctor also may recommend other antidepressants.
- Buspirone. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be used on an ongoing basis. As with most antidepressants, it typically takes up to several weeks to become fully effective.
- Benzodiazepines. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine for the relief of anxiety symptoms. These sedatives are generally used only for relieving acute anxiety on a short-term basis. Because they can be habit-forming, these medications aren't a good choice if you have or had problems with alcohol or drug abuse.
Conclusion
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately. Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be treated and controlled.
So, if you want to quit feeling anxious during the Holiday Season, contact Dr. Quit for your psychiatric needs.
We are here for you every step of the way.
DrQuit, your First Step…because you’re worth it.
