Anxiety is an emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. When it appears in small amounts, it can be used as a motivator to make you be and do your best, such as before a big sporting event. But when it reaches a point that it happens all the time and it impacts your daily life, you may have a general anxiety disorder.
Significance
Generalized anxiety disorder can start as early as childhood and it can last for a lifetime. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 6.8 million people are likely to be affected by it and women are twice as likely as men to get it.
Symptoms
Generalized anxiety disorder comes with symptoms that can vary in severity and they can appear in combinations. Examples of these include constant worrying about irrelevant issues, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and a feeling of being on edge.
Risk Factors
Children who were subjected to trauma and abuse when they were young have a higher risk of developing general anxiety disorder than children who were not. Having a chronic health condition, having high stress levels, genetics and substance abuse can also play a role in developing this condition.
Complications
Complications can appear as a result of generalized anxiety disorder like depression, headaches, digestive and bowel problems, insomnia and bruxism. Bruxism is a condition where you grind your teeth together.
Treatments
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be used as a first line of defense when treating generalized anxiety disorder. They are used to stabilize brain chemicals and decrease anxiety. Examples of these include sertaline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, buspirone and benzodiazepines. Cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy, can be used in conjunction with these medications. This is a form of treatment where you use positive thoughts in place of negative thoughts and behaviors.
Home Remedies
According to the Mayo Clinic, changing your lifestyle can play a beneficial role in reducing anxiety. Getting daily exercise, getting enough sleep, eating foods that are high in B-vitamins and omega-3 fats, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and partaking in relaxation activities like yoga, meditative breathing and guided imagery are all examples of changes you can make.
