Anxiety Disorders Treatment

People diagnosed with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry across different aspects of life, including health, employment, education, and interpersonal relationships. 

This worry is disproportionate to the actual impact of the events and is difficult to control. GAD goes beyond common anxiety; it is chronic and often interferes with daily functioning.

Symptoms of GAD can 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
• Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they are not
• Difficulty handling uncertainty
• Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
• Inability to set aside or let go of a worry
• Inability to relax, feeling restless, and being easily startled
• Difficulty concentrating

The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors. 

Treatment for GAD typically involves talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) being one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for this condition. Medications might include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or a combination tailored to your needs.

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unforeseen panic attacks that are generally more intense than symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, often resembling those of a heart attack. 

Symptoms of a panic attack can include:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
• Chills or heat sensations
• Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
• Derealization (feelings of detachment from surroundings) 
• Depersonalization (being detached from yourself)
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying

Those suffering from panic disorder worry over when they will experience another episode and may purposely steer clear of places or scenarios they fear might cause an attack.

The exact cause of panic disorder is not known, but factors such as genetics, stress, temperament, and changes in brain function may play a role. 

Treatment often involves a combination of:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients understand their fears and reactions
• Medications, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, to manage symptoms
• Lifestyle changes
• Stress management techniques
• Relaxation methods