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Generalized Anxiety

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Overview:

Generalized Anxiety can develop when you can't cope well with your internal stress. 

It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control may need deeper evaluation as it could be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Healthcare providers diagnose GAD when your worrying happens on most days and for at least 6 months.The symptoms of GAD can be a result of a side effect of a medicine or substance use. It can also be related to medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, that increase hormones.


Generalized Anxiety Common Symptoms:

 

  • Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren't

  • Inability to let go of a worry

  • Overthinking plans and solutions to possible worst-case outcomes

  • Being easily startled

  • Unable to relax

  • Hot flashes

  • Lightheadedness

  • Trouble breathing

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

  • Trembling


Generalized Anxiety Common Treatment:

If you have GAD, aside from getting medical treatment, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help manage the condition, such as:

 

  • Practicing a healthy lifestyle

  • Practicing stress management techniques

  • Avoiding substance use and alcohol

 

Common medications prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, include:

  • Antidepressants

  • Buspirone

  • Benzodiazepines

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