Generalized Anxiety Disorder—Getting Your Worry Under Control

Worry is a part of life. When experienced in the right situations and in the right amounts, it might even be considered healthy. After all, being uneasy about anxious situations is entirely called for and can lead to positive, proactive solutions.When anxiety spins out of control, however, it can cause problems. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often feel extreme levels of worry, even when there is little or no reason for concern. Such anxiety can wreak havoc with daily living tasks, as well as create mental and physical health issues.GAD often develops slowly, beginning in the teen years or as a young adult, and gradually escalating.

Sufferers may experience a range of symptoms, including having a hard time relaxing or concentrating, having trouble falling or staying asleep, feeling excessively tired or irritable, losing appetite or overeating, or even experiencing headaches, muscle aches or stomach aches.So how do you get, and keep, your anxiety under control?While anxiety can be disruptive, and in extreme cases even debilitating, it can be treated. The first step is to talk to your doctor so he or she can rule out any possible medical condition that might be causing your symptoms.

Your doctor might then refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.General anxiety disorder is often treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. The type of psychotherapy that is most effective for GAD is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This method teaches the patient different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help him or her feel less anxious or worried.It’s important to note that both types of treatment may take time to be effective, and a healthy lifestyle is essential for helping people control anxiety.Wilmington Psychotherapy specializes in a range of mental health services, including treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.

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