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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
at Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD
GAD, known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is a common mental health challenge characterized by persistent and excessive worry.
While experiencing anxiety occasionally is normal, the consuming worries of GAD can impede everyday tasks like work, schooling, and interpersonal relationships.
GAD can lead to considerable distress, but effective treatments exist. It's crucial to consult a professional to devise a personalized treatment plan that caters to individual needs. Proper treatment allows those with GAD to alleviate excessive worry and enhance their overall quality of life.
What can cause Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
GAD can affect any individual, but certain factors might heighten the risk. Biological elements, including genetics, can make some more predisposed to GAD, especially if it's prevalent in their family lineage.
Other influential factors include high-stress environments, past traumas, or adversities during childhood. GAD often coexists with other mental health disorders such as depression and substance misuse.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
While GAD affects each person differently, the most common symptoms include:
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Excessive, persistent worrying
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Feeling overwhelmed with uncontrollable anxiety
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Difficulty concentrating
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Restlessness and feeling on-edge
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Muscle tension
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Irritability
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Fatigue
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Sleep disturbances
Generalized anxiety disorder often coexists with mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
If left untreated, GAD can significantly affect daily functioning. Early symptom recognition allows for timely treatment and relief from overwhelming worry.
If you suspect GAD symptoms, consult a licensed mental health professional for an assessment and appropriate treatment choices.
To figure out if someone has GAD, a mental health expert checks them carefully. Sometimes, GAD can be confused with other problems.
Other mental issues, medicines, drugs, or health conditions can make it harder to tell. So, getting the diagnosis right is very important for the best treatment.
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services LLC, our dedicated team is well-versed in an array of anxiety disorders, including GAD. When you meet our provider, they'll delve into your recent symptoms, lifestyle, habits, and overall mood.
This comprehensive assessment looks into the intensity, regularity, and duration of your symptoms and their repercussions on your routine.
Candid discussions about your feelings and anxiety are essential for a precise diagnosis and the creation of an informed treatment regimen.
How is generalized Anxiety Disorder diagnosed?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A renowned psychotherapy form, CBT aids in recognizing and rectifying negative or flawed thought patterns. This approach enables individuals to handle challenging situations more rationally in the future. CBT helps pinpoint and modify detrimental behaviors, teaching coping mechanisms to lessen depressive symptoms.
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy serves as an effective treatment for various conditions, including GAD. As it can take several forms, you and your therapist can choose the most suitable method based on your condition and symptoms. If necessary, talk therapy can complement medications and other treatments.
