GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Is Curable

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is marked by excessive worrying and exaggerated concerning everyday life events when there is no obvious signs for worry. Persons with the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder often tend to expect disaster and cannot stop worrying about such things as work, money, family,  or school. When people have GAD, the worry is usually unrealistic or not in proportion for the conditions. Daily living turns into a constant state of fear, worry, and dread. Over a period of time, the anxiety is so dominating that the person’s thinking begins to interfere with daily functioning at social activities, work, school, and relationships.

The symptoms of GAD Include:
GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include:

Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness or a feeling of being “edgy”
Irritability
Muscle tension
Headaches
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
The need to go to the bathroom frequently
Tiredness
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling
Being easily startled

What’s more, those that suffer with GAD may also be living with other anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder or phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression, or additional problems with drug or alcohol abuse.

How Is GAD Diagnosed?
If GAD is suspected by your doctor, they may begin an evaluation by asking you questions about your medical and psychiatric history. They may also perform a physical examination to eliminate the possibility of other conditions. Keep in mind that there are no lab tests to specifically identify anxiety disorders. But doctor may use some tests to look for physical illness that may be an underlying cause of the symptoms.

What Are The Treatments For GAB
According to WebMD, Medications are available to treat the disorder and may be especially helpful for people whose anxiety is interfering with daily functioning. The drugs most often used to treat it in the short-term (since they can be addictive, are sedating, and can interfere with memory, attention and have sexual side effects) are from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications are also referred to as sedative-hypnotics or “minor tranquilizers” because they can remove intense feelings of acute anxiety. They work by decreasing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension and restlessness. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium, and Ativan. These drugs can exaggerate sedation effects when combined with many other medicines, and they are also dangerous if mixed with alcohol. Certain antidepressants, such as Paxil, Effexor, Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Cymbalta are also used to treat GAD for longer periods of time. These antidepressants may take a few weeks to start working, but they’re considered safer and more appropriate for long-term treatment of GAD.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in this type of therapy, in which you learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. This type of therapy helps limit distorted thinking by looking at worries more realistically.

Increasingly  doctors are recommending relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy. Deep breathing and biofeedback, may help control the muscle tension that often accompanies the disorder.

Self-hypnosis has been found to be an effective method of controlling symptoms and in many cases eliminating the causes of GAD. Modern self-hypnosis techniques allow people with GAD to listen to specially prepared sessions that are relaxing, instructive and comforting. What’s more, by using self-hypnosis, many GAD sufferers go on to lead more productive and happier lives without the use of dangerous medications.

Learn more about using self-hypnosis to cure GAD at the Hypnosis Downloads page.