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Medical Conditions & Resources

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Most people experience anxiety from time to time, but frequent episodes of intense worry signal a mental health disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can impact a person’s daily life, including personal and professional pursuits. Finding the right treatment for GAD is key to managing symptoms and taking control of one’s life.

Why Does GAD Occur?

Researchers believe that GAD results from a combination of the following factors:

  • Genetics and family background
  • Variations in brain chemistry
  • Individual personality traits
  • Traumatic experiences

GAD causes a range of disruptive mental and physical symptoms. Along with chronic worry, a person may find uncertainty disturbing, develop plans and solutions to address non-existent issues, and feel consistently restless. Insomnia, nausea, and fatigue can also accompany GAD.

Medications for Treating GAD

While GAD can have a major impact on a person’s life, certain medications can provide relief from its symptoms:

  • Sedatives – Drugs called benzodiazepines can address extreme anxiety on a short-term basis. However, these medications should not be taken for an extended period due to their risk of dependency. 
  • Antidepressants – Antidepressants can be used over long periods of time to control symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Effective antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. 
  • Anti-Anxiety Drugs – Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that can also be taken for an extended period of time (unlike benzodiazepines and other sedatives).

In addition to medications, psychological counselling can also be used to manage GAD. Counselling is beneficial for addressing underlying causes of mental health disorders and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

 
 
 

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