While most people experience some level of anxiety in their lives, individuals with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry that interferes with their daily lives. According to statistics, “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)” is a common mental disorder in the United States.
How is GAD Different From Other Anxiety Disorders?
GAD is different from other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, because it involves you worrying excessively and being fearful, consistently involving both psychological unrest and physical symptoms.
GAD sufferers may find themselves worried about everyday issues as well as larger concerns such as family, health, money, and career. These worries tend to be broad-based, diffused, and difficult to manage. Hence, it’s crucial to seek urgent care from virtual doctors in Miami, NYC, and Los Angeles if you spot any of these symptoms.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an underlying mental illness that can significantly interfere with your everyday life. It’s characterized by overwhelming feelings of worry, apprehension, nervousness, or restlessness. The uncontrollable feelings are present nearly every day and consume at least 6 months.
Treating GAD can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies offered by online healthcare service providers to cope with the symptoms and reduce the associated risks.
Specific Symptoms of GAD
The primary feature of GAD is excessive anxiety and worry about a variety of events or activities going on in your life. However, you may also feel anxious when anticipating a future event. In addition to feeling anxious most days, you may also experience:
- Fear that something terrible will happen
- Feelings of panic
- Difficulty controlling worries
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Cold feet
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?
The good news is that research suggests GAD can be managed with cognitive behavioral therapy, online medication management services, and self-care techniques. The first step for all treatment is seeking help from a virtual doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist specializing in online medical care for generalized anxiety disorder.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for GAD involves combining cognitive restructuring and behavioral techniques to help you identify, avoid, and cope with your anxiety triggers.
During the cognitive restructuring, you learn how to:
- Identify distortions in your thinking process leading to unnecessary worry or anxiety
- Correct these distortions with more realistic thoughts
- Engage in activities that will provide a distraction from your stressful thoughts
- Replace negative thought patterns with more positive ones and gain the skills necessary to overcome anxiety attacks.
2. Medications
Online medication management services can include a range of antidepressants and beta-blockers that have been shown to be effective for treating GAD.
Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are the primary medication treatment for GAD. Beta-blockers, which are often used to control blood pressure, also are effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in some people with GAD.
3. Selfcare Techniques
Self-care techniques and lifestyle changes, including making healthy choices, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and developing positive coping strategies, are effective ways to deal with GAD.
If you’re struggling with generalized anxiety disorder, contact FastDocNow or signup for a virtual medical appointment today. We are an online medical care center in NYC offering virtual medical consultation, at-home lab tests service, and online prescription services from our healthcare professionals. FastDocNow specializes in online medical services and prescription refills for various illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.