Anxiety Diagnosis
March 11, 2010

If you need anxiety diagnosis help, you can learn here about generalized anxiety disorder.

Who is affected?

Millions of people are diagnosed with anxiety every year. For them it is the worse thing that can happen. Anxiety is an extremely complicated disorder. In some patients, it is a feeling of apprehension and for others it is an intense fear or worry about inconsequential things. When a person has an anxiety attack, he may suffer from heart palpitations, sweating and uncontrollable shakings. Yet in some other cases, hyperventilating takes place.

There are many types of anxiety disorders; all have devastating effects on the patients. The types range from panic disorder to agoraphobia and diagnosing them is a very long process.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) affects over four million people each year. This anxiety disorder strikes our children when they are entering puberty. GAD usually strikes in women but may also effects men. It also strikes more in late adulthood. It is insidious because an attack can happen at any time.

Signs and Symptoms

If a person is suffering from any of the below mentioned signs and symptoms; chances are there that they may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD):

Excessive worry
Exaggerating problems
Blowing them out of proportion
Irritability
Muscle tension
Headaches
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Nausea
Frequent trips to the bathroom
Fatigue
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling
Being easily startled

Cause of GAD

There is no one cause of GAD. It may vary from person to person. However, some of the most causes are as below:

Role of Genetics

Genetics can play a big part in GAD. Research has shown that GAD is more likely to strike if there is a family history of the disorder. It is also more likely to strike if there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. A neurotransmitter is what sends messages to the brain. If it does not receive the message properly then it may cause anxiety.

Life changing events

Anxiety is also caused by life changing events. A death of a loved one is the most common cause of anxiety.

Medical Tests

There are no standard lab tests that can diagnose anxiety disorders; it is done by asking questions and doing a physical exam. Your doctor might ask questions regarding your background, family history and about any major changes in your life.

Diagnosis

The physical exam is done to rule out any existing medical problems that may explain the anxiety that the patient is feeling. The doctor will diagnose what type of anxiety it is or if it is anxiety by the symptoms and the severity. There are symptoms for every type of anxiety, and the doctor will determine which criteria you fit into by the answers to the questions he or she asks. When the doctor begins to ask questions, he or she must act both as a doctor and a detective. Not only will he or she ask you questions that may be difficult for you to hear or answer, but they must also watch your reactions, and body movements.

Interpretation

They will interpret all of these factors when diagnosing anxiety. There are many ways to treat anxiety disorder, and many different types of medication that can be prescribed. It is important that you report any abnormal side effect to your doctor immediately. When the doctor rules out all physical illnesses, they refer you to a mental health professional for treatment of anxiety. Mental health professional are trained in the treatment of anxiety disorders. For mild symptoms, treatment for GAD includes behavioral therapy and medication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful to people who suffer from anxiety disorder because it helps them to recognize the patterns and behaviors that lead them into an attack. It also helps them recognize when an attack is eminent. This type of therapy helps the person suffering from anxiety creates a clear path of thinking, and not distorted. Cognitive behavioral therapy also can teach the sufferer certain breathing techniques that it are intended to relax the mind and body.

Medication

For those who suffer from GAD on a large scale, such as it interfere with everyday life, medication is very helpful. Some people cannot function if they do not have it. It is basically tranquilizers and it helps immensely to elevate the attack.

When first starting out on anxiety medication, it will be necessary to change the dosage and in some cases the medication often. Getting the right dosage will help any imbalance you may have. If the dosage is not correct, then it can do more harm. It is important to keep your doctor informed.

Complications

There are side effects and complications that can arise from taking the medication to treat anxiety disorder.

Complications include dependency on the drugs. This can lead to more anxiety and start a vicious circle. Sleepiness and inability to concentrate are other side effects, each treatable with more drugs.
Sexual problems may also arise, and this can lead to still more drugs. Soon, if you are not careful, your medicine chest could look like a pharmacy. If you are unsure of taking so much medication, discuss with your doctor alternative treatments, or modifying your medication.
Your doctor is there to work with you to make sure that you stay in good health both physically and mentally. Talk to him or her about all your concerns.
Your doctor is there for you. He or she cannot help you if you are not totally honest. Some people feel that what the doctor asks is too personal and therefore the answer is none of their business. That is not the case. The doctor cannot help you if you are not totally honest. If you think that the doctor will scold you because you took something other than the medication prescribed, or if you missed doses, tell him or her anyway. The relationship that you form with your doctor is in a way sacred. The doctor will do everything in his hands to make you well in both mind and body. But they cannot help you if you mislead them.

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